FARM buildings at a poultry farm in Gaunts Common near Wimborne could be converted into self-store units.

Dorset councillors are being recommended to approve the change of use for the Walston Poultry Farm at a planning meeting on Wednesday (September 7th.)

Officers say the reuse of the buildings is considered sustainable and is not likely to cause harm to the Green Belt, road network or nearby properties.

Four long, single storey barns with a combined internal floor area of around 2,860 square metres have been identified for conversion to eight units. Parking for customers will be offered on existing hardstanding areas close to the buildings.

Each of the storage units will have a capacity of around 350square metres.

Dorset Highways said the change of use was likely to lead to less farm traffic and HGVs which would be “a general highway benefit,” for the area.

Holt parish council had lodged an objection to the changes saying the proposed use would not be appropriate for a rural parish and was likely to increase noise and disturbance for neighbours as well as create an increased traffic risk for children waiting for the school bus and other road users.

Similar views have been expressed in around 30 letters to Dorset Council about the application with other concerns including light pollution, harm to wildlife and potential air and water pollution: harm to the character of the Green Belt at a lack of local need for the new facility.