Is it consistent with policy?

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8 May 2024

Secretary of State calls in controversial plan for 490 homes outside Blandford – to the delight of North Dorset CPRE

Proposed map of the site, supplied by Wyatt Homes

Felicity Buchan, Minister for Housing and Homelessness, has called in an application by Wyatt Homes to build 490 homes between Blandford and Pimperne, on behalf of the Secretary of State. A planning inspector will now carry out a public inquiry into the proposal. This followed Dorset Council’s Northern Area Planning Committee’s second decision to approve the application. The second meeting was called so that changes to material planning considerations could be taken into account. Campaigners had hoped that the committee would defer the meeting until members had had training on the latest planning legislation. But the need for this was ignored by both officers and committee members. The planning officer downplayed the potential effects of the planning changes on this application.
The initial plan was strongly opposed by the Cranborne Chase National Landscape (CCNL), North Dorset CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England), Pimperne Parish Council and local residents. North Dorset MP Simon Hoare also spoke on behalf of the opposition group.
The approval triggered a call-in request to the Secretary of State by the campaigners on the grounds that the planning committee had failed to deal with several matters of national importance, including the failure to uphold the recently remade Pimperne Neighbourhood Plan and the support of a major development within a National Landscape, without exceptional circumstances.
The call-in letter tells Dorset Council that the Secretary of State particularly wishes to be informed about:
The extent to which the proposed development is consistent with Government policies for delivering a sufficient supply of homes in the NPPF (Chapter 5)
The extent to which the proposed development is consistent with Government policies for conserving and enhancing the natural environment in the NPPF (Chapter 15)
The extent to which the proposed development is consistent with the development plan for the area

Approved anyway
The news of the call-in was greeted with relief by campaigners. Richard Burden, CCNL Principal Landscape and Planning Officer, said: ‘Building 490 dwellings and other buildings on productive farmland in one of the nation’s finest landscapes does not protect that landscape, nor conserve and enhance its natural beauty, as intended by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949. The CCNL therefore welcomes the decision to call in the application for full and objective scrutiny.’
The news that there was now more than a five year housing land supply in North Dorset, with planning decisions supposedly then following development plans, initially made campaigners confident they stood a good chance of stopping the developers. The planning officer’s report to the October meeting acknowledged a conflict with the council’s own development plan, which said building in the countryside should be resisted.

But the committee gave the scheme the go-ahead. Campaigners agree that the development is well designed, but is clearly in the wrong place. The CPRE was disappointed that the committee did not include Blandford representatives.
The approval was particularly galling for Pimperne Parish Council chairman Peter Slocombe, who, with volunteers, spent hundreds of hours creating the Neighbourhood Plan, which was disregarded here and in a recent previous application. Pimperne would receive no Section 106 (planning gain) benefits from the development.

First planning approval, October 2023
The key grounds of objection to this Blandford development were:
Housing targets in the North Dorset Local Plan for Blandford Forum and Blandford St Mary, as well as in the surrounding villages, had already been exceeded thanks to a massive local building programme in recent years.
The limited evidence of the need for a new school, which would allegedly be paid for by the Section 106 developer funding tied to this application. Should the currently declining school rolls reverse, expansion could be achieved more cost-effectively with a few extra classrooms
The development will cause harm to the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, and its setting, on whose land some of the development would be built, with views both to and from it seriously affected
There is conflict with Pimperne’s Neighbourhood Plan – and the 150 homes which would be built within that parish would threaten the important “gap” between the village and Blandford
Good farmland, which contributes to food security and acts as a carbon sink against climate change, would be sacrificed

Dacombes goes solar and shines in sustainability

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Editorial team

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7 May 2024

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Installation of the 99 panel, 41kw system was a complex project utilising five roof elevations

