AN UPWEY garden nursery has been told that it will have to go through the full planning process if it wants to expand.

Island Nurseries had asked to add three bridges across streams, add access tracks and create a 40-space car parking area.

It applied for the changes under what is known as the ‘permitted development’ route, but Dorset Council has decided if the changes are wanted the business will have to go through the full planning process, which is more detailed and open to public and councillor scrutiny.

The business, which has been operating in Church Street for 40 years, has decided to improve access for its customers. The site is within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Upwey Conservation Area.

Dorset Echo: Island Nurseries site plan - the nursery layout showing the two new bridges and new parking area Island Nurseries site plan - the nursery layout showing the two new bridges and new parking area (Image: Island Nurseries)

There are separate applications underway for three new glasshouses on adjoining land which will be considered independently of the application for the bridges, tracks and car park.

Agents Symonds and Sampson said the nursery has been increasing its trade and needs to find more space for customers as well as keep as many vehicles as possible off the village roads.

The proposed new car park and accesses, two for vehicles and one for pedestrians, are for a small field fronting Church Street on the eastern edge of the nursery, with the majority of the nursery greenhouses and other buildings to the west of the site.

The agents say that at present the nursery does not have a dedicated parking area for visitors and to add the bridges will help reduce road congestion.