by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Conversion plans which proposed a new rural ‘village hall’ have been withdrawn from the Dorset Council planning register.
The scheme, using former dairy buildings at Ringstead Farm, Ringstead had attracted opposition with fears over noise, extra traffic, and night-time lighting – but also some support.
The proposal, from Ringstead Farm Partners, said the converted building would have been available for private parties, small social events, educational use and for wedding and birthday parties.
No reason has been given for withdrawing the plans although similar moves often result in a fresh application based on the comments made for the initial proposals.
During the consultation phase some changes were made to the original plans, including an offer for Ringstead resident to be able to use the hall free of charge.
A planning agent, acting for the business, said there would be little external change to the building although an extra 12 parking spaces were planned, bringing the number to 30 with the addition of an outside terrace area.
Osmington Parish Council has supported the application.
Said one public letter to Dorset Council: “This proposal represents a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into a disused building, delivering significant benefits to our local community.”
Others expressed concern about light pollution from the addition of new French doors sets and some of the likely uses of the building within the Dorset National Landscape Area: “The use for wedding and birthday parties and social events raises the prospect of noise, disturbance and light pollution, probably late into the night. I feel that such a use would have a detrimental impact on the area. It should be noted that as it is proposed to be a private “village hall”, its use by the community will be solely at the discretion of the owner.”
One letter writer said the Ringstead area had already seen many leisure applications which had changed the nature of what was once a quiet, agricultural area.
The Ringstead Protection Society said it did not object to the changes, but asked for some limitations on the use of the building, should it be approved: “The RPS do not wish to object to the proposal and is not unsympathetic to the principle of converting redundant buildings to aid farm diversification with the associated benefits this can bring to the rural economy.
“Notwithstanding the above, the application site is located within a sensitive and tranquil location within the Dorset AONB. Therefore, it is considered that appropriate controls and conditions should be imposed as part of any potential grant of planning permission; particularly in view of the wide and general scope of uses proposed.”
It suggested limiting the overall number of events; a restriction on operating hours and controls on noise levels in addition to prohibiting amplified music outdoors; with controls and design to limit light pollution.
To view the planning application follow this link – P/FUL/2025/03152
Proposed drawings of the “village hall” building