A COUNCIL is investigating allegations a house under construction in rural west Dorset is being built higher than the agreed plans.

It comes after concerns were raised by locals, who have commissioned two independent studies of their own into the building in Bothenhampton.

Frustrated villagers want Dorset Council to take enforcement action amid claims the ‘eco home’ at Homestead Farm, Main Street, is “substantially higher” than what had been agreed.

They claim their studies show the building to be 1.34 metres higher than the original plan.

Pressure is now being put on Dorset Council to take action. Villagers believe retrospective planning permission must be sought. The architect says they are in "constant liaison" with the council.

Resident Carol Irvine said: “The council has a duty to act.

“It’s outrageous that we should have been compelled to spend our own money on two independent surveys before they agreed to do anything.”

Andy Jefferies, another resident of Bothenhampton, said: “This was a contentious building from the outset as it is so much larger than other homes in the centre of Bothenhampton."

The planning application was for a four-bedroom low carbon house.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: “Our planning enforcement officers are currently investigating allegations that the dwelling is not being built in accordance with approved plans.

“Enforcement officers have met with interested parties to consider the relative height of the original building, the approved drawings and as built.

“One option in this case would be to submit a new application to regularise the situation. This is for the applicant and agent to consider.

“We’ll consider if further action is required in due course.”

A spokesperson for PAAD Architects Limited, the applicant’s agent, said: “We can confirm that there has been no enforcement action served on the site by the local planning authority and we are in constant liaison with them to resolve any outstanding planning issues.”