Wimborne’s oldest independent home electronics store, Dacombes, is now harnessing the newest technology, with solar energy powering its extensive array of domestic appliances and home cinemas in its spacious Dorset showroom. The family-run business, which was founded in 1920, has been working with Low Carbon Dorset, the green grant initiative run by Dorset Council for local business.
Matt Renaut, Dacombes’ managing director, noted the significant electricity demand of their operations, likening it to ‘three kettles on the boil all day long.’ With energy prices constantly climbing, Renaut pursued a green solution by securing a grant from Low Carbon Dorset – the process took five months from application to project completion.
Steven Ford, Dorset Council’s corporate director for strategy, performance and sustainability, said: “Officers from our Low Carbon Dorset programme worked closely with the team at Dacombes to help them make significant strides in reducing their environmental impact and boosting their energy efficiency.’
A total of 99 solar panels, creating a 41kw system, were fitted by Ringwood-based Empower Energy. Mark Wingrove, business development manager for Empower Energy said: ‘This was a complex project utilising five roof elevations.”
But the challenge was worth it. Matt Renaut says that even through the poor spring weather, the panels have been generating enough energy to power the store during its opening hours.
Mark Wingrove said; ‘Unlike domestic users, there’s no price cap protection for businesses – managing the recent soaring costs of energy bills is a huge strain on cashflow.

Matt Renaut, Dacombes’ managing director

A greener future
Dacombes is now in control of its own energy usage and costs, as well as reducing their environmental impact.’
The solar panels are simply the latest in Dacombes climate-conscious technological developments. Matt Renaut has also installed two EV chargers and a Tesla battery, the firm uses a heat pump and energy-efficient lighting and devices throughout its operations. Looking ahead, he is eyeing ‘phase two’ of their green energy initiative, which includes transitioning to electric delivery vehicles.
Dacombes’ commitment to sustainability recently earned it a nomination for Best Independent Retailer Focused on Sustainability Consumer Electronics at the upcoming Innovative Electrical Retailing Awards. Locally, the store supports the annual Planet Wimborne Green Festival.
‘Our aim is total energy self-sufficiency, despite the substantial investment,’ says Matt. We’re committed to a sustainable and responsible future, prioritising environmentally-friendly practices for long-term benefits to the planet alongside the significant savings to our business model.’

Supper at Pleck is back

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Editorial team

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7 May 2024

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Editor Laura tried the seasonal pop-up which transforms a family home into a sociable culinary destination with Alex Woodhouse at the helm

In 2021, COVID was still rife and the hospitality industry was both tough and highly risky. But Alex Woodhouse was a keen young chef with an ambition to open his own restaurant. A family brain-storming session led to the first season of Supper at Pleck. It was such an instant hit that this May, the popular pop-up restaurant comes back for a fourth year, still in Alex’s family home and ’20-year renovation project,’ Pleck Barn. With few overheads, hosting the pop-up in the family’s dining room (the double-height threshing space in the barn) was initially a relatively risk-free first foray into the business. It remains one of their selling points.
Alex has created a destination restaurant with a special atmosphere, providing fine food in a uniquely fun and informal setting, where first time guests are greeted like old friends, and leave feeling as though they have become just that.

Alex Woodhouse, chef and owner of Supper at Pleck

A small menu by choice
‘We wanted to create a deeply relaxed dining experience in a beautiful setting,’ says Claire Hundley, Alex’s mother who works front of house for the Supper at Pleck evenings. ‘As the food is sourced, cooked and served within a 24 hour window, we only offer a small selection of menu choices, usually two per course plus a vegetarian option. And he asks guests to pre order – that means there is no wastage. Alex buys exactly what he needs.’
The cost is £30 per head for a three-course supper, and there are three menus a year, changing every six weeks as Alex reflects local seasonal produce in the menu choices.
He specialises in good quality cuts of meat with well reduced, deeply flavoured sauces. But it’s apprently common for veggie and vegan guests to say theirs was the best they’ve ever tasted!
Last autumn, the menu included a chicory and roquefort salad starter which was crisp and fresh, the Roquefort balanced by a deliciously acidic dressing with bursts of sweet grape. The cod fillet, with an olive, caper and cherry tomato sauce, was meltingly soft and meaty, beautifully cooked with a thick herb crumb, while the sauce was richly sweet and surprisingly light. The pan-fried chicken breast with a creamy tarragon, chorizo and white wine sauce was moist and buttery soft, with a light sauce full of flavour. The delicious dark chocolate and pecan tart was light and delicate, a delightful finale.

