PLANNING ROUND-UP: NEW DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS LODGED FOR SHAFTESBURY AREA

New planning proposals have been formally submitted to Dorset Council for several sites in and around Shaftesbury, signalling what could become a significant phase of development for the North Dorset town.

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While full details of the applications are still being assessed by council officers, the submissions include both in-town and edge-of-settlement sites. Early indications suggest a mix of residential and commercial considerations, with some parcels of land earmarked for potential housing, small-scale business use and supporting infrastructure.

Dorset Council has confirmed that the applications have entered the validation stage, where technical documents, environmental information and site plans will be checked before public consultation begins. Once validated, the proposals will appear on the council’s planning portal for residents, businesses and community groups to comment on.

Local councillors say the increasing volume of applications reflects ongoing pressure for housing and development across Dorset, particularly in rural market towns like Shaftesbury. However, they emphasise the need to balance growth with the area’s distinctive landscape, heritage value and infrastructure capacity.

Community interest is expected to be high, with Shaftesbury residents traditionally engaging strongly in planning matters — especially where proposals may affect traffic, school places, local services or the town’s historic character.

A notable application concerns one of Shaftesbury’s most recognisable locations. A property on Gold Hill — the steep cobbled street made famous nationwide by the 1980s Hovis television advert — is set for major refurbishment. Proposals for No. 9 Gold Hill include extensive internal and external alterations, such as new doors and windows, along with updated facing materials to the rear extension (application reference P/HOU/2025/07033). If approved, it would mark one of the most significant updates to the historic property in recent years.

In the town centre, another heritage site has already secured approval. At the NatWest bank building on The Commons, Listed Building Consent has been granted for internal modifications and the installation of a replacement cash machine. The decision ensures the historic fabric of the building will be preserved while allowing updated banking facilities to continue serving the community.

Dorset Council is expected to release further details once validation is complete, after which formal consultation periods will open before any decisions are made.

This news story has been produced by Chesil Radio's News Team, for more information please visit: https://www.chesilradio.com