A UNIT which combines working space and a place to live could be created on the edge of Dorchester's Casterbridge Industrial Estate, despite opposition from local councillors.

Plans 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.

Despite the plea of one councillor to be more open-minded about the concept of places where people can live and work Dorchester town councillors voted by a majority to object to the planning application.

They claim the site is unsuitable, backing onto the Swanbridge mobile home park, down a poorly surfaced industrial estate road, and that the land should be kept only for business use.

A final decision on the application will be made by Dorset Council.

Cllr Stella Jones, who also sits on Dorset Council, described the proposal as "wholly unsuitable" at a Monday evening planning committee.

Cllr Fiona Kent-Ledger called for a more open-minded attitude saying that the site was derelict and should be put to use. She said a neighbour complaint that they would be over-looked by the development did not stand because there was a belt of trees in between.

She said the proposal, which she described as 'innovative' was not likely to lead to more homes as there was no other room available.

The proposal shows the wooden framed home and workspace clad in black-painted larch with an aluminium composite sheet roof.

Planning documents show the site designated as a key employment site but backing onto homes in London Road and the mobile home site.

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 is unlikely to be a nuisance to neighbours.

The application argues that the development aligns with local planning policies, including those supporting employment growth and live-work units within settlement boundaries. It also meets criteria for safe access and parking, with the site accessed via a long-established private road off London Road through the Casterbridge Industrial Estate.

An ecological survey found the site to be of low conservation value and exempt from Biodiversity Net Gain requirements due to its small footprint.

Public comments on the proposal remain open on the Dorset Council website with the plans available to view using reference P/FUL/2025/04605