AN application for three homes, which was refused 18 months ago by local planners, is to go to appeal.

The application was for a site known at Juniper Barns, Hooke Court, Higher Street Lane at Hooke.

It involved demolishing existing farm buildings and putting up three detached houses with the removal of part of a hedgerow to create a new access.

Planners decided that the scheme, which is outside the defined development boundary for the area, was contrary to the Local Plan, would encourage more car trips, a loss of habitat and have a detrimental effect on the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They said it would also: “lead to an suburbanising of this part of the village at its western fringe.” There were also concerns about archaeology should the development go ahead.

The appeal to the Planning Inspectorate has just been lodged and will be decided by written representations with the deadline for submissions May 29th.

The case reference is APP/F1230/W/19/3219834.