Trevor Bevins

Gareth and Amy Burton, owners of Weymouth’s The Nook, plan to open The Flip Side listening bar and café at 4 St Edmund Street. The venue would offer vinyl music, coffee, light food and acoustic performances in a relaxed setting. Dorset Council is considering an application for an illuminated fascia sign and has invited public comments.

Ferndown Golf Club has received permission from Dorset Council to build a 30,000m3 reservoir for collecting and storing rainwater and stream water to irrigate the course during dry periods. The revised plans move the facility away from Parley Common following discussions with Natural England. Although some low-quality pine trees will be lost, the project includes new heathland habitat and has backing from Ferndown Town Council.

Hallam Land Management Ltd has submitted an outline application for 380 homes on a 37-hectare site near Compton Road, between Sherborne and Yeovil. The proposal includes 35% affordable housing, pedestrian and cycle links, recreational areas, drainage infrastructure, and a publicly accessible country park on the northern part of the site. The developer argues that outdated local plans and Dorset’s shortfall in its five-year housing supply support the scheme. A local resident has objected, citing changes to the area’s character, existing traffic congestion, increased flood risk, and potential harm to wildlife.

Dorset Council approved several planning applications in and around Wareham, including internal alterations and air source heat pumps at Carey House, a workshop for the Wareham Area Men’s Shed at Lenctenbury Farm, and a replacement oil pipeline between Wytch Farm Gathering Station and Well Site D. Other decisions included solar panels at Westport House, a storage barn, a garage, and a detached three-bedroom home on Northmoor Way.

Planning applications have been submitted in Ferndown and Verwood, including a proposal to convert the rear and upper floors of offices at 523 and 525 Ringwood Road in Ferndown into five homes. Other applications seek house extensions, replacement garages, dormer alterations and other changes to residential properties across both towns.

Dorset Council has received several planning applications in the Isle of Purbeck. Proposals include a new garden room replacing a conservatory at Barndale Drive in Ridge, the demolition and replacement of a barn near Woodside on Barnhill Road, and an extension to an agricultural barn at Jenks Farm near Corfe Castle.

Dorset Council has received several new planning applications in the Bournemouth and Purbeck area. Proposals include converting a redundant tennis court into a pickleball court and making residential alterations at 77 Bay Crescent in Swanage, installing solar panels at a property in Wareham, and repairing and stabilizing Tyneham House.

The Lulworth Estate has applied to Dorset Council to convert the former Cove Fish building on Main Road, West Lulworth, into a seasonal hot food takeaway operating daily from 10am to 6pm during the three main summer months. The small building would not be physically altered, and food preparation would be limited to microwaves, panini presses and toasting equipment, with no deep-fat frying, extraction flue or external seating. The estate says the proposal would support the local economy and visitor offer, while one nearby resident objects that Lulworth Cove already has enough food outlets and insufficient rubbish bins.

Dewlish Estates has applied to Dorset Council to extend and alter an agricultural barn at Warren Hill, near Puddletown, so it can operate as a butchery for the farm and estate’s own use. Proposed works include a one-bay extension, new windows and doors, repairs to the cladding, an external stairwell and a small internal mezzanine for storage. Existing vehicle access would remain unchanged, and the plans do not anticipate additional jobs. Public comments are invited until August 26 under planning reference P/FUL/2026/04051.

Dorchester’s Grade II* listed Corn Exchange and Municipal Buildings require another round of conservation repairs to the clocktower spire, rafters, stonework, clock, dial, bells and bell fastenings. Around £3 million has been spent since 2023–24 on roofing, internal alterations and improvements, while the latest project’s cost has yet to be determined. Works are expected to take four to five months and could disrupt Town Hall bookings and access to North Square. The building, managed by Dorchester Arts and owned by Dorchester Town Council, remains the council’s largest expenditure after staffing, with roughly £333,000 allocated for running costs this financial year.

Friends of Chickerell Community Library have submitted plans to Dorset Council for an extension to the historic Peto Reading Room. The proposals would add library space, an accessible toilet, a level-access fire exit, a private computer and meeting room, and a larger kitchenette while preserving the building’s heritage character and a protected ash tree. The changes would also relocate the children’s section to improve safety and support activities such as reading clubs, job-seeking workshops and health sessions. A six-week consultation found 90% support for the plans and 86.8% support for a council tax contribution through Chickerell Town Council. Weymouth MP Lloyd Hatton has backed the project.

Dorset Council’s northern area planning committee approved plans for 19 homes at Pleydells Farm in Lower Street, Okeford Fitzpaine, by six votes to one. The parish council opposed the development, citing its location outside the settlement boundary, road safety and access problems, unreliable electricity, reduced bus services and a lack of demonstrated local housing need. Supporters said the revised scheme addressed an earlier appeal decision by improving the housing mix, adding affordable homes and incorporating hedgerow and wildlife measures. An adjoining 27-home development is already under construction.

