REVISED proposals to build 33 homes near Bridport have been given the green light by district planners.

Earlier this year West Dorset District Council's (WDDC) planning committee rejected plans for the development, on land next to Watton Park, following concerns over the size of some of the properties and the layout of the estate.

Developer Baker Estates Ltd lodged an appeal against that refusal, which is scheduled to be heard by the Planning Inspectorate next month. (Oct 16)

The revised plans, approved by the planning committee on Thursday (Sept 13), included "significant changes" to the originals, WDDC planning officer Robert Burden said.

Latest changes included a reduction in height for some of the homes - from three storeys to effectively one-and-a-half.

Also, towards the south of the development, buildings have been moved further away from the overall site boundaries.

Meanwhile, towards the north, developers have reduced one side of the road by one unit - moving it across the street - freeing up space in an area previously thought to be too cramped by some committee members.

During Thursday's debate Cllr Robin Potter said: "This is a vast improvement on the scheme proposed earlier.

"It is better - is it good enough?"

The committee also heard that Baker Estates has made no indication, that if the revised proposals were approved, they would abandon their appeal on the plans rejected by WDDC in January.

On the revised application, a report from Mr Burden included a response from the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) landscape officer.

This read: "In responding to the earlier application, to which I submitted an objection, I highlighted concerns regarding the vertical scale and apparent massing of the proposed dwellings within the western portion of the site.

"Overall, it is my opinion that the revised design has positively addressed these key concerns, thereby marginally overcoming my objection."

Homes set for the Watton Park site include four one-bedroomed, eight two-bedroomed, four three-bedroomed and 17 four-bedroomed dwellings.

The committee granted planning permission.