AN application for part of the former wagon works off the Main Street at Piddletrenthide to be converted into three homes has been withdrawn.

The conversion and change of use application for a former workshop to the rear of the original Forge was submitted earlier in the year and then re-submitted with minor changes, but has now been pulled from the Dorset Council planning register.

Piddle Valley parish council had said that it was broadly in favour of the previous application for conversion but had asked for some changes to the air source heat pump, the roof line and for a covenant to be included to prevent the properties being used for holiday lets.

It was also concerned about a possible increase in parking.

The application was from Mr Tim Hunt whose family have run a number of businesses on the site over many years, including making farm wagons.

The 1970s building has also been used for a car repair, service and sales business and for the repair of agricultural machinery.

Planning agents say one of the two industrial units has been unoccupied for more than a year and, despite being advertised, had failed to attract any interest.

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 were 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 of the 70s building. Cedar cladding was proposed to improve the look of the building.

Each of the proposed homes was planned to 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 the area and claims that the proposal, within the village conservation area, would benefit the village.

The proposal said the homes would be let on short term tenancies 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.