A PARISH council has been accused of taking an 'antagonistic' attitude towards plans for an eco-lodge in its village.

Residents in Higher Bockhampton, the birthplace of Thomas Hardy, are opposing plans for 12 environmentally-friendly cabins to be added to the 16 holiday cottages at Greenwood Grange.

The family-run company that manages the site says it wants to develop sustainable tourism.

But members of Stinsford Parish Council have objected to the plan.

The addition would mean another 33 guests could be accommodated and new features would include a new chemical-free swimming pool, treatment rooms and energy-saving features such as solar panels, rainwater recycling and low-energy lighting.

West Dorset District Council is currently considering the application.

Kerry Skinner, director of the site's management company Rare Creation, has written to the district council to defend the plans.

In the letter she said: "The parish council were rather antagonistic and I regret to say, suffering from a determinedly negative attitude towards our proposals.

"This did actually come as a surprise to us, especially as we have made some efforts to be available for questioning and had consulted with them during the process over the last 10 months.

"We felt we had made a comprehensive application. Every potentially harmful impact of this has been carefully considered.

"It was made clear that the local parish council has members who have little interest in supporting the improvements we propose for tourist provision in the area.

"In fact, some voiced little interest in encouraging tourism as a local rural industry and preferred the option of tourists 'going to the coast all day'."

Rare Creation is a family business run by Ms Skinner, her partner and brother. They all live in the Dorset and Somerset area and say their commitment to responsible tourism has had 'enormous cost implications' for the development.

Ms Skinner said: "We are committed to preserving and creating only the best possible sustainable developments."

Stinsford Parish Council clerk Vanessa Gifford said no parish councillors were willing to comment on the letter.