Plans for nine luxury homes on a former council depot site at Redbridge Lane, Crossways, which was refused planning permission by Dorset Council is to go to appeal.

Dorset Council decided the one hectare site would not be sustainable as it lies outside of the defined development area which would mean residents of the homes 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 had 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.

A planning appeal has now been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol and will be decided by written representations which have to be submitted by June 6.

Letters about the appeal should be sent to The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/0 Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol BS1 6PN quoting APP/D1265/D/21/3269360.

Those who submitted comments at the time of the original application do not need to re-submit.