Proposals for six year-round holiday homes on the Dorset Nectar cider orchard site at Pineapple Lane, Waytown, near Bridport, have been withdrawn after attracting objections.

Concerns about the planning application for shepherd's huts on the site had been raised with Dorset Council from the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team, the Ramblers Association and Netherbury Parish Council, which said it doubted if attracting tourists from across the world could be classed as "sustainable tourism".

Several local residents wrote to express doubts about the safety of the proposed access onto Pineapple Lane, the effect of the development on Bridleway 24 and the further intensification of tourism businesses in the area.

Said one Waytown resident: "I have great concern with regards to the extra traffic that would be generated with these plans.

"Travelling to work every day in Salwayash I have noticed an increase in traffic around Pineapple Lane already and have had two cars crash into me and many near misses by people mainly not local to the area."

Others said they were concerned about wildlife in the area and the risk to livestock if guests were allowed to bring dogs to the site, although the applicants say dogs would not be allowed.

Said another objector: "Year-round occupancy and presence of cars in the field will result in a muddy quagmire unless some sort of track surface is laid. This would spoil the character of the land entirely.

"In addition, light pollution from the huts would be more of an issue during the dark winter months detracting from the enjoyment of the dark skies for which the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is noted for."

The proposed five-acre site is south of the organic cider orchard, with the owners proposing to plant a vineyard in the centre of the site with the huts around it, three next to the southern boundary and three adjacent to the western boundary.

The business already has permission for 14 camping pitches, operating only from April 1 to September 14.

A report from a planning agent argues that the holiday uses could be considered compatible with the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status with the huts able to be used throughout the year.

"The proposed shepherd's huts help fulfil the growing demand for the glamping industry, offering high quality glamping in a rural setting," said the proposal.

"The field is surrounded with mature hedges, these will be enhanced through a new planting regime to thicken the hedges and provide wildlife refuge along the perimeter.

"Guests would enjoy the advantages of numerous walking trails, foot paths and ways in the local area, leading to the local pub the Hare and Hounds, Washingpool Farmshop nearby and Melplash's Half Moon pub and the historic market towns of Beaminster and Bridport.

"The uniqueness of the site would add to the sustainability of the proposal, continued positive effects from increased spending in the local area, creating greater permanency of employment for those currently in seasonal positions."