A substantial home is being planned for a hillside site at Martinstown, near Dorchester.

One neighbour has lodged a formal objection saying it will be very visible from the centre of the village and described it as "an eyesore".

The detached property, off Grove Hill, is proposed on a site directly uphill from Hardy Close.

The site already has outline planning consent, establishing the principle of development on the plot.

Agents acting for Mr and Mrs Gerald Duke said in the application to Dorset Council: "The proposal will create an exceptional, appropriate and sustainable family home within a plot with an excellent outlook relating well to its countryside setting and respecting the character and appearance of its location in Martinstown.

"The applicants, are keen to build an environmentally sustainable development that adds value to the area through high quality design and craftsmanship."

Solar panels are planned for the roof of the building with air source heat pumps also to be used, with points to charge electric vehicles. Locally sourced material are intended to be used, as much as possible, for the construction.

The building is three-bed with a fourth bedroom/office space above the detached double garage. An earth and grass embankment is planned on one side to partially mask views to and from the ground floor of the property.

The application has attracted one objection from a neighbour, although public comments remain open until January 4 on the Dorset Council website by searching application number 2022/07407.

Said the letter: "This application is completely different from the previous one submitted some years ago. This a much larger building with additional out buildings of a substantial size.

"The proposed site is in an area of outstanding natural beauty and will be very visible from the centre of the village as the proposal is of such a large size and not in keeping with surrounding domestic dwellings.

"The need for an additional large house built on such an exposed site must be questioned and opposed. It will be an eye sore on this exposed site in this area of outstanding natural beauty."