Dorset Council approved several planning applications on Portland, including changes at Paracademy Kite Surfing Centre, housing alterations, extensions and a tourism scheme at Sweet Hill Farm featuring camping, glamping, seasonal pitches, shepherd huts and facilities for children’s adventure holidays. The council refused a proposed boat and trailer storage area at Crown Wharf following public objections and rejected a non-material amendment involving garages and parking at the former Perryfield Works Complex.

Dorset Council has received several planning applications in Ferndown, including proposals for rear and side extensions, garage and dormer alterations, solar panels, a holiday-let annexe, and the possible confirmation of an outbuilding and swimming pool as lawful. The applications cover properties on Golf Links Road, Ameysford Road, Fernlea Avenue, Hilltop Road, Carroll Avenue, Turbary Road and Pickard Road.

Allenby Homes has applied to Dorset Council for permission to build nine homes on a quarter-hectare corner site at Lewell and Warmwell Roads in Crossways. The proposal includes four three-bedroom and five two-bedroom homes with parking for 22 vehicles, replacing eight previously approved commercial units that have not been built. More than 30 residents have objected, arguing the developer should deliver the approved retail or commercial space, while others support housing on the currently unused site. Public comments on the application remain open until August 11.

Hairdresser Dan Champion has applied to open a 13-square-metre barber pod in the car park of Ferndown’s Angel Inn off Ringwood Road. The proposal would use three of the pub’s parking spaces, leave more than 80 spaces available, and operate Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with three full-time barbers. Ferndown Town Council supports the plan, while Dorset Council is expected to decide the application after public consultation closes on August 20.

A small number of Dorset Council employees have still not completed mandatory cybersecurity training more than a year after the risk was identified, despite the requirement being part of their employment contracts. Audit committee member Simon Roche called for managers to address the issue because of the risk of an IT breach. The council is surveying non-compliant staff to understand their reasons, while councillor Jill Haynes questioned whether some course content was relevant. The committee also heard that some staff working with vulnerable adults and children were awaiting DBS clearance. Corporate director Sean Creamer said these delays were generally short, that affected staff were supervised, and that the council’s target for completed checks remained 100 percent.

Bellway Homes has submitted plans to Dorset Council for 153 homes on 9.6 hectares of farmland off Wanchard Lane in Charminster. The proposal includes 99 market homes, 54 affordable or intermediate-rent homes, parking for more than 420 cars, open spaces and a play area. Residents have raised concerns about traffic, flooding, road safety and pressure on village facilities. Bellway proposes highway improvements, including widening Wanchard Lane, junction upgrades and a new 30mph speed limit. The application follows several phases of nearby development, including a separate 74-home proposal and an earlier Wyatt Homes scheme that was reduced from 41 to 30 homes after local objections.

Weymouth could receive a third Wetherspoon pub at Haven Weymouth Bay holiday park off Preston Road. A planning application for five illuminated signs revealed the proposed venue, including a 2.7-metre J D Wetherspoon logo, although neither Haven nor Wetherspoon has commented on the development. The proposal is separate from Haven’s deferred £20 million expansion plan, which could add 240 holiday homes. Haven already operates nine parks with franchised Wetherspoon pubs and has expressed interest in expanding the concept.

Planning applications have been submitted for several villages around Dorchester. Proposals include extensions and alterations to Buckland Newton Manor, roof and loft changes in Owermoigne and Puddletown, rear extensions in Crossways and Winfrith Newburgh, and repair and rebuilding work at listed buildings in Moreton.

Weymouth councillor Trevor O’Leary criticized Dorset Council for being reluctant to use enforcement powers against private landowners who fail to maintain culverts and other drainage features. He cited two culverts in his ward, including one on land without a management plan, and argued that inadequate maintenance can increase both flood and wildfire risks. Dorset Council highways head Jack Wiltshire said court action can be expensive and acknowledged that recent flooding may require the council to reassess how it works with landowners.

A Swanage fish and chip business at 1 The Parade has applied to convert its first-floor restaurant area into a two-bedroom flat, while continuing takeaway operations and some seating on the ground floor. A previous application was withdrawn after concerns from Dorset planning officers, but the owner’s planning agent says changes have addressed those issues. No external alterations are proposed, and public comments on the application remain open until August 14.

Dorset Council has received a range of planning applications affecting Blandford Forum, including proposals to subdivide the former NatWest building at 23–25 Market Place into two commercial units. Other applications cover safety cabinets at Nationwide, new signage at Poundstretcher, retention of office facilities at the Environment Agency’s Rivers House, conversion of an agricultural building for commercial use, and several residential extensions, annexes and garage works. Residents can view and comment on the applications through the council’s planning register.

