Bridport Community Shed buildings to be retained for community use

Bridport Town Council has been granted permission for a change of use for the structures used by the Bridport Community Shed project which has been on the site for the last three years.

The buildings; three sheds, a lean-to shed, covered wood store, covered seating area and decking, was previously part of a maintenance compound with the overall site in the Bridport Millenium Gardens.

‘The Shed’ project includes the repair, maintenance, refurbishment and the making of small items, mainly in wood, for its members and for sale to support the project.

The project has developed the site by building wooden sheds, a decked area to the rear for quiet work, and covered areas to accommodate various projects.

Dorset Council has agreed retrospective planning consent for the changes which recognise the community use.

A planning case officer report said that despite using some machinery there have been no objections from neighbours, although one of the conditions of the consent will limit the site use to specified hours.

No changes to the site boundaries, made up of walls, railings and hedging, are planned.

The work which takes place on the site includes recycling and up cycling of electrical and mechanical devices, gardening furniture and equipment.

The Shed runs some grant-funded courses designed to introduce and educate those who are otherwise excluded to basic woodworking and crafting skills. Social Prescribing Sessions organised via NHS also take place on site.