A SHOWER and toilet block is being proposed for a west Dorset cider orchard holiday site.

It follows a planning consent granted by Dorset Council to expand the site by the addition of extra holiday units.

The Strong family orchard site at Pineapple Lane, Waytown, is now asking for planning consent for the facilities block.

An application to the council says the concrete block building will be rendered with a green profile roof and upvc windows.

A planning agent says the Dorset Nectar Cider business has been in the same ownership since 2006 and had diversified to now run tours and tasting sessions on three days a week.

It also has permission for six shepherd huts for holiday accommodation, yet to be installed, and has 14 seasonal tent camping pitches which are located between cider apples trees from April to September – the campers and other visitors having to share the existing three toilets and one shower.

The agent says that although the camping site gets good reviews mention is often made of the need for additional washroom facilities which the business is now seeking to address.

If approved the new block, measuring 6.8 by 4.5metres, will include a disabled loo and will see the business install a new sewage treatment plant as part of the development. It will be built in a clearing in the 3,000-tree orchard, adjoining a polytunnel which has a water supply, and next to the camping area.

Public comments on the planning application can be made until December 21st – ref 2023/06721.

The consent for six shepherd huts, each with one parking space, is for a separate site south of the organic orchard with the owners also proposing to plant a vineyard.

Documents with the planning application to Dorset Council said that in a good year the orchard can produce 300 tonnes of cider apples which, with its holiday accommodation, plays an important part in the local economy in a sustainable way.