AN application for 18 homes on the former ATS Euromasters site at New Road, Shaftesbury has been rejected by Dorset councillors.

The plot, which has been cleared of all its buildings, is directly opposite a town centre car park on the edge of the conservation area.

Concerns from neighbours have led to changes to the application during the consultation process with the developers substituting three buildings for two.

One of the blocks was proposed for a terrace of nine houses fronting onto New Road with the other block to the rear of the site with a basement car park. A new access to Kings Hill was proposed to replace the original access in New Road.

The site had a previous consent, which was never implemented, for 28 sheltered apartments for older people, taking up much of the site and built on three levels, apart from a small section to the rear.

The NHS had sought a £13,270 contribution from the development towards local patient care with £36,300 requested for improvements to the primary school and £73,400 for secondary school provision.

Shaftesbury town council has objected to the scheme arguing that it was too dense and not in keeping with the local character, insufficient parking and would add to pressure on services in the town.

Similar claims were made in almost 40 letters submitted to Dorset Council after the plans were revised. Other comments include finding an alternative road access, the narrowness of the pavement, refuse collection arrangements being unclear, overlooking and potential additional disturbance.

Despite the comments planning officers said there was little to warrant a refusal: “The location is considered to be sustainable and the proposal is acceptable in its design and would enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and the setting of listed buildings. There is not considered to be any significant harm to neighbouring residential amenity,” said a report to the area planning committee.

Planning committee members sided with the objectors, rejecting the advice of their officers and voted 8-2 to refuse the application.