DOZENS of objections have opposed changes to a new low carbon home at Homestead Farm, Bothenhampton.

Dorset Council’s area planning committee is being recommended to approve the alterations at its meeting on Wednesday.

Consent for the new home, on the corner of Main and Duck Street, which replaced the former farmhouse, was granted in April 2018.

The new application, for changes to the agreed design, is coming to the area planning committee for a decision by councillors because of objections from the parish council and more than 40 letters about the proposal, mainly objections, although a dozen have offered support in a petition.

Planning officers say the current design and changes are acceptable within the conservation area and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and would not cause “any significant adverse effect” on the village scene.

The online committee, which is open for the public, will hear that in January 2019 there were complaints that the building work being carried out was not in line with the agreed plans, but the council decided not to act at the time.

Later amendments to the plans were sought and approved in March 2019 including the installation of an internal lift.

Since then the council has been asked to agree further amendments to the height and width, a change to the angle of the south west wing, alterations to landscaping and the re-siting of the Duck Street entrance, as well as other minor changes.

Documents before the committee from Bothenhampton parish council say: “The additional height of the Homestead Farm complex has had a big impact on the conservation area within Bothenhampton. This building now dominates the centre of the village and is over-bearing and out of keeping with its surroundings. Given the variety of materials used in the construction of the various roofs, the additional height has resulted in the most prominent building in the village being out of sympathy with the adjacent cottages and houses, many of which are listed.”

Objections from residents include similar claims about the building’s size, concerns about the access, changes to some materials, drainage, and compatibility with the conservation area.

“Bothenhampton village is a conservation area and in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and this enormous house has a hugely negative effect on the surroundings, the views and character of the village,” said one letter.

Councillors will be told that the development does also have support – with a 12-signature petition saying there are no objections to the increase in roof height.