A new parking lay-by will help improve highway safety in Frampton, councillors agreed.

The application to construct a lay-by on Dorchester Road was discussed by councillors at West Dorset District Council planning committee on Thursday.

The proposal for the parking lay-by is for the properties 38, 39 and 40, adjacent to Dorchester Road (A356).

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds it would be 'detrimental to the character and appearance of the conservation area and the setting of the listed building'.

However, councillors disagreed and believed the proposal was no more harmful than the existing situation on the road and in addition it will improve highway safety.

Jill Haynes who attended the meeting as a Parish Councillor said: "We have had numerous problems with parking on the pavements through Frampton.

"Traffic does come past quite fast and if vehicles are parked on the bend near these properties the drivers will be blind to it.

"I can understand why they want this parking. The only disabled access is from the front - two people living in these cottages at the moment are struggling with the steps at the back."

Cllr Margaret Lawrence, who visited the site the Monday before the meeting, said: "I think it would be an asset for the properties there to get their cars off the road. I would like to recommended it for approval."

Cllr Ian Gardener added: "Clearly the lay-by will change the appearance, but on the other hand I can't see it being a problem."

Councillors approved the application.