A 24 HOUR drinks and entertainment licence has been granted for Parnham House, despite almost 100 objections being made.

Following a two-day meeting, and a decision making process which last three days, a decision was made yesterday to grant the licence to the new owners of the 16th century Elizabethan manor near Beaminster.

Along with a 24-hour alcohol licence, the application for the granting of a premises licence includes musical and dance performances, recorded music, indoor sports events - including the potential for boxing or wrestling - and plays.

The building was ravaged by fire in 2017, and the new owners say the income that will be brought in as a result of this licence will help to re-develop the estate and pay for the refurbishment works.

Dorset Council's licensing sub-committee met on Tuesday to consider whether or not to grant the licence. Due to the sheer volume of residents wanting to raise questions, the meeting carried on the following day.

During the meeting, the two representatives in attendance for Parnham House, proposed designated premises supervisor, Nick Caton, and barrister Sarah Le Fevre, fielded questions from residents.

Residents who lived locally to the manor house were concerned about the wide variety of events covered in the licence and there was a fear that if a licence was granted there would be frequent large events attended by substantial amounts of people. Neighbours were also concerned about the risk of noise and disturbances as a result of these events.

The MP for West Dorset, Chris Loder, expressed his own concerns about the application in a letter to the chairman of the licensing committee.

Mr Loder said: "This is simply not appropriate to have a 24/7 rave venue in the West Dorset countryside. There could be many local residents affected by booming noise pollution all night if this goes ahead as a direct consequence of this licence.”

Representing the owner of the house, James Perkins, the two attempted to calm these fears, explaining to the residents in attendance that, despite the licensing application, Parnham House would not be used for big late-night musical events, but instead for small events for residential guests, weddings and the occasional major event, such as the Dorset Food Fair.

Member of the licensing sub-committee Councillor Les Fry pointed out the concerns over 'disruptive, wild parties' which would disrupt the community of Beaminster and Netherbury.

Mr Caton responded, stating: "The last thing we want to do is take a house and estate as beautiful as this and turn it into something nobody likes or appreciates. It would be very small numbers.

"We are trying to sell a quiet, recreational experience in a high-end establishment where like-minded people could share fun and good times without keeping everyone awake at night."

They also agreed to revise their original plans, presenting a plan on the second day of the meeting which had reduced the licensable area considerably.

Due to the amount of information presented, it took the committee three days to make their decision.

Upon granting the licence, the committee stated that the plans for the site could represent 'an interesting and exciting new phase for the estate' and that it was important to ensure that local people would be consulted as part of the process. They stated that the revising of the area where the licence would apply went some way to 'allay the fears of residents'.

They also said they agreed with the sentiments expressed at the meeting that communication was key going forward, and recommended that the owner would provide a forum to facilitate discussions between his team and people living locally.

Mr Perkins purchased Parnham House for £2.5 million in March 2020. Mr Perkins previously restored Anyhoe Park, a 28-bed mansion in Northamptonshire, which has become a popular destination party house for weddings and celebrity events.