A scheme to turn the old Forge Garage in Milton-on-Stour near Gillingham into four new homes has won the backing of councillors in Gillingham.

Members of the planning committee unanimously voted to support the scheme on Monday 9 September after hearing that Dorset Council’s Highways Authority now had no objections to the revised plans – subject to conditions – having opposed an earlier application.

Councillor Rupert Evill said: ‘It’s making good use of a former garage, a commercial site.’

Councillor Sharon Cullingford said: ‘I would really like to see something like this in Milton-on-Stour to encourage younger people to be able to buy property. Because that is what we are lacking in the villages.’

And while Councillor Mike Gould raised concerns about parking he said: ‘This is currently an eyesore and needs sorting out.  It’s good for the community to construct buildings like this.’

The application will now be considered by the northern area planning committee of Dorset Council.