A new home off Old Lyme Road, Charmouth, set in woods with a seaview, has been rejected by Dorset Council.

The application, for the grounds of steeply sloping Foxley Dene, received several objections although there was praise for the house design and attempt to fit it into the high profile site.

It was described in papers as a low key, modest, yet flexible sustainable dwelling set amongst existing trees. The size of the home had been reduced during the planning process, including making it lower and smaller, and had been planned to be finished in timber cladding which would have been allowed to weather naturally, under a natural living roof.

The site, on steeply sloping ground, lies within the development boundary of Charmouth, within the AONB/Heritage Coast and within a Land instability Zone.

The parish council raised no objection in principle to the proposed three-bed home but raised points about an additional parking bay proposed on Old Lyme Hill, said they were concerned about possible additional water run-off and the overlooking of the neighbouring home, Kelston, as well as the effect of the piling which would be needed during the build.

Four letters to the council raised concerns about the risk of damage to Scot’s Pine and Oak trees on the site, which is within a tree protection zone, although the applicants had promised they would be protected. There were also concerns about the effect on wildlife and the stability of the land, although an expert report forsaw no problems with this.

The application received one public letter of support.

In a summary concluding why the application should be rejected a planning officer said that the adverse impacts on the area would outweigh the benefits of the new home.

The concerns included having a new home high on the slope in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast which would “detract from the pleasant, open, sylvan and undeveloped nature of the site which makes a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area.”

Other issues include the effects on neighbours and the possible risk to trees, although a consulting structural engineer had maintained that the house could be achieved without harm to the existing mature trees.