An application to change the use of three cottages near Abbotsbury from holiday to permanent homes has been refused.

Dorset Council say the Illchester Estate application for the homes at Wears Farm Holiday Cottages, Ashley Chase, is contrary to policies to achieve sustainable development in the area.

The seasonal homes were created by the conversion of former farm buildings after permission was granted to use them for holiday homes in May 2009. One of the conditions was that they would only be for holiday use.

The application suggested that the homes will still be let – but on a more permanent basis.

In rejecting the change a planning officer concluded: β€œThe proposed development, for open-market dwellings, by reason of their location outside of a defined development boundary, away from facilities and services, is unsustainable with any future occupiers being reliant on a car to access services and facilities. The location of the site results in a lack of safe and convenient access other than private car. The proposal does not meet any exceptions for housing in rural locations and is considered to be unsustainable development and this outweighs any benefits of the modest addition to housing land supply.”