Outdoor gourmet dining with Supper at Pleck

Making new friends
‘I’m completely committed to the “bring your own drinks” idea,’ Alex says. ‘One of the pleasures of eating out is drinking good wine while being cooked for – but it has become increasingly expensive, sometimes as much as 50 per cent of the total cost of the meal. So whether you want cheap plonk or high quality claret, you can buy it at supermarket prices and pair it with your menu choices. We provide plenty of glasses of all types, as well as the ice and lemon!’

Autumn menu: cod fillet with an olive, caper and cherry tomato sauce, basil crumb and balsamic and olive oil dressing

Supper at Pleck Barn is faintly reminiscent of a big family get-together, with guests seated on mismatched furniture and garden chairs, wide barn doors opened wide to enjoy the incredible view across the valley from the garden. On warm summer evenings, the tables are outside in the garden itself – ‘We decide about 4pm whether the weather will be kind to us,’ says Alex. ‘And an informal sociable atmosphere is encouraged. We only have one sittingand guests are all requested to keep to our “7 for 7.30pm” rule, so there is time to mingle on the lawn and enjoy the garden. Coffee and tea at the end of the meal is self-service, and guests are free to mingle and chat when they have finished dining at their individual tables.

This year we will be trying a monthly Sunday lunch special, too. Each will be differently themed, and current plans include a crayfish boil, a marinated meats barbecue and a hoggett Sunday, all with canapé starters and delicious puds, served on long tables which can seat 20 to 25 people.
‘Where else can you sit with that view, with a private chef-cooked meal, and still afford to drink champagne with it if you wish?’

On cool or damp evenings supper will be in the double-height threshing barn

The spring menu has just been published – you can see it on the Supper at Pleck Facebook page, or by email [email protected]

North Dorset Cycle Ride 2024!

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Editorial team

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7 May 2024

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Shaftesbury Rotary Club are delighted that their hugely popular annual fundraiser is back this month – complete with the new Family Ride

The annual North Dorset Cycle Ride will take place on Sunday 19th May 2024. As usual, there will be two routes – a 25-mile ride, and a 50-mile ride. Both with strat from Park Walk, and both will finish with the iconic ride UP Gold Hill.
The 50-mile ride will start from 8.30am, and the 25-mile ride from 9.30am – registration opens an hour before the rides start.
The Family Ride that was launched successfully in 2023 will also feature again. This year the family ride will wind around the town – with fun on the way – along safe side roads, and it’s ideal for beginner and energetic junior cyclists. When it reaches Shaftesbury Primary School, a range of skills tests will be on offer, led by local Rotarians and supported by RotaKids from Shaftesbury Primary and Abbey Primary schools.
Every competitor who completes a ride will receive a medal.
Full details of the ride and how to enter can be found on Shaftesbury Rotary Club’s website – follow the links to the North Dorset Cycle Ride.
The main beneficiary will be the HOPE Charity, and for the third year running, the event will be sponsored by BV Dairy.
If you want to know more or to get involved with Rotary, please contact: [email protected]

Five generations of wellies at the door

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Editorial team

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7 May 2024

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Tracie Beardsley catches up with renowned Dorset farmer Wakely Cox, whose family have farmed in Puddletown for almost a century

Wakely has a small flock of 130 sheep – his eldest son Anthony has a flock of 800. All images: Courtenay Hitchcock

Outside the farmhouse door, wellington boots of various sizes stand to attention. Dora, the golden labrador puppy, enthusiastically welcomes me into the kitchen where there’s a delicious smell of homemade scones. At a huge pine kitchen table, Wakely Cox chats with Anthony, his eldest son and a dead ringer for his dad. Anthony is a fifth generation Cox farmer – as are Wakely’s four other sons: Edward, Rupert, Benjamin and James, ranging from 36 to 28 years.
Dorset farming is in the Cox genes. Wakely’s great grandparents, along with his grandparents Jack and Dorothy, moved from Beaminster to Puddletown in 1932 as tenant farmers at Stafford Park. After 20 years of hard graft, Jack and Dorothy managed to buy the farm.

