A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build a paper store in Crossways has been rejected by planners.

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

The proposed plot was on the corner of the road into the business park and Warmwell Road, which has outline permission for B1 business use - offices and light industrial use suitable for residential areas.

The proposed store was classed as B8 use - storage and distribution - but residents claimed it was not suitable for the site.

More than 50 people wrote to West Dorset District Council objecting to the proposal because of the size of the proposed building, which would have been up to 11 metres tall - higher than a four-storey building.

They also raised concerns that a number of mature trees would have had to be removed if the warehouse was given the green light.

Now planning officers at West Dorset District Council have used delegated powers to refuse permission for the development.

John Greenslade, development services manager, said in the notice refusing permission: 'Having regard to the height, scale, extent and massing of the buildings, which will result in substantial works to adjacent trees and substantially block views of the bulk of the trees, it is considered that the scheme would over-dominate the site and its boundaries.'

He added that the work would also 'harm the health and vitality' of the existing trees to the detriment of the area.

Daniel Smy, district councillor for Crossways, said: "I think that common sense has prevailed with this application.

"The impact on the trees and the size of the building was of grave concern and I am glad that the right decision has been made."