COUNCILLORS have recommended proposals to rebuild a holiday chalet are rejected as an authority pushes ahead with plans to develop a cliff in Lyme Regis.

The owners of a chalet on Ware Cliff that was destroyed during landslips in 2013 have submitted plans to West Dorset District Council to build a replacement chalet and a new parking space.

But Lyme Regis Town Council, which owns the land, has rejected the plans described as "effectively encroaching" onto land.

Town Clerk John Wright recommended members of the town management committee reject the application.

He said: "Anything that is beyond the footprint of the original site would need council consent.

"They are effectively encroaching onto our land without an agreement.

"As such, the applicant's intention to extend their chalet is in conflict with the council's intention to create a further site in the area."

Town management committee chairman, Cllr Stan Williams was also concerned about the size of the proposed new chalet.

He said: "What he's asking for is a parking space where another chalet was.

"The answer is, as far as I'm concerned, he can have a new chalet but it has to be on the same footprint as the last one."

Cllr Brian Larcombe agreed that the "size is a problem".

Lyme Regis Town Council will discuss plans to redevelop Ware Cliff with eight new chalets and caravans next month.

Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Owen Lovell, said: "Our plans have to take precedent.

"Members should reject the application to replace chalet 29 Ware Cliff as proposed. Lyme Regis Town Council pursue plans for eight chalets - with the sketches and plans to come to the next meeting on February 10."

In November, Cllr Daryl Turner criticised the council's plans to bring chalets at Ware Cliff back into use.

He said: "I think it's too early.

"I would not put people at risk for the sake of a few shillings."