A new home for Dorchester ballet and dance has been approved at Sandringham sports field – despite the objections of neighbours.

Councillors approved the application despite threats that it could result in legal action by the adjacent bowls club which claims it had not been properly notified or consulted about the application.

The claim has been denied by the Dorset Council solicitor which says all the proper procedures were followed.

The bowls club, and the adjacent rifle and pistol club, are unhappy about the loss of car parking because of the new building – although planning committee members were told that the car park is never full.

Similar concerns were lodged by a motorcycle training schools which uses the area for practice.

Some neighbouring home owners also objected about the additional traffic and potential for further noise and parking outside their properties.

The new building will be put up on the north east corner of the sports centre car park, almost directly in front of the rifle and pistol club whose building is partially underground.

The dance centre, which has a 60-year history in the town, agreed that its plans will result in the loss of 13 car parking spaces to make way for the new building but council officers said the proposal is 'acceptable' in terms of access and parking.

The new building will also mean a move, of about 100 metres, for the town's Petanque Club ground.

Fifteen comments and an 82-signature petition had been received against the proposal while 20 letters have been lodged in favour of the ballet and dance centre application.

The dance centre says the site would be better than the existing building it uses at Poundbury industrial estate which is too small and also suffers from poor lighting in the evenings and a lack of parking. It is also difficult to access for people with disabilities. It says the new building will allow it to expand not only offering ballet and dance but a base for some other activities including a local flower arranging group and quizzes.

Ward councillor Stella Jones joined colleague Cllr Molly Rennie in supporting the application although Cllr Jones said she was worried that the proposed colour of the new building would be too dark and lacked landscaping compared to the nearby bowls club which is a less obtrusive colour.