A PROPOSAL for a garden massage tent at a property in Walditch has been ruled an unlawful development by Dorset Council.

According to one neighbour the activity has already been taking place prior to August 2021 with those using the tent passing close by a kitchen window on a shared path and the tent clearly visible from a neighbouring garden.

A council planning case officer has decided that the use in the garden amounts to a material change of use with the number of people likely to visit above what might be expected in a private garden attached to a listed cottage.

Dorset Council had been asked to consider if the use of the tent could be considered a permitted lawful development for the garden of Orchard Cottage, Walditch Road, Walditch for the Nurture Holistic Therapy company, based in Axminster.

An application to Dorset Council said the tent would be sited half-way along the garden, out of the sight of neighbours, with the cottage not being used for the business.

The proposal said the tent would be taken down several times a year for it to be used at festivals and other events and for cleaning, with it being in use up to three times a day in the spring and summer season.

The maximum number of clients over a week would be 12, spaced over 3 days with the business being advertised on social media and word of mouth with no signs or adverts at the property.

Said the application: “There would be no negative impacts on the nearest neighbours. Due to massage therapy being quiet and relaxing, there would be no noise, no smell, no traffic, no disruption etc. The bell tent would be hidden under trees within the garden, and so would not be visible to neighbours.”