PLANS to install 40 caravans for Ukrainian refugees on land outside Blandford have been refused after an appeal.

The scheme, submitted by Savills on behalf of Bryanston (RFE) Ltd and The Rothermere Foundation, would see the units built on land at Deer Park Farm for up to five years.

A planning appeal was launched after Dorset Council failed to make a decision on the scheme – but indicated to the inspector it would have refused it.

Scores of residents also objected to the plans, saying it would impact on the scenic spot and open space, as well as impinging on the nearby buildings, including the listed Bryanston School and Church of St Martin.

The initial application said the units would be used to house Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion, addressing a “national and local shortage in refugee accommodation”.

The application also said see a disused barn converted to provide “community space”.

“Furthermore, the site’s location close to the centre of Blandford will enable the refugees to access key services and amenities and encourage their participation within the local community,” it said.

“The proposed development would provide much needed refugee accommodation within Dorset and responds to an ongoing humanitarian crisis,” it added.

However, planning inspector Neil Pope refused the appeal, citing five ‘main issues’: the scheme would not accord with national and adopted planning policies; the impact on the character and appearance of the area; the impact on heritage assets; flood risk implications; and the effect on Greater Horseshoe bats in the area.

Among those to object were North Dorset MP Simon Hoare, who previously said the application could result in the creation of a “caravan ghetto”.

Mr Hoare also suggested the application was a “trojan horse”, after previous applications to develop the land for housing were refused.

He said he did not believe the application to be “motivated by philanthropy”.

READ MORE: MP hits out at ‘ghetto’ plan for refugee caravans outside Blandford

Issuing his refusal, Mr Pope said: “40 caravans is not an insubstantial number of residential units to provide on one site.

“Unlike the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme where refugees live with a host, it is unclear to me what, if any, mechanism or support would be in place to help foster social interaction with the existing community.

“While my decision does not turn on this particular matter, I share the concerns of some interested parties that such a large concentration of refugees on this site would be at odds with the Government’s objective of promoting social interaction.”

He also said there could be no guarantee only Ukrainian refugees would occupy the site.

Mr Pope added: “The proposed re-use of redundant buildings on the appeal site and some new landscape planting would have a minor positive impact upon the character and appearance of this area of valley/parkland landscape.

“However, the proposed 40 caravans, associated hard standings, tracks, children’s play areas, external lighting, comings-and-goings of residents, as well as service/delivery traffic, would markedly change the character and appearance of the site and the contribution it makes to the settings of the town and the Dorset NL (National Landscape).

“The loss of pasture and the introduction of residential accommodation, as well as the other man-made additions to the site, would considerably erode its unspoilt open qualities.

“The creation of a not insubstantial caravan park within this part of the countryside would be at odds with, and considerably detract from, the parkland setting to the town and this area of charming valley pasture.”