The application to Dorset Council is for Spence Farm, Spence Lane. It seeks consent for the retention and change of use of a barn and associated decking by a business known as Louma Farm and Retreat, which employs 35 full-time and 10 part-time staff.
The business, registered as Grape Vibes Ltd, was recently refused consent as a wedding venue after concerns mainly over additional traffic.
The new application to the council says work on the barn started in July 2022 and was completed in September 2024. The modern, steel-framed building, replaced what was described as a dilapidated barn roughly on the same site.
In the application to Dorset Council, which is open to public comment, the proposals are to be able to use the barn ‘for general purpose entertainment including a wine store’ daily from 8am until 11pm.
The proposed also mentions using the barn as a reception area for the site; activity area, coffee lounge and bar, kitchen and toilet – the wine store, wine tasting area, and toilets located in the basement.
Said a planning agent acting for the business: “The proposal is intended to complement the existing facilities and enhance the experience for guests staying on the site, rather than increase the number of visitors.”
Comments on the proposal, reference P/FUL/2025/01119 on the Dorset Council website, remain open until August 5th.
Dorset Council recently approved another planning application for the site – to station 2 No. shepherds huts to be used for massages.
