FIVE homes and a new access road are being proposed adjacent to a Dorset pub.

The new application for the Old Ox Inn site at Blandford Road, Shillingstone comes after a proposal for seven homes on the same site was lost at appeal after widespread opposition from neighbours and Dorset Council.

The developer had appealed claiming that the council had failed to come to a decision on the development within the recommended timescale.

The Planning Inspector concluded that that harm of the development to the Conservation Area would not be outweighed by the public benefits of the proposal and the potential harm to the pub provided a reason for refusing the development.

The developer, Montpellier Land and Development, had argued that the opposite would be the case the additional homes likely to increase the use of the pub. It also pointed out that the area has less than the recommended five-year housing supply with a demand for new homes.

The new proposal for five three-bed homes curls around the pub in an L-shape off a new access road to the northern side of the Old Ox Inn. In addition to the homes the proposals would add 14 car parking spaces to the 17 already on the site.

Public comments on the proposal, ref 2023/05579 on the Dorset Council website, remain open until December 1st.