Fire-hit estate's housing plan draws mixed views

Parnham House was largely destroyed by a fire in 2017

A planned development of 85 new homes on a fire-hit estate has drawn a mixed reaction following a public exhibition.

Grade I listed Parnham House, near Beaminster, Dorset, was gutted in a suspected arson attack in 2017.

Former rave promoter James Perkins, who bought the property in 2020, previously said the housing would pay for restoration work.

Some residents said Tuesday's public presentation did not answer their questions over the housing plan, although the estate said it was preparing an "incredibly detailed" planning application.

The fire broke out at Parnham in the early hours of 15 April 2017 and took four days to fully extinguish.

Previous owner Michael Treichl was arrested on suspicion of arson and was found dead two months later.

Former rave promoter James Perkins bought the ruined stately home in 2020

On Facebook, residents who visited the public event described the housing design as being "a bit like Poundbury" and having "varied doll's house fronts".

One said: "I can't see long-term how any of this benefits Beaminster.

"The doctors are already struggling. The sewage system is already having to be pumped out regularly and taken away by tankers.

"Will there be affordable housing and social housing?"

Another wrote: "I understand the local concern but if they have a desire to bring the house back in to some functional use, then they have to do something.

"I have no problem with the development, as long as they provide the utilities to service this."

Resident's described the housing design as being "a bit like Poundbury" and having "varied doll's house fronts" (artist's image shown)

The estate's senior project manager Ed Grant said Parnham had "agreement in principle" for development from Historic England and Dorset Council.

He told BBC Radio Solent: "We're coming up with a viable solution, which has taken an awful lot of work, of how to save the building."

Mr Grant said the scheme would use a new rising water main and would include new sewage treatment plants.

He said it was classed as an "enabling development" - one that would not normally be allowed but for the conservation benefit to Parnham House.

Mr Perkins, 56, who co-founded the Fantazia events brand, has already won permission for parties and weddings, a restaurant and holiday chalets on the 131-acre estate.

In May, an auction of his collected fossils and artworks raised £2.2m, according to Dreweatts auctioneers.