.LPF were instrumental in overturning Dorset Councils attempt to refuse planning permission for two badly needed houses in a small hamlet close to Sturminster Newton. The site is currently used as a commercial Garage but the owners, who are in poor health and desperate to retire, needed to sell the property. Unfortunately despite two years of marketing the business proved unsaleable and the garage closed its doors permanently in 2022. LPF identified the potential of the site and introduced a purchaser who put together an application to convert the now redundant buildings on the site into two, 2 bedroomed cottages. There were no objections from local residents and the scheme had the wholehearted support of the Parish council. Local people felt that the proposed houses would enhance the appearance of the village and provide two new homes for young families. However the council's officers were going to refuse the application under delegated powers as in their opinion the materials being used weren't good enough and the garden of one of the houses was too small.
Luckily LPF galvanised the Parish council who demanded that the application should be considered by the full planning committee. That happened and the planning committee went against their officers' recommendation to refuse and granted planning permission! People power prevailed over bureaucracy!!
Comments