LAST-MINUTE amendments to plans for a new housing development have prompted a decision on whether to approve it to be delayed.

Despite being backed by Okeford Fitzpaine Parish Council, Lone Star’s proposals to build 45 homes in place of six disused chicken sheds had been recommended for refusal by a North Dorset District Council planning officer due to concerns about its heritage impact

However, the submission on Monday of a new drawing aimed at appeasing concerns about the planned widening of Shillingstone Lane, prompted councillors to defer a decision.

The development of the site, which used to form part of the Faccenda poultry operation until its closure in 2007, had attracted more support than letters of objection.

Forty per cent of the new houses would be ‘affordable’ under plans submitted to the district council while the developer has also pledged to provide a new drop-off area for the nearby primary school.

But concerns were raised by planning officer Clare McCarthy about the impact of the widening of the road would have on the designated conservation area and neighbouring Downs Cottage.

In her report to councillors ahead of Tuesday’s planning committee meeting, she said: “The setting of both these heritage assets would be harmed through the engineered form of the new access proposed which would cause a loss of character to Shillingstone Lane with its grassy banks and hedge-lined rural and winding heritage value.”

Committee members were told at the start of the meeting that a new drawing had been submitted the previous day by Lone Star offering reassurance about the development’s impact.

Councillors were advised that while it “appeared to address concerns”, time was needed to properly examine the new document before a formal recommendation could be made.

Committee chairman, Cllr Bill Batty-Smith backed the call for a decision to be delayed, meaning that it would be up to the new Dorset Council to approve or refuse the scheme.

“I don’t think it would be proper for us to consider this now,” he said. “It’s important that this new drawing is considered not just by council officers but also by councillors and members of the public.”

The call for a decision on the application to be deferred was unanimously support by members of the committee, meaning a decision is now likely to have to be made by the new Dorset council which comes into being on Monday (April 1).