AN outdoor seating area has been approved for St Andrew’s House overlooking the River Asker at Bridport.

Its use of the area will be tied to the current use of the building and the hours  restricted to 8pm.

Dorset Council’s area planning committee heard that the building, which is currently used as a day nursery and for indoor leisure with an associated café, had recently been granted consent for a seven-day alcohol licence.

Bradpole parish council has objected to the seating area application saying it will overlook the tranquil green area of the River Asker valley which lies within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The application, from PJS Developments Ltd, aims to create a walkway and a seating area, 25x5 metres, to give views of the countryside and the river.

The area planning committee agreed the consent by a majority vote subject to the area only being used between 8am and 8pm and only in association with the existing business use. Two councillors abstained and one voted against.