FRESH plans to redevelop a disused racing stables in rural Dorset have been unveiled.

Businessman Peter Bolton revealed his vision for the former Whitcombe racing stables earlier this year.

But the proposals, to convert the yard into 48 holiday units complete with swimming pool, tennis courts and gym were rejected by members of West Dorset District Council's development control east committee after neighbours including novelist Minette Walters objected to the proposal.

Planners claimed that the proposal to change the use of the site would change the appearance of the buildings.

They were particularly concerned that the activities inside the courtyard would be exposed to the public if the existing frontage were opened up and that proposed extensions to the site were against the local plan.

But now Mr Bolton, through his agent Wimborne-based Savills has submitted a new application to the district council.

Robert Lofthouse, of Savills said in a statement submitted to the district council that he hoped the new application would meet the concerns. He said the proposed extensions in the original plan had been removed from the latest application as had the initial proposal to create two openings at the front of the main block.

"The alterations of the buildings have been amended to retain the continuous frontage of the building," said Mr Lofthouse.

Overall the new proposal is almost identical to the original one with plans for 48 holiday units.

"Fundamentally the application responds to the need to find a suitable and sustainable use for the redundant buildings," said Mr Lofthouse.

"They have stood vacant for approaching ten years and currently represent and unsustainable and underutilised resource in the countryside.

"The reuse of these buildings will deliver economic and environmental benefits to the area which meets the objectives of the council's tourism strategy and local planning issues in particular.

"The proposed development will result in 48 units of holiday accommodation, with ancillary development, located between Dorchester and the heritage coast.

"This location is attractive to holiday makers and the development offers the opportunity for year round accommodation for those purposes."

Mr Bolton bought the 952 acre estate in 1987 for £2 million and the stables hit the headlines in 1993 when Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Cool Ground was trained there.