AN OSMINGTON land owner is asking Dorset Council to agree that use of the site for camping is legal and can continue.

It comes from Shortlake Farmhouse, supported by a specialist firm of solicitors.

The site, which is within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is one of the biggest seasonal sites in South Dorset.

The application claims that the site, off Shortlake Lane, has been used for camping for more than ten years and is supported by a number of witness statements, arguing that it now amounts to 'an established use' which no longer needs planning consent.

The application has been submitted by Mr Peter Broatch with the site operated by Eweleaze Farm Ltd since 2013.

Over the years the site has grown with its own shop, bar, composting toilets, Pizza trailer, hay bale play area and other facilities. It is used by visitors bringing their own tents or motorhomes, with some Bell tents provided by the site.

Caravans are not permitted on the site which has access of the A343 main road via Shortlake Lane.

Osmington parish council has decided not to comment on the application but one resident, Eva Armstrong, the first to react, has objected, claiming the site is detrimental to the environment.

Full details of the application and the supporting statements can be seen on the Dorset Council website – using the references provided.

Other recent applications in the rural area around Dorchester and South Dorset can be seen below.

P/CLE/2024/03868 : Shortlake Farm House Shortlake Lane Osmington DT3 6EF. Application for a certificate of lawful use of land for camping.

P/CLE/2024/04897 : Higher Drove Farm Higher Drove Chilfrome DT2 0HU. The retention and continued occupation of a mobile home for residential purposes in breach of conditions 3 and 5 of application 1/D/10/001604.

P/VOC/2024/04828 : Huish Lodge Dorchester Road Sydling St Nicholas DT2 9NS. Develop land by erection of dwelling in connection with trout farm and formation of vehicular access (with variation of condition 5 of planning approval 218492 to remove occupancy restriction).

P/LBC/2024/04198 : 11 West Street Abbotsbury DT3 4JT. Replace roof to outbuilding, install rooflights and carry out internal & external alterations to convert to studio.

P/PAAF/2024/04310 : Grenville Farm Corscombe Dorchester DT2 0NP. Change of use of agricultural building to a flexible commercial use (Storage and Distribution (use class B8)).

P/HOU/2024/03996 : West Burton Farm Winfrith Newburgh DT2 8DD. Minor alterations to existing farmhouse and erection of single storey rear extension.

P/HOU/2024/04818 : Southover Farmhouse Longlands Orchard To West Lodge Junction Southover Frampton DT2 9NQ. Forming decking to rear elevation with steps leading to garden.

P/FUL/2024/03046 : Bladeley Hill Court Farm Buckland Newton Dorset. Retrospective application for construction of lagoon to store waste from septic tanks to be used as fertiliser in agriculture.

P/HOU/2024/04632 : 9 Kit Lane Owermoigne DT2 8HP. Erect rear extension

P/HOU/2024/04831 : 3 Burnt Barn Dorchester Road Sydling St Nicholas DT2 9NU. Erect two storey rear extension.

P/CLE/2024/04914 : The Walled Garden Manor House Moreton Dorchester DT2 8RG. Application for lawful development certificate regarding an existing single storey polytunnel at the above site.

P/HOU/2024/04989 : 8 West Farm Church Lane Osmington DT3 6EL. Convert outbuilding to create ancillary accommodation.

P/FUL/2024/04325 : White Thorne Cottage Main Street Litton Cheney DT2 9AS. Demolish existing dwelling and construct 2no. semi-detached replacement dwellings

P/HOU/2024/04403 : Grove Hill House Grove Hill Martinstown DT2 9JP. Remodel existing main Entrance Porch and rear Conservatory. New "cat slide" dormer to North elevation of roof. New flue and Juliette balcony to South elevation. Patent glazing to be installed to South aspect roof and Cabiro unit to West aspect.

P/LBC/2024/04549: 9 Dorchester Road Sydling St Nicholas DT2 9NU. Installation of flood resilience measures.

P/HOU/2024/04562 : 9 Knighton Lane Broadmayne DT2 8EZ. Erect Two storey rear extension.

P/HOU/2024/04163 : Old Parsonage Farmhouse Middle Street Dewlish DT2 7LX. Installation of replacement foul & surface water drainage systems, with pumping stations for both systems to lift the discharge to the nearby watercourse.

P/HOU/2024/03996 : West Burton Farm Winfrith Newburgh DT2 8DD. Minor alterations to existing farmhouse and erection of single storey rear extension.