A 24 HOUR alcohol licence could be granted for Parnham House in the coming days.

Dorset Council's licensing sub-committee are currently considering the application for an alcohol and entertainment licence for the historic building after a meeting which spanned two days.

The meeting was held online on Tuesday and Wednesday and heard arguments for and against. 

The application included a 24 hour licence to supply alcohol and led to almost 100 objections being submitted.

The committee said during whilst they originally intended to reach a decision today (Thursday), due to the amount of information presented to them, a decision may end up taking longer.

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

The application for the grant of a premises license also includes musical and dance performances, recorded music, indoor sports events - including the potential for boxing or wrestling - and plays.

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

The applicants barrister summarised by confirming that the applicant did still want to be able to sell alcohol 24 hours a day, that herself and Mr Caton had taken on board observations and issues with communication and that if the licence was granted it would mark the beginning of a process in which they would work together with the community.

Les Fry asked if they would consider regular meetings with community to discuss ongoing issues at Parnham. Mr Caton said responded by saying that they are 'more than happy' to host regular meetings to engage with the community, and added they would be open to forming a working group involving the community prior to events.

Aileen Powell, licensing team leader, said: "This is licensing working at its very best. An applicant who has been responsive to comments and residents being engaged and involved in the process."