by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporting Service.
A new use has been found for one of the few remaining original Duchy of Cornwall farm buildings at Poundbury.
The former barn, which has been un-used for decades, could now be converted into office space.
It has been partially sealed off with security fencing after youngsters started playing there.
If approved for planning by Dorset Council the building will have a mezzanine floor added to create extra usable space.
It has remained un-used since the Poundbury development began in 1993 and, according to at least one resident, probably twenty years before that.
The building, made of red brick with a tiled roof and open bays, was used for storing agricultural machinery, and is one of the few original farm buildings which have not been converted to other uses.
The planning proposal includes a large amount of glazing and the external walls being built up.
The commercial unit, if conversion is allowed, will include several private offices, toilets, storage and two large open office spaces, one located on the ground floor and one the mezzanine floor.
Access to the proposed commercial unit will be via large double doors on the south side of the building.
The site is at the Middle Farm Business Centre, Middle Farm Way, close to a vets’ practice and a dental laboratory. The area is named after the original farm south of the road.
The application has been welcomed by Poundbury ward councillor Richard Biggs who says he will be pleased to see the building brought back into economic use. Dorchester Town Council has raised no objection to the plans.
The proposal is currently open for public comment. The details can be found on the Dorset Council website using the planning reference P/FUL/2025/05651
The building today
Poundbury building proposed elevations