Clipper Teas unveils plans to secure "long-term future" in Beaminster, west Dorset

The business, which has been based in the west Dorset town since 1990, wants to condense three sites into one larger one – building housing on the remaining two sites.

The firm will submit plans to build 39 homes, consisting of four, three and two-bedroom properties.

Staff from Clipper and property agents Savills were on hand to answer questions from the public last week about the proposals.

Patrick Cairns, CEO at Clipper Teas’ parent company, Wessanen UK, said he was pleased the company is aiming to commit its future to Beaminster while improving the efficiency of the business.

He said: “I think it has gone very well and overall we have had positive feedback.

“I think people can see that we have an exciting plan.

“At the moment, we have got a growing tea business, but we are quite constrained by the layout of different buildings – where a lot of time is spent moving products from one place to another."

“We are compromised by the layout of certain buildings and we are not as efficient with all three sites as we would like to be. Clipper is very much part of Beaminster and people are very much happy to find out what we are up to.”

Members of the public were able to view sketches for the layout of the proposed homes.

Helen Charles said: “I think it’s good that they want to stay in the town.

“The houses look nice, but they always do in the drawings. It will be interesting to see who can actually afford them though.”

Lindsey Palmer added: “The town really does need more housing, as does most of west Dorset. Hopefully theses will go ahead and we will take new homes in Beaminster.”

But Tony Humphries does not think the new plans will be welcomed in the town.

He said: “The design will not please a lot of people. This is a very traditional town, and these new homes look like they will cost a fortune.”

Clipper will use profits from The housing development will fund the extension of the southern site , enlarging the current building and it is hoped to start work next year.

Clipper Teas in Beaminster employs 66 full time and eight part time workers. Each of the proposed new homes will have its own garden and parking space.

Mr Cairns added: “The north side of the road would be available for housing.

“We are going to be starting off the planning process next month and we would hope to be in a position next year to be looking at starting to build.”