RESIDENTS in a conservation area blasted councillors who gave the go-ahead for a futuristic three-storey high octagonal house to be built in a Victorian square.

Thirty-five people living in and around Lansdowne Square, Weymouth, signed a petition to stop the 11-metre-high octagonal house replacing a garage block on the corner of the cul-de-sac and Wyke Road.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council received 15 letters of objection from neighbours who believe the new dwelling does not reflect the character of the Lansdowne Square Conservation Area, is too prominent and disrupts the street scene.

But the three-storey building, which has a conservatory on the back, got the thumbs-up from borough councillors - despite impassioned pleas by Dermot Litster, who was nominated to speak on behalf of his neighbours at a planning and traffic committee.

He told members: "It is tantamount to vandalism to do this in one of the nicest areas in the Wyke Road area.

"Like the rest of my neighbours, I feel it is not in keeping with the other properties.

"It blocks the opening view and ruins the ambience of the square, and takes away from the charm of the houses already there.

"We want the council to defer making this decision until there is more information on the development. There should be a community impact study."

However, councillors were taken with the innovative design of the building, which fits the octagonal footprint of the site, and granted planning permission after going on a site visit. Coun Margaret Leicester said: "This is the most innovative thing we have had put in front of us for a very long time. "It is an excellent addition to the street scene with exceptional use of space."

Coun Tony Prowse said: "Like many Weymouthians, I am fond of the square, it has so many interesting features.

"I genuinely believe this dwelling will add character, rather that detract from the street scene because we are getting rid of unsightly garages."

Coun Peter Farrell said: "The design will complement the area." Council officers will keep a close eye on the small details like which materials are used for the window frames, paint, eaves, guttering, doors and porch.

After the meeting, Mr Litster said he was going to contact English Heritage.

He added: "The whole idea of the planning process, as laid down by the Government, is for everyone to have their say.

"The residents are the ones that have to live with this complete eyesore. It is totally unbelievable they have not taken any notice of us."