A former post office and shop is to be converted into a home with an extension to accommodate a carer.

Dorset Council has agreed an application by John Walther for the change of use for Marshwood Post Office and Stores to a purpose-built unit for Mr Walther across one level throughout the ground floor for easy access and wheelchair use.

The design also includes extending the existing building to provide suitable living quarters for a full-time carer.

It had originally been proposed as a two-storey extension, but was later reduced to single storey.

The application had attracted objections claiming that the scheme would be an overdevelopment of the site – coming from a neighbour and the Upper Marshwood Vale Parish Council.

The parish council said it was unable to support the changes for a number of reasons: “The proposal would dominate the area as it is proposed to be a two storey building. The proposal would be over double the present footprint and it is felt would be over development. There are concerns that the proposal would be intrusive to neighbours and that the proposal if accepted would overlook their property to the extent that it would interfere with their privacy,” it said in a letter to Dorset Council.

In agreeing the application, a council officer said: “The conversion of the former and vacant post office to a residential dwelling and the single storey extension to facilitate this is considered acceptable.”