A NORTH Dorset couple will have to demolish their partly-built dream cottage after it was found to be bigger than originally approved.

Paul Jones and Louise Hayes-Jones were granted permission for a two-bedroomed home next to Motcombe church in June.

Work started shortly afterwards but, due to an error in the siting of the building, had to be halted when it became apparent it was 19 per cent bigger than the original plan and had a third bedroom.

The couple submitted a revised application in the hope of carrying on with the project but had their hopes dashed when North Dorset planners turned down their proposal.

Councillors heard there were more than 60 letters of objection and the council's tree officer said a protected sycamore tree had been damaged by the footings.

Planning officer Andrew Williams said the revised scheme would affect the setting of the adjacent St Mary's Church and listed cottage in Church Walk.

Agent Philip Watts, of Bournemouth-based Horsey Lightly Fynn, said his clients were disappointed at the decision.

And he added: "They do have the right to appeal but I think they will cut their losses, knock it down and re-build to the original plan."

Mr Watts had argued that the revised siting of the cottage improved the view of the gable end of the church and formed a better relationship with the cottages.

First published: October 13