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 6 February 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.
Parnham Park: questions and answers on the employment claims
Q: We keep hearing that the Parnham development will create “hundreds of jobs”. Is that true? The claim needs careful interpretation. Large job numbers in planning applications are rarely a count of permanent,
Our position on ‘engagement’ with Parnham Park
Dorset Natural Heritage Initiative is a group of local residents opposed to the proposed private housing development on the deer park and Millground meadow at Parnham Park. It has been suggested that we
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 a local heritage
Engage Local Community
By involving residents and visitors, we foster stewardship and raise awareness to strengthen conservation impact across Dorset.