Wakely and Caroline and their five sons farm 1,300 acres of mixed arable, cattle and sheep from their base at Warren Hill Farm

Wakely’s parents John and Mildred continued the legacy, and today, Wakely, his wife Caroline and their five sons farm 1,300 acres of mixed arable, cattle and sheep from their base at Warren Hill Farm.
History tends to repeat itself: Wakely’s parents met at Young Farmers, and so did he and Caroline: ‘Caroline represented Blandford and I was Dorchester. Our eyes met across a heated farming debate!’

Wakely’s sheepdog Pops hitching a ride to check the calves – she broke her leg a few years ago and has limped ever since

Wakely recalls his childhood fondly: ‘I loved going in the Land Rover with Father to help feed the cattle. I was never keen on school, so as soon as I got home, I’d be out on the farm. There was always so much going on – lambs being born, cattle to be moved …
‘More men worked on the farm then. I remember them whizzing home on their bikes for lunch. And the smell of a pipe instantly brings back my grandfather. Happy memories.’
After leaving school, Wakely worked on a farm near Upwey while studying agriculture at Kingston Maurward. Later, he returned to the family farm to work for his parents.
He also found time to teach future farmers and employees at Kingston Maurward. ‘It was another income stream for me, but just as importantly, it got me off the farm and gave me another interest. I love what I do, but I knew I also needed to get off the farm and see other people.’
He still stands by that thinking today. He was chairman of the Dorchester Agricultural Society for many years, and now, as chair of Dorset NFU, he travels all over the country. ‘Once I’m in my truck and heading to a meeting, I leave the farm behind to concentrate on other things. Modern farming can be very isolating. You can get stuck in your own ways and not see the bigger picture.

Wakely Cox in front of Warren Hill Farmhouse, which he and Caroline built almost 25 years ago

I meet up with farmers nationwide. Northern farmers have had a quarter of their corn ruined and lost sheep lambing in the awful weather this spring. It’s made me realise just how lucky I am farming in Dorset. I tell other farmers they must get out and see the bigger picture.’
He’s instilled this mindset in his sons, too. ‘I never pushed the boys to join me on the farm. They’ve all done their own thing. Edward farmed in Canada. Ben and Rupert have done harvests abroad, and they have all worked on other farms. Our youngest lad, James, is show organiser for Dorset County Show – but he still helps out feeding calves or hauling corn. Anthony has 800 sheep of his own and scanning rounds, so he works part-time for us. We all help one another.’
The day I interview him, Wakely is preparing to meet the Secretary of State. ‘There’s an election coming up, and he’s keen for the farming vote!’
Wakely is hugely respected as an advocate for Dorset farming. Not scared to put his head above the parapet, one of his other roles is as chair of the Poole Harbour Agricultural Group, challenging the Environment Agency and the apportioned ‘farmer nitrate pollution’ of Poole Harbour. ‘Farmers need to clean up their practices, but the EA presents us historic data – it’s 20 years out of date! To prevent nitrate leaching we need up-to-date facts in order to encourage a voluntary farmer-led scheme, not heavy-handed regulations.’
Is he positive about farming’s future? ‘Very, very positive. People will always need feeding! Shipping in food from abroad is just not sustainable. Home grown is the way ahead – if people will learn to eat more seasonally and sensibly. Yes, of course farming practices will change. But everything evolves.’
And at 63, does he still love farming? ‘How could I not? This is my life, it’s not just a job. I still get a thrill seeing a lamb born – new life that within a few minutes is up and about.
‘My seven grandchildren bring me a huge amount of joy, too. When they ask me “Papa, will you take me out in the Land Rover on the farm?” it’s like a farm echo, I can feel life coming full circle.’

Wakely has approximately 1,400 cattle, a mix of Hereford and Angus

Quick fire questions:

Book by your bedside?
Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. Reading helps me switch off and I love this series so I stay up reading too late. Not ideal when you’re up at 5.30am!

