At the Full Council meeting held on Tuesday 19th September, the Town Council resolved to submit an application to Dorset Council regarding the land at the Mampitts Green site.
Councillors were presented with the proposed site plans for the community facility, known as the Mampitts Hub, together with the landscaping proposals for the site. The resident feedback, gathered at the two most recent engagement events earlier this month will be included in the Section 106 (developer contribution) funding application along with the 450+ responses to the October 2021 consultation that led the need for an outstanding community facility on that site.
The plans have been drawn up by PWCR, Shaftesbury-based architects and Dorset-based landscape architect, Aileen Shackell, who successfully scoped out the remodelling of St James’ Park. Mampitts Green will include a Community Hub, café, landscaped open space and recreational facilities that will provide important services to support the Shaftesbury community. As requested by a large proportion of the community, nature and ecology will be at the heart of the project, with a focus on enhancing the natural environment and enriching the wildlife habitats.
The lead councillor for the project, Cllr Piers Brown said: “I am so happy that we have been able to get the plans to the point where we can submit the planning application, request the release of grant money and the transfer of the land. I am confident that Dorset Council will support our ambitious project, as it was designed by the community, and for the needs of our amazing town.
“I would like to thank the over 450 residents who supported us in creating the designs and especially those who have worked tirelessly over the last two years as part of the Town Council’s advisory committee, ensuring that this was community-led from the outset.“
The application will be considered by Dorset Council and a decision made later this year. We will keep our Shaftesbury residents up to date as this project progresses.
Please see below images from the architect showing how the site and Community Hub could look.
