AN APPLICATION to change the use of a workshop at a farm in Watery Lane, Upwey into a holiday home has been approved.

The building is at Cackleberry Farm and for the past 20 years has been used as a picture-framing workshop.

There application attracted two public comments – one in support, one against. The letter against the application raised concerns about the precedent it may set for the conversion of other buildings on the former chicken farm site and how surface water drainage and foul water drainage is being dealt with.

Dorset Council’s technical services team said they saw no obvious concerns over surface water provided a planned new soakaway worked.

In recommending approval a planning officer concluded: “The proposed development would represent the conversion of a rural building adjoining a settlement boundary, would enhance the character of the immediate area and landscape and cause no undue impact in regard to neighbouring amenity, highway safety, flood risk and biodiversity.”