AN application to create a home on the site of a Charminster stable has been withdrawn.

It had attracted several letters of objection, including one from the parish council.

Objectors said the site of the Cerneminster Stables, on the east side of Mill Lane, was not only outside of the village development boundary but that to build a home there would be contrary to the Local Plan.

Parish councillors said the building would have to be substantially rebuilt or extended and was in an isolated location on an unmade road with no electricity or water. The lane itself is signed as being ‘unsuitable for motor vehicles’ and is popular route for local walkers and cyclists.

The parish council also claimed a home there would have an adverse effect on wildlife and were unhappy about the proposed design for a sensitive location.

A planning application for the site had proposed a new extension at the southern end of the building off-set by the removal of the storage building at the northern end. It said, if approved, it would be used for open market housing or as tourist accommodation.

The stables were granted planning permission in August 2003.

Several letters from residents backed the parish council comments, some claiming that if one house were allowed in the area, others could follow.

Said Gerald Hunt in a letter to Dorset Council: “As a resident of Charminster and with the current stable in full view it would be a real shame to spoil a tranquil lane.

“Mill Lane is very popular with local residents for walking, cycling, horse riding, jogging and mothers with babies in push chairs.

“With one end of the lane being a ford and impassable after heavy rain it would add undesirable traffic to the lane as well as be damaging to the already poor road surface with the weight of traffic to build and maintain a dwelling.”