PLANS to demolish a cottage in Christchurch town centre and replace it with a two-storey dwellinghouse have been dismissed by a planning inspector.

The appeal had been launched over the proposals for Coachmans Cottage on Ducking Stool Lane after Christchurch Borough Council had not reached a decision.

A council conservation officer had raised an objection to the plans, with the site being situated in the Christchurch conservation area.

Appellant David Underhill took his case against the council to the Planning Inspectorate.

However, planning inspector Hayley Butcher dismissed the appeal.

Her report said: "I have had regard to all matters raised including the benefits of a new build and the appellant’s desire to develop the site in a way which would allow him and his wife to occupy the property in their later years.

"However, these do not outweigh the harm I have found to the living conditions of occupiers of Kingfisher Place or to the Christchurch central conservation area."