VILLAGERS are fuming that a large paper store could be built on their doorsteps.

Dorchester-based Dorset Press hopes to build the paper store at the Hybris Business Park in Crossways.

The plot is on the corner of the road into the business park and Warmwell Road and already has outline permission for B1 business use - offices and light industrial use suitable for residential areas. The proposed store is classed as B8 use - storage and distribution - and residents claim it is not suitable for the site.

More than 40 people have written to West Dorset District Council objecting to the proposal.

They claim the building is too large and would have an adverse affect on people living nearby.

They claim that the building at 11 metres would be bigger than a four-storey block of flats and said that more suitable sites could be available nearer to the business, which is based in Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester.

One of the letters submitted to the district council raised concerns about the 'threat to the fine stand of native hardwood trees on the site' which are an 'attractive feature of the Hybris centre'.

The writer added: "More suitable sites exist at Poundbury, where this large building could more easily accommodated."

Coun Daniel Smy, West Dorset district councillor for the area, said he had been approached by villagers concerned about the scale of the proposal.

He said: "I have had lots of representation from villagers and I have raised their concerns with the case officer.

"It's land that is designated for business development, but I do have some concerns about loss of trees and landscaping and also the height of the proposed building does give me some concern.

"I can understand why villagers are concerned about this development.

"But I am waiting for the officers' recommendation on the proposal."

In a statement to West Dorset District Council, agents for Dorset Press, David Shaw Partnerships, said that the firm Dorset Press/Henry Ling had looked for suitable sites for the store but had been unable to find one.

The agents said: "It is considered that the proposed development is in accord with the relevant local plan policies."