by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Neighbours and the parish council have objected to new plans for 11 homes to the south of Shepherd’s Walk and to the east of Wynd Close in West Stafford.
Said one: “Stop taking our countryside away. I do not agree with this development. It has been rejected many times before – why keep applying? It is clear it is upsetting everyone.”
The full planning application, submitted by Chapter Homes (Poole) Ltd and Land Value Alliance, is for 11 homes and more than 20 parking spaces, on 0.64 hectares of farmland.
The scheme proposes a mix of three-bedroom detached houses and bungalows, together with two affordable semi-detached homes. The site lies immediately south of Shepherd’s Walk and east of Wynd Close, close to the historic core of West Stafford.
Ironically the developer’s cite the ‘thriving gastro-pub’ as one of the reasons for the popularity of the village as a place to live. The pub, the Wise Man, closed in June.
Objectors argue the proposal would put unacceptable pressure on a small rural community.
The planning application to Dorset Council says: “The scheme prepared by Etchingham Architecture Ltd demonstrates the capacity to accommodate 11 dwellings of varying types, together with associated open space, parking, and access infrastructure. The site area is modest, reflecting the intimate grain of the village.”
The homes would comprise five 3-bed houses, including the two 2-bed semi-detached affordable units, and six bungalows. Planning documents say the bungalow design is intended to respond to the needs of older residents and those with mobility requirements.
Materials would include brick, natural feather-edged weatherboarding, banded brick and flint, and a mix of plain tile and slate roof finishes.
Some residents say the land is valued as green space and wildlife habitat. Jessica Finnemore, of Shepherd’s Walk, said: “I moved here to be part of a small village not for it to continue to be built on. This will ruin our green space and the reason I moved here.”
She added: “Most families have two cars which will mean 22 cars plus visitors where will they all go? It will become built up and not village life.”
Doug and Gillian Barnes, of Floyers Field, objected on several grounds, including nature conservation, loss of trees, traffic, disturbance during construction, pollution, drainage and lack of public services and amenities.
They said: “We regularly walk our dogs in the field proposed for development. It is currently a haven for wild life. During our walks we have observed voles, mice, reptiles (lizard and slow worm), various song birds, bees, butterflies and other insects. This habitat will be destroyed by the development.”
Malcolm Scarff, of Littlecroft, said previous objections still applied, including concerns over wildlife, the suitability of Wynd Close as access and the use of the route as a bridleway.
Kaye Chittenden, of Rectory Lane, said the neighbourhood plan outlined the need for better infrastructure to support further housing, adding there were no bus routes and warning of the impact of extra cars on pedestrians, horse riders, runners and walkers.
Knightsford Parish Council has also objected, saying the proposal is inappropriate in scale and impact for the rural location.
The parish said the development would place additional pressure on local infrastructure, highway safety and village character, and that insufficient information had been provided on drainage, landscape setting and residential amenity.
It said: “The Council considers the proposal to be contrary to the Neighbourhood Plan, which seeks to ensure that new development is proportionate, protects rural character, and is supported by adequate infrastructure and environmental safeguards.”
The application is registered as Dorset Council planning reference P/FUL/2026/03531 for land to the east of Wynd Close, West Stafford and remains open for public comment.
A pdf of the proposed masterplan for the site can be downloaded here
