A TENT could be used for a massage therapy business at a West Dorset home – if planners agree.

Dorset Council has been asked to consider a lawful development application for the use of a bell tent in the garden of Orchard Cottage, Walditch Road, Walditch, for the Nurture Holistic Therapy company, based in Axminster.

A planning application to Dorset Council says the tent will be sited half-way along the garden, out of the sight of neighbours, with the cottage not being used for the business.

The application says the tent will be taken down several times a year for it to be used at festivals and other events and for cleaning, with it being in use up to three times a day in the spring and summer season.

The tent is not proposed to have any power or heating although a nearby outdoor electricity socket would be used for a hot stone heater.

The maximum number of clients over a week would be 12, spaced over 3 days with the business being advertised on social media and word of mouth with no signs or adverts at the property.

Said the application: “There would be no negative impacts on the nearest neighbours. Due to massage therapy being quiet and relaxing, there would be no noise, no smell, no traffic, no disruption etc. The bell tent would be hidden under trees within the garden, and so would not be visible to neighbours.”