BY TREVOR BEVINS - LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

Concerns have been raised over plans for a seasonal wedding marquee, service tent and toilets at Came House on the outskirts of Dorchester.

A neighbour has told Dorset Council that he believes the plans have could result in disturbance although marquee-based events have been taking place at the house for a number of years.

Mr Bruce Grant says by moving the site of the marquee it will now be within 15-18metres from the rear of his address.

"The previous location was quite some distance away and, whilst the events were clearly audible, they were relatively infrequent and as such represented little more than a minor irritant at worst. The semi-permanent siting of a marquee and associated ancillary services is a concern as it will be so close to my address. The rear bedroom, living area and other rooms are in effect adjacent to the site," he said in a letter to Dorset Council.

He has asked for further information about ways of mitigating any disturbance and asks whether staff will continue at the site beyond 2am, the latest closing time mentioned in the application.

An agent acting for the estate has told the council: "Having liaised with the applicants this morning, it is our intention to submit a statement describing how the Estate intend to manage event goers and music. We are also hopeful that the resident will be satisfied with the measures and will be willing to submit a statement to confirm that."

Historic England has offered Dorset Council advice over the application, although not objecting.

It says that with a Grade 1 listed the house is among just 2.5 per cent of all listed buildings to enjoy the status.

While it welcomes switching events out of the house into the marquee the advisory body says: "Historic England acknowledge that there are benefits associated with the relocation of larger weddings and functions into a temporary structure within the gardens: The reduction of wear and tear on the principal rooms in the house as a result of their use for such events, but also the increased capacity of the venue, generating greater income for repair and maintenance of the listed building.

"However it will be important for any consent to make clear the parameters of timing (e.g duration of time that a marquee can be erected) and whether any number limitations will be imposed, to ensure that the balance of private and commercial use is maintained."

The organisation added: "We are satisfied with the position and size of marquee, and the style selected, that a balance has been achieved between functionality and the visual sensitivity of the site, given the discreet location chosen and the seasonal nature of its use."

The planning application says that the main marquee would be 80x40x21 feet, of a traditional design, with the rectangular service tent 30x20x10 feet. The toilet block comes mounted on a trailer with steps.

Agents Symonds and Sampson say the proposed marquee, service tent and toilets, would barely be seen from the adjoining road and bridleway with the house set back in its own parkland and some distance for public access points.

"The siting of the development has been given much thought and has been considered the most appropriate due to the location of the existing area of hard standing following the removal of a previous tennis court. The surrounding trees and buildings provide excellent visual screening from neighbouring roads and rights of way," said the agent's letter.

It adds that car parking will be in an adjoining field which is well drained and dry between April and October.

The use of the marquee, tent and toilets will be limited to 28 weeks during the summer, mainly for weddings.

Dorset Council has yet to issue a decision on the application which remains open for public comment until April 21 – ref 2022/00864.