PLANS for a new community hub in Shaftesbury have taken a step forward after changes to a controversial car park layout were officially approved.

A revised planning application submitted by Shaftesbury Town Council has been given the green light, allowing the car park at the proposed Mampitts Community Hub to be relocated within the site at Mampitts Green.

The change follows concerns raised by nearby residents, particularly around traffic on Maple Road and how the original parking design would operate.

The updated layout moves the car park to the north-west corner of the site, away from the roadside.

The council said the decision came after listening to community feedback, with a majority of respondents backing the revised plans during a public consultation.

Chair of the Mampitts Advisory Committee, Cllr Greg Williams, said: “We asked people what they thought, and most residents told us they preferred the new layout.

“We’re pleased we’ve been able to take that feedback on board and move forward with a design that works better for the community.”

The Mampitts Community Hub is intended as a multi-use facility for the growing neighbourhood in the east of Shaftesbury.

Plans include a café, hall space and landscaped outdoor areas, alongside facilities for groups, wellbeing activities, family programmes and training sessions.

The project is seen as a key development for the area, aimed at creating a central space where residents can meet, socialise and access support services closer to home.

The approval of the Section 73 application means the revised car park design will now be incorporated into the wider scheme as it progresses to the next stage.

The council has now launched the process to appoint a main contractor, with firms invited to bid through an open tender.

Submissions are due by April 20, after which the next phase of the project will begin.

Further updates are expected as the long-awaited community hub moves closer to becoming a reality.