Join us to fight the
development at Parnham
The Dorset National Heritage Initiative exists to protect Parnham parklands and water meadows, which are landscapes of national significance, from development in order to safeguard Dorset’s natural and cultural heritage.
This landscape, including the Millground meadow located between Netherbury and Beaminster, is of exceptional historical, cultural and environmental value.
Current proposals to build a large private housing estate of 82 houses pose an immediate and irreversible threat – not only to this heritage, but also to the environment, wildlife and local infrastructure. It will destroy current and future generations’ quiet enjoyment of our beautiful green spaces and further damage precious biodiversity.
The Parnham application is now live on the Dorset Council Planning Portal. We offer guidance and sample objection letters on our How to Object page. We have until 11 January 2026 to respond to Dorset Council.
We want to encourage the active involvement of the local community in protecting their natural heritage and to keep residents and supporters informed of developments and opportunities to take action. You can also help by donating funds to support our initiative.
Our purpose is to ensure that this landscape is safeguarded through communication with stakeholders, advocacy and community action. We will raise awareness of its significance and highlight the risks posed by inappropriate development.
We will coordinate local, regional and national efforts to oppose unsuitable development, gathering evidence on the historic, ecological and cultural value of the site and the impact on local infrastructure. We will also engage with statutory bodies, planning authorities and heritage organisations in defence of the landscape.
How Parnham’s Past Informs Its Future
Why a local heritage specialist has objected to the proposed development. Parnham is more than a house set in parkland. According to a detailed objection submitted to Dorset Council by local heritage specialist
Putting The River Brit Back To Bed
Nestled in a bowl amongst the hills of West Dorset is the picturesque town of Beaminster with its listed stone cottages, bustling market square and thriving independent businesses. As you walk around it
Why residents are objecting to Parnham’s plans
With the strength of feeling displayed at last week’s planning meeting, and over 200 objections already lodged online, the reasons continue to mount as to why Parnham’s proposed 82-house gated development is the
Engage Local Community
By involving residents and visitors, we foster stewardship and raise awareness to strengthen conservation impact across Dorset.