A planning application for a swimming pool in the grounds of a village home has sparked a number of objections from locals.

A plan has been submitted to construct a swimming pool and pool house within the grounds of a Grade II-listed detached property in Burton Bradstock.

The proposal, from applicant Joe Froud, contains a low lying 15x4m swimming pool with an adjacent terrace and pool house which includes a home gym, shower room, cushion store and plant room.

A bridge is to be replaced and an additional bridge is to be built to provide new access across a river from the north end of the main house.

A design and access statement submitted with the application to Dorset Council says the site is set in a 'discrete location' created by vegetation and boundary walls.

The single-storey pool house features an external portico area.

The main space will be used as a home gym with a small kitchenette and bathroom and a small cushion store and plant room are also included.

Regarding its effect on neighbouring properties the statement says: "Given the design, scale, massing and siting of the proposal, it would not cause significant harm to the amenities of the adjacent occupiers through loss of light, overshadowing, overbearing impact, loss of privacy, noise, smell, traffic or other disturbance. It is largely not visible from neighbouring properties and has no overlooking windows."

Comments are now closed on the application, which is expected to be decided by a Dorset Council planning officer.

A total of 38 letters of objection have been received with one in support - all can be viewed on the council website.

Concerns include the proposal's negative effect on neighbouring properties including light pollution, noise and disturbance from pool users. Residents reject the view the pool's location will be 'discrete' and claim it will in fact be 'unacceptably close' to some properties.

One objector, Jane Shemilt, said the proposed development would be 'right up against the wall' dividing her property from the applicant's home. She described it as 'overbearing'.

Other concerns would be the proposal - described by one objector as a 'leisure complex' - would be out of keeping with the village surroundings and conservation area.

A number of objectors say the home where the pool would be sited is used as a holiday let business and expressed concern about the potential level of noise and disturbance from pool users.

Residents also questioned why the pool and pool house had to be located on the garden boundary, so close to other properties.

A letter sent on behalf on the local primary school raises concerns about the 'impact on the health and safety of pupils' during and after construction.

A letter in support from Barbara James says the height of the proposed building is 'no higher than the garage next door'.

She suggests a site visit is made before the council makes a decision 'to investigate all these wild complaints.'

  • Solicitors for Mr Froud said their client told a council meeting in January that the property will not be rented out in future.