ADDING guest accommodation to a Dorset pub could see it become more viable, creating several jobs.

The requested upgrade to the White Hart in Ringwood Road, Longham, according to the owner, should be enough to make the pub business viable once again.

The pub site is surrounded on three sides by the Haskins garden centre.

Four guest units are being proposed – in the space of an ‘unsightly’ 1930s outbuilding which had been used for storage.

The owner of the White Hart in Ringwood Road is asking Dorset Council to approve the demolition of the former garage and to replace it with a single storey building to provide four units of guest accommodation.

The single-skin unit, with a corrugated sheet iron roof, is said not to be suitable for conversion.

Planning had prevously been granted to turn the pub into homes – with the new application expected, if approved, to see the business become more viable than it was.

Said a planning agent: “Creating guesthouse accommodation makes the commercial endeavour more viable, offering financial support by letting out rooms to holidaymakers. It is anticipated that these guests will use The White Hart pub at mealtimes. It is also intended that the guest amenity space will create a community hub for the local villagers of Longham and Hampreston.”

Agents say the application for the grade 2 listed building, if approved, is likely to support five part-time jobs.

Each of the four one-bed guest units will have a kitchenette and en-suite bathroom with a shared space at one end of the new block.

Public comments on the application are requested by August 23rd.

Several letters from neighbours have already supported the proposal, with backing from Ferndown Town Council.
The pub, previously owned by Hall & Woodhouse, had been closed for about two months but re-opened on July 6th after the new owner carried out an internal refurbishment.

Full details of the application can be found on the Dorset Council website using reference P/FUL/2024/03815