ADDING a modern extension to a row of 17th century cottages at Walditch would destroy the ancient street scene, councillors were warned last week.

Members of the district council's development control west committee heard that many villagers were upset at plans to construct the two storey building at 1 Cross Roads.

And despite a recommendation by their officers to approve the application from Mr L Gurd the committee threw it out, agreeing it would be out of character.

Neighbours Peter and Jennifer Gibson warned members that: "The cottages are a real visual amenity right in the middle of this lovely village. The extension, however sympathetic, would upset the balance of the whole and spoil the entire street scene."

Another village resident, Dr Guy Barnes, said the extension would not be a worthy addition to pass on to future generations.

"If you encourage this sort of thing many of the villages in Dorset are doomed," he said.

The committee heard that both Walditch Parish Council and the residents' association were strongly opposed to the application, the former describing it as "totally inappropriate".

But Coun Roger Stoodley said the present cottages were very small and the extension would turn this one into a family sized home and he welcomed that.

Coun Ron Coatsworth said the design of the extension was "most incongruous", the roof was crooked and it had a strange chimney. It was entirely out of keeping.

Coun Nicholas Patmore said retaining small cottages was important because they were more affordable. He was against sticking extensions on "just for the sake of it".

Coun Mark Parsons added: "It's hideous."

The committee threw out the application by seven votes to two, on the grounds that it was out of character and would detract from the conservation area.