A couple’s plans to turn a redundant farm building into a nursery school have been rejected on appeal.

Richard and Amy Evans from Buckham Mills Farm, near Beaminster, argued they should be able to change the use under permitted development because the idea was to make use of the unused building.

However, West Dorset district Council planners said the development could not be permitted because the farmhouse – built before 1948 – is a Grade II-listed building and the barn they want to use is within its curtilage.

Planners said the barn being in its curtilage meant a change use for development must have planning permission.

The Evans appealed but planning inspector Jennifer Tempest sided with the council and dismissed the appeal.

The Evans’ agent Paul Dance said: “The site is ideal for the proposal. There is a huge demand and no local supply, leaving parents to take their children to either Crewkerne or Bridport, which is not a sustainable option.”

He said the school would reduce traffic movements in Mosterton South Perrott and Chedington and being on a farm would allow for the interaction between the children and nature and livestock.

However, planning officer Kevin Riley said the site could only be reached via a narrow single lane, with no provision for pedestrians.

He said it is also situated in an isolated rural location a mile from the closest settlements.

He said: “As such customers of the nursery would be reliant on the use of private transport for access.

“It is considered that development in this location would be undesirable, given its isolated location and reliance on private vehicle use, and would not be representative of a sustainable form of development.”

Ms Tempest said she had not considered Mr and Mrs Evans’ evidence on the site’s suitability for a 20-child nursery because their appeal was in response to the council’s refusal of permitted development rights.