WORK is expected to begin soon on a controversial development of three houses next to a North Dorset pub.

A development villagers predicted would be the "death knoll for their community" is set to go ahead next to the Drax Arms in Spetisbury.

Residents feared the viability of the pub would be threatened by the development and said visitors would be deterred by a loss of parking and loss of the garden.

Some told the Daily Echo they feared the development would one day be expanded into a housing estate and thought that would mean the loss of a major amenity - the pub.

But Hall and Woodhouse insists the pub will remain.

It has already honoured a promise of improving the Drax Arms, having completed external redecoration and created a new garden to replace the one that will be taken up by the new development.

A spokesperson said: "We are pleased with the level of trade. The development has allowed us to secure the long-term future of the pub."

An earlier application to build on the site was refused, the developers appealed against that decision and in the meantime made another, slightly different application which was agreed in May.

James Lytton-Trevers, a planning officer at North Dorset District Council (NDDC), said: "The later application had better facilities for the public and more car parking.But at the time it went through people were still raising objections.

"I think work is likely to start very soon."

NDDC announced this week that the earlier appeal had been withdrawn and the applicant says this is because it is pressing ahead with the agreed development. But a spokesperson said the company was challenging the council for costs over the earlier refusal.

First published: Oct 25