A NEW arts venue for Sherborne is expected to move a step closer in the coming days.

Dorset Council is being asked to approve the planning details for the town centre site just south of Paddock Garden.

It had been held up when Historic England raised objection, claiming the design of the centre would affect the setting of Sherborne House. But changes have now been made to the proposal which has satisfied the conservation body.

The Dorset Council northern planning committee will be asked to approve the partial demolition of a stone boundary wall to the west of the site, the demolition of the stone boundary wall to the north of the site and erection of the arts venue, which already has outline consent.

Councillors will be told that changes to the design will make the new building less prominent with the lowest section of the building facing the rear gardens of houses along Hound Street with the tallest section, a two storey facade, towards the Market car park.

A report to the committee, which meets on June 18th in Sturminster Newton says: “The design is considered appropriate to the function and would enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and would not harm the setting of listed buildings.

“There would be adequate access through various means of transport and if traveling by car would be adequate parking provision.”

More than a hundred people had written to support the changes and 47 to object – many complaining about the proposed loss of 15 car parking spaces in the Old Market car park with others concerned about the safety of the proposed new access.

Some had questioned the projected 70,000 annual day visitors and 5,000 evening visitors warning that the centre was only likely to attract half that number and might not prove viable, leaving the town with an empty building.

The land for the project, valued at £500,000, was gifted to the Sherborne Community Arts Centre Trust by the former Dorset County Council.

Supporters claimed the former tennis court site is a good location for the centre and would bring benefit to the whole community offering a chance to see art, design and performances and providing a ‘cultural hub’ which the town lacks. It is also expected to create 13 jobs.

Planning permission was granted for an arts centre on the site in 2011 but lapsed when funding could not be raised.

At a public meeting on June 25, the team behind The Art Farm will unveil plans for a new arts centre at Barton Farm, just north of the A30 on the north west side of Sherborne and within walking distance of the town centre.