COUNCILLORS have rejected plans to build five large 'executive' homes on the edge of Poundbury's Great Field.

The proposal by developers Zero C failed to win approval of West Dorset District's Council's development control committee after concerns were raised about the impact on neighbouring properties and the loss of recreational space.

The committee heard concerns from residents of St John's Way and areas of old Poundbury adjacent to the site in Old Poundbury including Malta Close, Holly Close, Fir Tree Close and Chestnut Way.

Members were also told that the area was outside of those earmarked for development in the original development brief.

Local councillor Susie Hosford asked the committee: “If we are not going to take notice of these development briefs when they are done what is the point of having them?”

She added that the scale of the homes proposed would not be in keeping with the local area and would detract visually from the natural boundary of the field.

Cllr Hosford said: “The intended executive homes cannot be said the respect the scale or harmonise with the existing properties in Old Poundbury.

“The impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties will be catastrophic if five large properties are allowed on that site.”

Managing director of Zero C Kim Slowe said that his company was constantly being asked to provide large homes in the Dorchester area and there was clearly demand for such provision.

He said: “These people who buy these houses bring a lot of money into the economy and it is clearly something Dorchester should be providing.”

Mr Slowe added that even if the application went ahead there would still be an 'overprovision' of open space in Poundbury and said his company was also willing to work with the council to address any concerns over the overbearing impact on neighbours.

However, Mr Slowe's arguments failed to convince the committee members and they voted to reject the application.

Councillors based their rejection on an objection that had already been raised by Dorchester town council, citing the loss of open space, the impact on the character of the area and on neighbouring properties, flood risk and the obstruction of views of the trees forming the existing boundary of the field.

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