A DORSET pub has been cleared to use a shepherd’s hut in its grounds.

The Oak at Dewlish asked to use the hut for additional guest accommodation for the bed and breakfast business already offered.

Agents for the business successfully argued that it should be considered a lawful development for ancillary use to the pub without the need for planning permission.

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Dorset Council planners have agreed the application saying that the hut meets the criteria for being considered “a caravan,” is not considered “a development” and would not result in a material change of use for the site.

Neighbours to the south of the pub raised concerns about being overlooked by the hut’s occupants and said that there had been no site notice warning of the proposal. They said they were also concerned about the additional pressure on the sewage system which they claimed, sometimes, overflows.

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Another neighbour said they feared the use of the hut would increase noise levels into the late evening and early hours and were also worried about a precedent being set which might see further development in the garden.