AN appeal to redevelop a property on the coast road has been dismissed.

Property owners Mr and Mrs Markland appealed against the decision by West Dorset District Council not to allow the proposed development at Ancren, Burton Bradstock.

Planning inspector Simon Miles upheld the council’s decision.

He found that the existing dwelling, which is within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is ‘low-lying and unobtrusive’ and that the proposed replacement dwelling would be a ‘substantial increase in size’.

Mr Miles acknowledged that the design attempted to minimise the height and bulk of the development by setting the propsed design into the slope at the site, but found that this approach would only be ‘partially successful’.

He concluded: “Overall, I see no reason to oppose the principle of a replacement dwelling in this case and I agree with the appellant that the proposal would not adversely affect the range and types of dwellings in the area.

“However, the particular proposal before me does not achieve an acceptable design and would harm the local area. I acknowledge that the existing dwelling is of poor quality and is in need of renovation or replacement.

“No doubt, this would secure other improvements, for example, in relation to energy efficiency. However, the harm that I have identified above significantly and demonstrably outweighs the benefits of replacing the existing dwelling.

“Accordingly, and for the reasons given, the appeal does not succeed.”