Two homes at the rear of existing plots in Dick O' Th' Banks Road, Crossways have been refused by Dorset Council.

The three and two-bed properties would have been built to the rear of 26 and 28 with an additional two parking spaces created, and would have involved the demolition of a garage and the creation of a new, shared, driveway.

Neighbours had expressed concerns about their likely loss of privacy from the new bungalows with one worried that it could set a precedent for back land development in the area.

Dorset Council decided that the application should be refused because of the noise and disturbance likely to be created for the residents of the existing frontage property by having a narrow driveway alongside for access to the other homes.

A council report concluded that had the access not been an issue the design of the proposed buildings would have been appropriate for the area.