A REVISED scheme to build a second home in the grounds of a Dorchester Manor Park property has been approved.

A 2023 proposals for the three-bed bungalow in the garden on 10 Manor Road had been rejected by Dorset Council after complaints from neighbours – one describing it as 'a cynical land-grab with no regard for people living nearby.'

That decision went to appeal with an Inspector backing the council's refusal although commenting that there was nothing, in principle, against 'backland developments' in the area.

A planning agent for the family proposing the scheme told a Dorset Council area planning committee on Tuesday that the extended use of the site would be positive, producing a high quality property in a largely un-used garden area.

Dorset Council highway officers had not objected to the new proposal despite neighbours fears about th extra traffic likely to be caused by doubling the number of parking spaces on the plot.

The agent in the latest application said: "The residential intensification of the site is considered entirely appropriate and in accordance local policy. The positioning of the proposed dwelling has been informed by other infill developments to the rear of Manor Road. Therefore, the proposal would be an appropriate response to the prevailing pattern of development."

Dorset Council's planning case officer, assessing the first application, said the small area of outdoor space which would be left for the bungalow's occupants would not be sufficient and that having the access route so close to No 10 Manor Road, close to the front of the 'parent' house and then down the side of the site, would be harmful to those in the main house and the next door property.

An agent for the applicant said a garage had been removed from the initial plans and the site re-configured to give more outdoor space – meeting the Inspector's sole concern at the appeal into the first plan.

Gillingham councillor Belinda Ridout said the revised scheme appeared to meet previous objections and proposed accepting the plans – which resulted in a 8-1 vote in favour.