The public inquiry which will decide the future of converted farmhouse in the centre of Bothenhampton is expected to take place in two months time.

The planning inspectorate has set the date for May 4.

The owners of the Homestead Farm site are expected to argue that although the finished house is slightly different from originally agreed the changes are not sufficient enough to warrant a planning refusal.

Dorset Council rejected an application for amended plans for the property in August with building work coming to a halt once the building was safe and watertight.

The planning committee decided that the changes from the original plan has resulted in an over-dominant home which has partially blocked views of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and looks out of place in the village conservation area.

The owners and council planning officers argued that the changes were not significant and suggested that the area planning committee approve the house as it now stands – but councillors disagreed and unanimously rejected a new planning application which reflects how the property now stands.

Enforcement action has been put on hold until the appeal is concluded. The council's powers range from enforcing rebuilding sections of the home, to total demolition, although that step is rarely taken.

Consent for the new home, on the corner of Main and Duck Street, was granted in April 2018 with several amendments agreed to the original consent during the course of the building work.

Residents employed their own experts to oppose the changes to the development during the course of the building's construction.