Lantern Community in Folly Farm Lane at Ashley Heath plans arts and a meeting space

A GROUP in Ringwood which supports people with learning disabilities is planning two single-storey buildings for arts and a meeting space.

The Lantern Community in Folly Farm Lane at Ashley Heath, describes the proposed development as “community resource buildings”.

It says in its application to Dorset Council: “The proposal seeks to achieve two single-storey community resource buildings. The creative arts workshop consists of three workshop facilities with tea stations, WCs and storage. The other hub building forms a multi-purpose space, suitable for the community’s social use. The new proposal aims to provide improved working facilities, a social space for training and gatherings.”

The group says the site for the new workshop and community hub will be on land which it currently uses for eight gazebos “used for leisure and gathering”.

The new buildings are proposed to be finished with timber cladding, with green roofs and aluminium doors and windows, and will face each other.

The creative arts area amounts to 291-square meters, with the community hub building amounting to 102-square meters.

In a statement to the council, the Lantern Community describes its role as “supporting individuals, with diverse learning abilities, to achieve their full potential in a unique community setting”. The community currently accommodates 52 adults with learning disabilities.

It says thought has gone into the use of the site to minimise the impact of the development.

“The proposal is carefully planned in terms of scale, design, location, and landscaping to preserve the openness of the green belt,” it said. “This approach minimises the physical and visual impact, reduces the development’s footprint, and ensures the bulk of the structures are kept to a minimum.

“In addition to addressing the community’s need for new specialist accommodation, the wider site has been enhanced to promote biodiversity, integrating new buildings and landscaping in a way that respects and supports the natural environment.”

Public comments on the application remain open until the end of January.