World War II bunker near Weymouth to become holiday home
It was used to look out for enemy aircraft
A World War II building near Weymouth is to be converted to holiday accommodation.
The radar bunker is off the Ringstead Dairy access road, partly hidden by trees, near Pitt Cottage.
It was used in conjunction with the RAF radar installations which looked out over the sea for enemy aircraft in association with RAF Warmwell, which provided a base for fighter pilots nearby.
The conversion, to a two-bed holiday let, has now won the approval of Dorset Council after more than a year, during which the structure has become listed and changes were made to the original plans.
Council officials say it will be a good use for the old building:
“Ensuring the future proofing of the heritage asset whilst providing benefits to the rural economy from the holiday accommodation income. No concerns have been raised other than initial conservation queries which have since been overcome through detailing and re-design,” said a concluding report.
Said local councillor and Ringstead resident Nigel Williams:
“Our family strongly support this application, following the Bunker’s new status as Grade 2 Listed. In our view it is better that a historic structure such as this should at least be appreciated by members of the public in it’s updated form than never to be seen when tucked away in a wood on private land.”
The structure, which was built in 1939, was one of Churchill’s ‘chain home’ series of bunkers.
Architects say there will be little alteration to the outside of the bunker although the interior will be converted to provide two bedrooms, a living area, kitchen/utility, bathroom and terrace.
“The proposed development presents a unique opportunity to repair, sensitively restore and repurpose a historic structure into a guest accommodation for the use and enjoyment of local and wider population who will be able to appreciate and celebrate its wartime history,” said the application.
Another former RAF building, at Westdown Farm, Upton, dating from the same era, was granted permission for conversion into a holiday home last year.
The site is said to have remained almost unchanged since it was established as an RAF camp during the Second World War, supporting anti-aircraft guns and searchlights mounted on the cliffs above Ringstead.