ALLOWING a parking space in the front garden of a Listed house at West Allington, in Bridport, would set a dangerous precedent for the area, town councillors have been warned.

Members of Bridport plans committee heard on Monday that West Allington Residents' Association was strongly opposed to the creation of a new vehicular access at number 71.

Chairman David Bushrod said his members felt the new driveway would have a "significant adverse effect" on the character and setting of an attractive Listed building. It would also have a serious detrimental effect on the character and the appearance of an important conservation area.

He continued: "It would be necessary either to reverse onto, or off, a busy road with fast moving traffic. As the road is only 21ft at this point it cannot be done without blocking both carriageways."

The Association also dismissed the applicants' claims that it would be for "occasional use" as meaningless. The term could not be defined and there was no way it could be enforced.

Mr Bushrod added: "At least two similar application have been rejected in the past. If this application is granted it would set a precedent that could lead to a degradation of the conservation areas in Bridport." But he added that the association had no objection to the owners' additional applications to put up a satellite dish and new garden shed.

The plans committee supported the developments in principle but agreed to point out the highway concerns to the district council's planning department.