Plans have been submitted by Spruce Planning Ltd for Addis Homes Ltd for the conversion of the Woodpecker pub (formerly Drax Arms) on the A350 at Spetisbury to form three dwellings and build two more on the site.


Neighbour consultations closed on February 15 for the scheme, whose submission followed a pre-application enquiry to Dorset Council to seek views on the proposed demolition of the existing building and construction of seven new houses.

The applicants say that although no response to that enquiry had been received, following further consideration of the proposals the scheme had been revised to retain and convert what is an attractive building with character, which includes the pub/restaurant on the ground floor and manager’s accommodation above, and construct two new homes in the grounds.

The Woodpecker ceased trading in February 2019, and they note that the decision of the owner to close the public house followed an extended period of falling trade and so was not a result of the coronavirus pandemic. They also note the existence of other nearby public houses in Charlton Marshall to the north and Sturminster Marshall to the south east. Spetisbury Parish Council has raised no objection to the proposal and welcomed the retention of the building, but a neighbour has raised concerns about the proximity of one of the new homes to his listed property.

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