A-list dinner party guests?
My family and friends – some friendships Caroline and I made through Young Farmers go back more than 40 years. My old boss Mike and his wife Anne Lasseter, too: great employers to whom I owe much.

Latest £33.5m broadband project will connect thousands more people in rural Dorset

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Editorial team

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6 May 2024

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Wessex Internet has secured a significant new government contract worth £33.5 million to expand ultrafast broadband access to 21,400 homes and businesses in rural South and West Dorset, and South Somerset. This initiative is part of Project Gigabit, the government’s £5 billion effort to enhance digital infrastructure in the UK’s most remote areas, ensuring they aren’t left behind in the rapidly advancing digital age.
This latest contract marks the fourth and largest Project Gigabit agreement awarded to Wessex Internet, emphasising their growing role in national efforts to improve connectivity. It follows closely on the heels of another major project announced in March, where the provider committed to an £18.8 million broadband rollout in South Wiltshire.
Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez highlighted the critical need for updating the UK’s digital infrastructure, stating, ‘Outdated infrastructure restricts economic growth and reduces quality of life. Our Project Gigabit initiative aims to equip rural areas with state-of-the-art connections, allowing them to thrive in the digital economy.’
Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO of Wessex Internet, expressed the company’s commitment to enhancing rural connectivity. ‘Since our first installations in 2012, our mission has been clear—to ensure rural communities are not disadvantaged by outdated technology. This new project allows us to expand our network organically while maintaining the local, customer-focused service that defines us.’
The planned network expansion will commence construction in late 2024, targeting rural areas around Swanage, Isle of Purbeck, Dorchester, Sherborne, Beaminster in Dorset, and areas near Crewkerne, Ilminster, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, and Bruton in South Somerset. The project will implement full fibre, or Fibre to the Premise (FTTP) connections, offering speeds up to 10Gbps – significantly faster and more reliable than the older copper wiring systems.
The above map shows the new areas covered by the latest contract. Much of rural Dorset is already covered by Wessex Internet (or built in to future plans). Those keen to take advantage of the high speed access, the best advice is to use the postcode checker on the Wessex Internet website, which will show access plans for individual properties.
wessexinternet.com

Future Farmer:13-year-oldSeb Carr

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Editorial team

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6 May 2024

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When Seb was eight he received four pigs for Christmas. Now he has one of the largest pedigree herds of the rare British Saddleback pig in the UK.
Two years ago he started showing them, and qualified for both the 2022 and 2023 national championships.
In 2023 Seb became the youngest ever recipient of the British Pig Association’s New Pedigree Breeder of the Year award, enjoying a swish night out at the National Pig Awards in London last November!
Seb, from Sturminster Newton, is about to start the 2024 show season with his team of 12 pigs – he takes it so seriously he even has a show ring set up at home to practise. Seb’s parents take him and the pigs all over the UK – even on the ferry to the Isle of Wight!
His pigs are well known in the local area, and he sells them as far afield as Devon, Wiltshire and Hampshire.
And as if his own pigs weren’t enough for one teenager, Seb’s recently taken a Saturday job on a local dairy farm, furthering his knowledge and passion for UK agriculture.

Do you have a Future Farmer? Send a picture with a few details to [email protected]

Award yourself

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Editorial team

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5 May 2024

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Dorset Chamber CEO Ian Girling encourages local enterprises to shine at the 2024 Dorset Business Awards, and it as a platform for success

This month I’d like to take a minute to talk about the 2024 Dorset Business Awards – they were launched in Dorchester in April, and are open for entries from 1st May to 13th June.
The awards are free to enter and open to all businesses in Dorset. The aim is to celebrate the excellence and achievements of Dorset businesses across a wide range of categories. Now in their 27th year, they are widely recognised as one of the leading business awards in the South.

