AN application for almost 30 solar panels at a house in Walditch, Bridport has been refused planning consent.

The owners of Manor Farmhouse had asked for twenty panel on the south-facing main roof and nine panels on the roof of the garage.

Dorset Council’s planning team refused the request saying that it would cause ‘undue harm’ to the grade 2 listed building and its historic character within the Walditch Conservation Area, although the report concluded that the nine panels on the garage roof, would be acceptable.

A report to councillors said that the house is of interest, having been the home of the Gundry family, the founders of the Bridport rope and net works in the seventeenth century.

Other local applications include an approval for two glamping pods and a shepherd’s hut for holiday accommodation at The Limes, Wootton Lane, Wootton Fitzpaine and a change of use at the Highlands End Holiday Park at Eype for sixteen timber camping pods with associated decking, electric hook ups, down lighting and gravel parking. The scheme also includes landscaping and extra planting to create a shelter belt.