A COMMITTEE has approved a planning application for a new home in Chickerell, despite objections raised by the town council and neighbouring residents.

West Dorset District Council’s development control committee considered an application to build a two-story, three-bedroom house in the side garden of an existing property in Browns Crescent.

Concerns raised by Chickerell Town Council and neighbours centred on the fact that a hard standing area at the front of the development site that was currently used by many local residents turning their vehicles, would be lost.

However, the committee was told that because the area was not an adopted road the committee had no powers to refuse permission.

Committee chairman and local member Ian Gardner said: “I have no problems with it and I cannot support the town council’s refusal.”