Why should I enter?
Entering the awards offers a huge range of benefits to any business. Firstly, at its core it’s an extremely useful exercise to go through the application and to self-assess what you are doing well in that particular category – and also what you could improve or build on in that particular area of your business. This in itself is a very useful self-improvement exercise for any business.
If you make the shortlist, being a finalist is incredibly exciting for your business and motivational for your team. Just being shortlisted means you and your team should be very proud of your achievements – this can have an extremely positive effect on morale (even more so if you win!). You’ll feel an incredible feelgood factor in your business.
One of the most obvious benefits of being selected as a finalist – and of winning – is the amount of free marketing and PR you will receive for your business.
Within the Dorset Business Awards, we promote the finalists in advance of the awards night across our social media channels, and winners can expect to be heavily covered in the local business media – including our own business magazine.
Winning, or even being a finalist for an award, builds credibility and trust in your brand.
The award recognises your achievements in that particular category, and can only improve your business reputation. This in itself is likely to improve customer retention as well as bring in new business.

Just do it
The Dorset Business Awards are independently judged by a panel of business leaders from within Dorset, and the entry process is very straightforward. Entries are open now – my top tip is to always follow the guidance, and don’t leave it too late to start your entry! The awards Gala Dinner and Presentation will be on 10th October.
What are you waiting for?
dorsetchamber.co.uk

From dissertation to dressage

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Editorial team

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5 May 2024

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As the 2024 event season gets under way, Jess Rimmer finds herself balancing books and bridles as it coincides with exam season

Jo Rimmer training Jess and Mattie at the yard in Fontmell Parva
All images: Courtenay Hitchcock

I thought I’d kick off this month’s report with an insider look at life juggling eventing with university. April saw both our first events of the season and the submission of my dissertation – so I don’t really have brain space to think about anything else!

Jess Rimmer with Mattie at Fontmell Parva — Mattie gets a rub down after his workout

It’s a common misconception in the horse world that it is necessary to make a choice between pursuing a career in horses and continuing with education. People seem to think it is one or the other – but I didn’t see why I couldn’t do both!
It has definitely been a juggle, though, and when I look back over the past three years I sometimes wonder how on earth we made it work!
My weeks have generally involved being at uni in Bristol from Monday to Wednesday, then whizzing home to ride for the rest of the week. The pandemic meant a lot of my course was delivered online, which meant I’ve been able to keep up with my degree from home, fitting lectures in wherever possible around the horses’ routines.

Mattie (The Real McKay) missed the first events of the season with an untimely foot bruise, but he is now back on track

May sees the start of exams, which inconveniently clash with some of the first internationals of the season. Obviously I was never going to miss those – which is how I’ve ended up sitting exams from a hotel next to Houghton Hall, from the judge’s box at Bicton International and sitting in the back of a taxi in France!
With careful time management, anything is possible. I guess what I’m trying to say is, if you want to go to uni but are worried about missing out on the horses, just go for it! And if anyone reading this is wondering how on earth they can make it work, I am always happy to chat.

Jess on Sir Henry Hall in his dressage test at Moreton

Mattie and Elsa catch up with each other in the stalls

The season begins
OK, back to the horses! My season started a little later than usual this year, following a head injury over the winter. But with plenty of patience and support, I am now fully recovered and finally able to get the ball rolling! Our first event was a local one at Moreton, where we had Newt, Elsa and Henry.
Newt and Elsa were introduced last month, but we didn’t meet Henry (Sir Henry Hall). He is a complicated horse with bucketloads of talent – but he is the ultimate worrywart. He would love to bury his head in the sand at everything scary – which is frankly most things, from his point of view!
However, he always seems to perform under pressure. It’s as if he knows when it counts. At Moreton he jumped brilliantly, as did Elsa and Newt.

Super-groom mum Jo doing Henry’s studs at Moreton

We then went to Cirencester Park with the same trio, where they all performed superbly, setting us up nicely for the season ahead. Mattie (The Real McKay) sadly missed his first runs with an untimely foot bruise, but he is back on track, pictured in a training session at home, under mum’s watchful eye. His season will hopefully start at Tweseldown next month – which happens to be the day before my first exam. And so the juggling act continues!
Looking ahead to May … you guessed it: lots of eventing, interspersed with exams – see you on the other side!

Newt jumping clear in the showjumping at Moreton

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