Plans for nine luxury homes on a former council depot site at Redbridge Lane, Crossways have been refused planning permission.

Dorset Council has decided the one hectare site would not be sustainable as it lies outside of the defined development area which would mean residents having to rely on cars for all their needs.

A council decision notice also mentions the lack of a biodiversity plan and a potential flood risk and says the proposals do not make efficient use of the land.

Applicants, LPC Construction, had asked for nine four and five-bed homes on the former depot which has a number of dilapidated caravans, storage sheds and shipping containers on it. The site is opposite the Crossways solar farm and is surrounded by woods on three sides with the site protected by security fencing.

Crossways parish council had asked for the application to be refused.

Other local planning application decided by Dorset Council include approvals for:

1 The Green, Main Street, Litton Cheney, demolition of existing single storey rear extension and erection of two storey rear extension;

Metford Mill, Holway Lane, Cattistock, change of use of agricultural land to use for the stationing of a shepherd's hut and associated bathroom hut to be used as a holiday let;

Land north of Wareham Road, Owermoigne, two livestock and general purpose buildings;

3 Bournemead, Winterbourne Steepleton, summerhouse;

New Barn Farm, Drakes Lane, Piddletrenthide agricultural building for storage and animal shelter;

White Lackington House, Piddletrenthide, side extension for utility room, relocated driveway access and new boundary wall/fence to front;

Billeys House, 16 Long Street, Cerne Abbas, detached building to provide carport and garden store, extend access drive and form turning space, timber entrance gates (demolition of attached carport, garage, boiler room and porch);

16 Warmwell Road, Crossways, side extension to dwelling and raise roof for first floor extension/loft conversion, removal of detached garage;

Weston Manor Farm, Weston Lane, Corscombe, new stables;

Robins Nest, 1 Holcombe Valley Cottages, Broadmayne, single storey extension and open sided porch to the front and replacement of front door and windows.