AN industrial building off the Main Street at Piddletrenthide could be converted into three homes.

A change of use application for a former workshop to the rear of the original Forge has been submitted to Dorset Council.

It comes from Mr Tim Hunt who lives in the village and whose family have run a number of businesses on the site over many years, including making farm wagons.

The 1970s building used to be a car repair, service and sales business which the application claims will mean a change to three homes resulting in fewer vehicles using the access off the B3143 than previously. The site has also been used for the repair of agricultural plant and machinery.

The original forge was started by William Hunt, the grandfather of the building's owner. It undertook wheelwrighting, blacksmithing and wagon construction until the 1960s. A planking shed was previously on the site to season timber used to make farm wagons and putt carts.

The three homes planned are expected to have air source heat pumps for hot water and general heating and solar panels to generate electricity. Each would be 56.5 square metres, fitting into the existing three bays. Cedar cladding will be used to improve the industrial look of the existing building.

Each of the proposed homes would have a garage, open plan kitchen and living area on the first floor and two bedrooms at ground floor level.

The agent’s report to the council says there is a shortage of smaller homes in Piddletrenthide and claims that the proposal, within the Piddletrenthide Conservation Area, would benefit the village.

The proposal says the homes will be let on short term tenancies and are planned for young families seeking a first home or elderly people wanting to downsize, or for single people requiring a low maintenance property with no garden.

It asks for the process to be decided by prior approval which, if agreed, could see the scheme get consent without having to apply for full planning permission.

Comments on the application remain open until April 24th.