A BATH and West-style showground pavilion could be built in North Dorset - even though the first application has been turned down.

Several planners have made it clear they would love to see the "magnificent" scheme succeed - if a new access to the main road were formed.

Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show Society has applied for the massive two-storey building at Turnpike Showground near Motcombe.

The society's annual show in August attracts 25,000 visitors and elected members believe the pavilion would ensure the survival of the event as well as boosting the rural economy.

The scheme has drawn support from the Rural Development Agency, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the National Farmers' Union, the Scouts, the Women's Institute and the Countryside Alliance.

North Dorset's head of economic development Hilary White also strongly supports it, saying it would add value to the rural economy and was likely to become a centre of excellence.

And councillors are enthusiastic, in spite of opposition from Ms White's colleagues - officers in the planning department - who say it would be "harmful to the distinctive, open and undeveloped character of the area".

Cllr Tony Morris said: "We're looking at the most important application to come before North Dorset in my view and I should hate to see it rejected and put the show in jeopardy.

"It's very clear to me that the officers are against it and the committee is for it."

Cllr David Milsted said the scheme was a massive departure from the local plan, but a magnificent one.

Steve Savage from Dorset County Council's highways department said permission should be refused because a brand new access to the B3081would be needed for road safety reasons.

Members rejected the scheme, but invited the show society to submit another plan.