BEAMINSTER – The change of use of a barn at 12 Whitcombe Road into a home has been refused by Dorset Council.

The town council had recommended refusing the application on the grounds of highway safety and overlooking of neighbours, while transport development officers described the access as ‘inadequate’ and lacking visibility.

Two letters of objection has also been received complaining about the narrow access, lack of adequate turning place and that the lane serves four other properties and a woodland.

A planning officer, recommending refusal, said: “The proposed development by reason of its restricted plot size and surrounding space would result in an overdevelopment of the plot that does not respect the character of the area having little and undesirable amenity space for its occupiers.”