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 80+ 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 will share guidance on how to oppose the application during the first week of December. We have until 28 December 2025 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.
When Fairness Matters: Why DNHI Is Calling for Beaminster Town Council to Put Things Right
On Saturday 25 October, Dorset Natural Heritage Initiative (DNHI) volunteers set up a small information table in Beaminster town square. It was a simple and friendly community event. Our aim was to talk
When Enabling Development gets … complicated
Parnham House, a Grade I-listed 16th-century manor in Dorset, has been at the centre of a high-profile planning debate. The house had major improvements by Nash in the early C19th, but these suffered
The fine line between Preservation and Renewal
The application to build a housing estate on the parklands and adjoining meadow at Parnham has been submitted but not yet validated, which means residents can’t see the plans or submit their comments
Engage Local Community
By involving residents and visitors, we foster stewardship and raise awareness to strengthen conservation impact across Dorset.