THE proposed conversion of a former milking parlour to homes at Down Farm, Warmwell, will require a full planning application.

It had been asked if the application for two homes could be made under special rules for the conversion of existing farm buildings, without the need for full planning consent, but Dorset Council has ruled that the parameters do not apply.

Papers submitted to the council show that the highways authority objected to the use of the site for homes.

Read more: Anger as solar farm the size of 118 football pitches gets green light

It means that any request for consent will now have to go through the full planning process rather than the quicker, and cheaper, agricultural exception route.

The application gave no details of the proposed homes other than to say that some internal demolition and other works would be need to be carried out.