by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporting Service.
A proposal to convert part of an industrial plot on the Casterbridge Industrial Estate, Dorchester into living space has been refused.
Dorset Council decided the unit, in one corner of the estate, backing onto homes at Swan Bridge Court, was not suitable for living accommodation and should be kept only for commercial use.
The plans had been submitted to Dorset Council by The Hand Made Kitchen Company, show a two-storey building – the ground floor with a woodworking shop alongside a small kitchen and dining area, with the upper floor made up of a bedroom and lounge.
A noise assessment for the site concluded that road traffic is the dominant sound source and that the development would comply with national noise standards and was unlikely to be a nuisance to neighbours.
The appplication had divided Dorchester town councillors when it came before them – some arguing that it should be allowed, others saying the site and the access road were unsuitable for a home.
