A MARKET at the Wimborne Showground site would “contribute significantly to the fast-diminishing countryside that has always characterised the town”, it has been claimed.

Objections have been lodged against the planning application for the placement of the historic Wimborne Market at the showground at Lake Gates.

Ensors Ltd submitted the plans for the site “approximately 800 metres west of Wimborne Minster”, describing it as a “much-needed facility” for the town.

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However, Wimborne Town Council has objected to the plans.

A statement from the Town Council said: “In the last five years, Wimborne Minster has lost approximately 70 per cent of its former green belt countryside to the east and north of the town due to extensive housing developments.

Bournemouth Echo: Illustration of the market at the showgroundIllustration of the market at the showground

“Whilst the application site is in the parish of Pamphill and therefore not in the calculations for the loss of green belt for Wimborne Minster, there is no doubt that a change of use, and proposed development of the site would contribute significantly to the fast-diminishing countryside that has always characterised the town and have a detrimental impact on the openness of the green belt.

“There is no provision for power, internet, water supply and sewage/wastewater disposal. There are no arrangements for recyclable waste or provision for toilets. There is no mention of ‘opening hours’ or a plan for the number of events anticipated throughout the year.

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“Without any of these facilities, the extra buildings do not support the claim that this will be a showground and events facility or indeed a ‘market’ replacement.

“It also begs the question of how this will be a viable, sustainable and successful site for any planned commercial activity. The application is lacking essential details.”

Philip Chissell, chairman of the Pamphill & Shapwick Parish Council, said Wimborne needed a new market site, but felt Lake Gates was not appropriate.

A statement said: “We gather the proposal will facilitate the holding of a regular market on the site.

“This will not maintain the title of Wimborne Minster as a market town as the location is outside the town boundary in the parish of Pamphill.

“This is clearly of concern to the public in both our parish, that of Colehill and Wimborne Town.”

Mr Chissell also raised concerns about “history repeating itself”, stating the now closed market in Station Terrace grew from an application to erect barns, leading to an expansion in planning, culminating in a sale to developers for housing.

The market in Station Terrace closed in 2021 as McCarthy & Stone began work on its “flagship” retirement village.

Thomas Ensor founded the market in 1955, and current owner John George said the town needed a “good attractive market”.

Mr George said Wimborne was famous for its Minster and its market and it would be “crackers” to lose the market.