Residents and Knightsford Parish Council have objected to plans by Chapter Homes (Poole) Ltd and Land Value Alliance for 11 homes on 0.64 hectares of farmland near Shepherd’s Walk and Wynd Close in West Stafford. The proposal includes five three-bedroom houses, six bungalows, two affordable homes, parking and associated infrastructure. Objectors cite the loss of green space and wildlife habitat, traffic and highway safety, construction disturbance, drainage, limited public services and harm to the village’s rural character. Dorset Council’s planning application remains open for public comment.

A former council garage site on Garfield Avenue in Dorchester has received permission for a large three-storey detached house with an in-ground swimming pool. Neighbours objected that the luxury home would be out of place, reduce privacy, increase traffic and represent a missed opportunity for social housing, while some also complained they were not consulted. The applicant's agent argued that the design would fit the area, generate less traffic than the former garages and use energy-saving measures. Dorset Council had previously rejected social housing proposals because of emergency-service access concerns, and Dorchester Civic Society said the house was somewhat out of place but had no significant objection.

Dorset Council approved repairs and alterations to the fire-damaged, listed Luccombe Farm near North Bowood, where a stove is believed to have accidentally caused a fire largely confined to a rear flat-roof addition. The council also approved several residential extensions, listed-building repairs and rural development applications across Bridport, Salwayash and Burton Bradstock.

Dorset Council has unanimously approved two rental e-scooter trial areas. One will cover Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester and Chickerell, while the other will serve Corfe Mullen and Upton. The eastern scheme may begin sooner because Beryl Bikes is expected to operate it, whereas the south Dorset contract must be tendered and is unlikely to start until next year. Geofencing and other controls will restrict use in areas such as shopping centres, while riders will need a valid driving licence and may use the scooters only within defined zones. Councillor Jon Andrews said the scheme could provide a greener alternative to car journeys and reduce illegal e-scooter use, although safety concerns remain. The article notes that the neighbouring BCP scheme has recorded hundreds of thousands of trips and reported car-trip replacement and carbon savings.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has instructed solicitors to challenge the Home Office over a police funding formula that has remained largely unchanged since 2013. He argues that the formula fails to account for Dorset’s rural geography, seasonal population increases, tourism, major events and rising demand, forcing local residents to contribute more through council tax. The PCC says the system has been criticized by national oversight bodies and acknowledged by the Home Office as needing reform. He hopes discussions with ministers before the next funding settlement will resolve the issue, but is prepared to proceed with court action if no changes are made.

Dorset Council’s Cabinet is expected to approve the rollout of regulated e-scooter rental schemes in parts of Dorset. The proposal would extend the existing Beryl Bikes arrangement to Corfe Mullen and Upton and seek a separate operator for Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester and Chickerell. E-scooters would be restricted through geofencing, require users to hold driving licences and be barred from designated areas such as shopping centres. Supporters cite reduced car journeys, congestion and emissions, while the council report acknowledges safety, equality and enforcement concerns. The neighbouring Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole scheme is presented as evidence that strong controls and maintenance can make rental schemes viable.

Dorset councillor Cathy Lugg accused the council’s Liberal Democrat administration of prioritizing a motion about reporting cat deaths over a public safety debate concerning the removal of a school crossing patrol outside Ferndown Middle School. The council said the crossing petition, with about 1,150 signatures, did not meet the 5,000-signature threshold required for a debate, while the cat legislation motion had sufficient councillor support. Councillors voted 46–10, with 13 abstentions, to urge the UK Government to amend the Road Traffic Act so drivers must report accidents involving cats. Supporters cited the emotional impact on owners and the ease of identifying microchipped animals, while the Government reportedly considers enforcement difficult.

The Danish Pantry Limited has applied for an alcohol licence for a proposed Scandinavian café and low-key wine bar at 2 Tilton Court, Digby Road, Sherborne, near the town’s historic Abbey. The venue would serve coffee, cakes and Scandinavian-inspired lunches during the day, with wine, beer and other alcoholic drinks available from noon until evening. The application includes limited pavement seating and off-sales, with staff supervision and no plans for loud entertainment. Holly Pawsey is named as the designated premises supervisor, and a decision is pending following the consultation period.

A decision on Haven’s planned £20 million expansion of its Weymouth Bay holiday park was postponed after councillors opted to conduct a site visit following resident objections. Neighbours argued the project would increase noise, traffic and environmental disruption, while Haven highlighted job creation, biodiversity improvements and economic benefits. Councillors raised concerns about the development’s scale and impact on nearby homes, prompting the committee to delay approval until further assessment.

