Security concerns have led to the installation of eight security cameras at a listed Powerstock thatched cottage.

Now the owner is asking Dorset Council for retrospective listed building consent for the devices, which they say were suggested by Dorset Police and have been in place since December 2021.

The application is for Merriott Cottage on the road between Merriot Bridge and Merriot crossroads, a grade 2 listed building.

A planning agent, acting for the owner, says the building, which dates back to the 18th century, also has more modern extensions.

In a statement to Dorset Council he says that the cameras were installed “on the advice of the local police due to a number of on-going criminal damage incidents. Unfortunately, the building owner was unaware of the need to obtain Listed Building Approval prior to erecting the cameras.”

The statement says that only two of the cameras are visible to the public from the road and both of these are attached to parts of the building which are not listed.

“The works proposed for the CCTV cameras to this listed cottage have minimal impact on the listed heritage whilst managing to help protect the house and its historic fabric form further criminal damage. The overall aspect and visual integrity of the main listed cottage will be preserved,” concluded the statement to the council.

Public comments on the proposal remain open until July 8th, Dorset Council reference 2022/03529.