THE conversion of farm buildings at Home Farm, Wraxall Lane, Chilfrome has been approved – contrary to the advice of planning officers.

They had recommended rejecting the changes but parish councillor Ian Mitchell said it would be a “tragedy for the village” if that happened.

Dorset Council’s area planning committee heard on Tuesday that the conversion involved making part of an existing storage barn into a living space and office and the erection of glazed linking area between the house and the barn conversion. There would also be external alterations to the home and existing workshop.

A report to the committee recommended refusal saying it would: “by reason of its scale and footprint, result in an adverse impact on the character of the dwelling and that of the application site.”

The committee heard that part of the proposal was considered out of keeping and uncharacteristic for the area, as well as being outside of the defined development boundary.

Rosemary Hamilton appeared at the committee to represent the neighbour to the west, Mark Addison, who said he was strongly in favour of the scheme because it would breathe life into the village and preserve the character of the building.

“Whether the proposed scheme overpowers the existing is a matter of judgement. I do not think it does,” he said in his statement, which she read.

Ms Hamilton said she was due to marry the applicant, Mr Drummond Shaw, and was looking forward to living at the site.

Frome Valley parish council vice chairman Ian Mitchell said the council had unanimously supported the application, as had neighbours and the majority of the village.

“The site is now becoming an asset to the whole village,” he said, praising the conversion of barns to workspaces and creating a new garden. He said he did not believe the argument that the conversion would be disproportionate to the home was valid.

“It would be a tragedy for the village if Mr Shaw walked away from this project and we were back to square one,” said Mr Mitchell.

Ward councillor Tony Alford said he also supported the application because it protected the range of former farm buildings and was strongly backed by the community.

Cllr Pete Barrow proposed approval of the scheme which was agreed by a near unanimous vote.