A CLOSED pub near Blandford could be turned into housing – despite previous plans to convert the buildings being rejected by Dorset Council.

A change of use application has been submitted for The Cashmoor Inn, found between Blandford Forum and Salisbury on the A354, which would see the existing coaching inn buildings converted into four family homes, with two detached houses also to be created.

The Cashmoor Inn has remained closed since 2022, with the pub not opening at full capacity since the Covid pandemic.

The applicant has raised concerns that should the building not be converted, it would fall into disrepair.

Jeremy Harvey Isaacs Architect, who put together the plans on behalf of the applicant, said: “The longer the building is not open as a business the more it risks falling further into a state of disrepair.

“This jeopardises the survival of the building and makes it less likely that it can viably and economically be reused.

READ MORE: Plans to bring new Aldi store to Sturminster Newton

READ MORE: Meet the Horrible Histories illustrator at Blandford Literary Festival

“Often buildings like this have the lead stolen from the roof which leads rapidly to further damage from water ingress etc.”

This isn’t the first time plans have been submitted to turn the buildings into housing.

What the new houses could look like if plans are approved Picture: Jeremy Harvey Isaacs Architect

Plans to turn it into a single dwelling were previously refused earlier this year citing concerns over the loss of the only remaining public house in the area.

Sixpenny Handley & Pentridge Parish Council objected to the plans, stating the pub has the potential to thrive given its location on the A354.

The applicant said that since these comments were received, “nothing has been done” either by the community or parish council to try and re-open the pub.

“No offers have been received despite the property being continuously offered for sale,” they said. “If the inn was a viable concern market forces would have lead to a new landlord or investor purchasing the property with this in mind.

“As our economy is driven by free market forces selling the property requires a buyer to come forward and make an offer.”

The new plans would see an addition to the first floor with undercroft parking below – and the applicant said the conversion of the buildings will preserve the character of the original buildings.

The applicant added: “Modest family homes are very much needed in the local area where people should not be deprived the right to live in a rural community.

“With housing targets in mind every site needs to be maximised to provide windfall sites whilst balancing the existing character of rural communities.”

To view and comment on the plans, search reference P/FUL/2025/05798 on the planning section of Dorset Council’s website.