“WHAT is the right future for the village? What inspires people? We’re trying to build the right place for future generations.”
Those were the words of Paul Crocker, the man behind proposals for a total of 120 homes, a coffee shop, convenience store and business units at Tess Square, in Marnhull.
The plans have proved controversial with some villagers, who have launched a campaign against the development, supported by Marnhull Parish Council (MPC) and MP Simon Hoare (Conservative, North Dorset).
A planning inspector is set to consider the scheme in Dorchester from April 8.
Before the hearings Mr Crocker, whose family has lived in Marnhull for more than 100 years, spoke to your New Blackmore Vale and said he was determined to “put back in” to his community and wanted a “fair debate” over the scheme.
READ MORE: Campaign launched to fight 120-homes plan in Marnhull
READ MORE: Plans for 120 homes, shops and businesses in Marnhull revealed
“If you look back through history, Marnhull consisted of agriculture, a brewery and a lot of quarries,” he said. “Things move on.
“We have seen many changes over the years, good and bad. Marnhull has seen a real mish-mash.”
The Tess Square plans, which would include creating new parking for the church and primary school, would see around 180 homes built in total, 40% of them affordable.
“One of the biggest issues is that there isn’t enough infrastructure,” Mr Crocker went on.
“What we’ve done is come up with a plan to pick up the centre of the village. The facilities the project will bring to the village can support the additional homes coming through.
“We know there will be some people who don’t want change, but I want an open debate. I believe this is right.”
Shops and business units will be part of the scheme, if approved. Picture: Bright Space
A campaign organised by some residents in Marnhull has seen thousands raised to pay legal fees for the planning process.
MP Mr Hoare recently wrote to residents informing them of his letter to the planning inspector to dismiss it on the grounds it is too large and in the wrong place.
“Most of us, I believe, have come to the conclusion that the scheme is too large,” the MP said. “And certainly too large for a village like Marnhull, disproportionate in size, having a negative impact on both the environment and the amenity of the village.”
Mr Crocker said he had “tried really hard” to engage with the MP, having met three times, as well as the parish council, who he said seemed to have “closed ears” about the proposals.
However, he vowed to continue with his plans.
“If you give people the right facilities, it will create a better society, and long-term, help the future generations,” he said.
Graham Stanley, a property consultant working on behalf of Mr Crocker, said the scheme was an investment in Marnhull – and not one designed for profit.
“This is unique because Paul is prepared to reinvest anything that comes from this in the development,” he said.
“A shop, post office; he’s going to have to be supporting them financially, because it will take them a while to get established.
“Paul will not see any return on this in his lifetime.”
Mr Crocker went on: “People will be able to go, get a coffee and do a bit of shopping at affordable prices. It’s not about what I can make out of this.”
The scheme, he said, includes dedicated communal land to protect views of the church, as well as green spaces, providing a “structure that’s right for 50 years’ time”.
“I hate the word legacy,” Mr Crocker added. “But in 100 years’ time, perhaps people will say, ‘They weren’t such stupid fellas’.
“The real reward is, when I go to the surgery and sit in the chair for 10 minutes and look and think how it benefits everyone – the employees and the people. If I hadn’t done it, that wouldn’t be there.
“This is the biggest decision in Marnhull’s history, I agree. It’s not about money, it’s about having a fair and reasonable debate.”
Mr Crocker is all about profit without any consideration for village life, Marnhull does not have the road infrastructure to cope with such a large growth in traffic and residents!
Mr Paul Crocker could easily give some of his land to the Church and School if he wishes so much to help the community, the roads/lanes in Marnhull can not copy with so much traffic etc and we would rather keep our green space, he has already taken so many fields and got planning on, it just shear greed and he is just lining his own pockets it is time to stop, we have a lovely village community here and want to keep it that way. We have lived here for many years and know how the village works.
Interesting Mr Croker doesn’t mention the other houses already with planning permission. Or, the fact DC resoundly voted against the Tess Square proposal as not being in keeping with the village. If a big shopping centre, is required then the current site is not the correct place, given that nature of the roads being unsiutable for HGV deliveries which will happen on a daily basis. Surely, the Crown Road site is more suitable. As Marnhull has big shops in Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Dikes all in close proximity. Maybe that’s why DCC and some (not all) feel it is not required.
There is no debate! Mr Crocker is absolutely determined he is right and he will not listen to the views of anyone else – I know, I have tried talking to him! He has deep pockets and is determined to force this through even though it is entirely the wrong thing for this village. There are already 250+ houses planned which will bring over 250 cars into the narrow lanes with multiple pinch points and destroy the rural nature of Marnhull. If people want all these amenities they can choose to live in one of the local towns like Gillingham where many affordable homes are already being built.
You have mistakenly stated that the Crowdfunding was organised by some residents. It was actually organised by the Parish Council after a meeting at which the public voted overwhelmingly for it.
We’ve given you our answer, Paul Crocker. We do not want it. He mentions 120 houses in his proposal, he omits to mention all the other fields which have been sold off and being filled to capacity with newly built houses.
Simon Hoare put it best, this development Paul Crocker is trying to impose on Marnhull would be better aimed at a town, not a village, which is what Marnhull is. We would like it to stay the way.
No mention of the 167 houses that already have either full or outline planning, all on Mr Crockers fields (60 currently under construction beside the recreation ground, 67 on land north of Salisbury St and 39 on the Butts Close field) As for the surgery, it’s only open 4 hours a week, hardly a great benefit. In 2021 Marnhull village had 950 houses, it is shortly going to be 1200. Yet Mr Crocker would also like it to have a shopping precinct and another 100 houses. Is it a legacy or greed?