If Dorset Council agree to the change the hotel would become part of the adjoining site for older people managed by Platinum Skies. The key snag is likely to be council planning policy which says the site should be retained for hotel use – it was previously the site of the Sherborne Hotel, which was also unprofitable. It claims that continued operation would create a worsening financial risk, while demand for extra care accommodation within the wider Hillbrook community is strong. The application, P/FUL/2026/03687, seeks permission to change the use of the Hillbrook Hotel at 1 Canon Woods Close, Sherborne, from a hotel to residential extra care accommodation. The Hillbrook site already includes 82 extra care apartments and 37 extra care lodges, managed by Platinum Skies.