PLANS for a pop-up market area showcasing Purbeck food and drink have been refused.

Pop-Up On The Hill was a concept created during the pandemmic that saw locally-based traders able to set up in a field on Grange Hill, near the Isle of Purbeck Viewpoint.

A planning application on behalf of Henry Bond, of Pop Up On The Hill Ltd, sought permission to allow the market to run from April to October each year, and from 10am to 11pm each day.

“The concept is excellent in its simplicity,” the application to Dorset Council said.

“The venue offers an opportunity for local traders to ‘pitch’ their goods at the site, typically two or three traders, but a sensible level of flexibility is sought to allow for daily variations.

“The goods on offer, including hot food and drink, is locally sourced and represents the fare that Purbeck has to offer.”

It also sought permission for a series of small-scale entertainment events at the site.

However, council planners refused the application, saying ‘changing the use of the site from agricultural to a restaurant, will have a harmful impact on the undeveloped tranquil character of the area and as a result will cause harm to the Dorset AONB’.

It also said the application had not demonstrated whether there are any protected species on site and has not offered suitable mitigation or biodiversity net gain.

See the full application, reference P/FUL/2022/04432 at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.