DORSET Wildlife Trust has been criticised for an application it has made asking for permission to convert a building at the Kingcombe Centre as a holiday let.

The Trust is asking approval for the change of use for a building at Pound Cottage which was previously used as an information centre, office and store. It says in its retrospective planning application that it completed the work to create the one-bed property back in January.

The parish council, while not opposing the changes, says that a bat survey carried out on the property was completed by the Trust’s own expert – but should have been produced by an independent expert.

Dorset Wildlife Trust say the approval will allow the building at Kingcombe Road, Toller Porcorum to generate additional income for the charity as a holiday let or additional accommodation for the main visitor centre.

A decision on the application is expected to be made by a planning officer.