Dorset Council is upholding its plan to end the Ferndown school crossing patrol despite a petition and repeated challenges from councillors and residents. Officials maintain that new zebra crossings and road improvements provide sufficient safety and that patrols at such crossings cause driver confusion. Critics argue no proper safety assessment has been provided and claim the decision prioritizes other issues over child safety. The council will increase monitoring and enforcement of poor parking and consider using number plate recognition technology to address driver behaviour.

Approval was granted for a 328‑home development east of Chickerell despite ongoing public consultation and concerns about loss of green space, flood risk, wildlife impact, and the merging of Chickerell with Weymouth. Persimmon Homes plans to include around 150 affordable homes and provide land for a new primary school, with more than £2 million in local infrastructure contributions still subject to final agreements. Councillors expressed mixed views, with some arguing the decision felt predetermined while others emphasized the scrutiny applied during deliberations. Environmental mitigation measures, design adjustments, and infrastructure funding arrangements remain to be finalized before the scheme is formally signed off.

Dorset Council has issued a series of planning decisions affecting multiple farms, including approval for converting a barn at Knapp Farm into a café and several permissions for new agricultural structures and campsite operations. Some proposals, such as a storage building at Martinstown and a dwelling at Lytchett Minster, were refused, while various tourism-related applications received mixed outcomes.

Security measures at Winfrith Innovation Park may be increased as some businesses expand defense-related activities, including work with autonomous drones. A previously inactive security committee is being revived to determine future requirements amid differing views among on-site companies about desired security levels. Managing director Kevin Forshaw outlined plans for a redesigned gatehouse incorporating updated technology and possible changes to visitor booking procedures. The park intends to share final proposals with key stakeholders before construction.

Dorset Council approved a certificate of lawful use allowing a four‑bedroom home on Bridport Road in Dorchester to be converted into up to six bedsits under permitted development rights. The owner has lived in the property since purchasing it four years ago, and internal changes will create the additional bedrooms for use as a house in multiple occupation. Several other domestic planning applications in Dorchester were also noted, including extensions and alterations across multiple addresses.

Organisers of the Coastal Combat Festival have applied for a premises licence to allow alcohol sales for an August event on Weymouth Beach featuring combat sports and live music. The proposed large‑scale festival would host cage fighting, boxing, wrestling, martial arts demonstrations, and performances across two stages, with attendance capped at 3,000 people and security measures including CCTV and bag checks. Tickets start at £50, with premium table packages and a separately ticketed bodybuilding event also available. The consultation period for the licence application runs until July 15.

Drug education in Dorset is set to be expanded to junior schools amid concerns that children as young as six are encountering illegal substances and County Lines activity. Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said the programme is now funded locally after the end of government support and emphasised the need to intervene earlier. He also noted that twelve Dorset schools have banned smartphones due to their links with bullying and other anti‑social behaviour.

Councillors approved Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell as the next Chief Constable of Dorset Police following a closed‑session review of her suitability and the fairness of the selection process. Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick highlighted outgoing Chief Constable Amanda Pearson’s achievements and outlined expectations for continued crime reduction and strong leadership. Farrell emphasised community‑focused, transparent policing and outlined her extensive investigative background and leadership experience.

Weymouth Harbour’s planned £40,000 pump‑out system for boat waste will not be completed before summer due to regulatory requirements preventing direct discharge into the sewage network. A holding tank must be added onshore, increasing costs and requiring ongoing emptying and treatment. Harbourmaster Ed Carter said the investment, though higher than expected, remains affordable and will improve water quality and services for boat users. Weymouth was recently rated among the UK’s top marinas on the Navily app, reflecting strong management and continued infrastructure investment.

Hot weather has led to a rise in anti-social behaviour around Weymouth harbour, with harbour staff noting slips, trips, falls and issues linked to intoxication. Across the 2025–2026 financial year, 158 incidents were recorded, including 23 minor pollution cases and 21 crime or anti-social behaviour reports. A major pollution-response exercise with partner agencies is planned for autumn, and officials say heat continues to worsen public behaviour issues.

Harbour activity in Weymouth, West Bay, and Lyme Regis has declined as economic pressures and poor early-season weather lead to reduced mooring demand and some boat owners giving up their vessels. More than 40 moorings were surrendered in West Bay and Lyme Regis, with additional reductions at Weymouth, though demand for larger vessel moorings remains. Safety concerns led Lyme Regis to suspend visitor moorings for larger boats, with potential upgrades considered costly. Weymouth’s harbour income has fallen by 3.5 percent compared with the previous financial year, with smaller boats most affected.

Weymouth Town Council has submitted plans to relocate two polytunnels at the Tumbledown community farm and install a ground‑level solar panel array on the vacated site. The council says the proposed changes will improve efficiency, support agricultural use and enhance the farm’s role in education, wellbeing and food production. The 27‑acre site is being developed as a community asset offering volunteering and learning opportunities, and the planning application is now open for public comment on the Dorset Council website.