A BARN in Woodlands can now be used as a micro-brewery after an application was approved by planning officers.

Dorset Council granted permission for the change of use of the barn at Woodlands Manor Farm on Tuesday after ruling that there were “not considered to be any matters” to warrant refusal of the scheme.

Applicant Canford Renewable Energy said the change would create two jobs responsible for overseeing the brewing process and that it would not require any external changes to the building.

On Tuesday, council planning officer Gareth Kitching granted planning permission for the change of use to allow the barn to be converted into a micro-brewery.

In his report approving the scheme he said: “Small or micro breweries can be appropriately sited in this type of rural location which lies within the green belt and area of outstanding natural beauty.

“It would not be an unsustainable location given the size of the village and two local part-time jobs could be generated.”