A country pub near Dorchester has been refused planning consent to extend its kitchen.

The New Inn in Highgate Lane, West Knighton, had asked Dorset Council a year ago to approve a single-storey rear extension to create a new kitchen, which would add just over 70 square metres to the grade II listed building.

It said the extension, to the north of the building, would match the pub which has guest rooms and a restaurant.

It was said that despite COVID-19 restrictions the business had continued to thrive and provide important community facility for local people.

Knightsford Parish Council had written to Dorset Council supporting the application, although environmental health officers said they were unable to support it and warned that the proposed changes, from the south to the north side of the building, could result in additional noise and smells in the area.

Planning officers decided that the extension would not be sympathetic to the setting of the listed pub building or a nearby listed Yoah Cottage and, as such, did not comply with national planning policy guidelines.