CLIPPER Teas has been given planning permission for a small extension to its Beaminster factory.

The company says that the building, to house a compressor plant and equipment, will reduce noise for neighbours.

The planning application to Dorset Council said that because of the heat generated by having the existing compressor equipment within the main building staff often had to open a door for ventilation, increasing noise for those nearby.

The company says the new purpose-built extension will have a sound attenuated ventilation system making it easier to control both heat and noise.

The building will measure 6m by 4m with a maximum height of 4m and will be positioned on the northern side of the factory building.

The application was first submitted in September last year but was delayed after environmental health officers insisted on a professional acoustic report to assess the effect the changes would have on neighbouring properties.