Sherborne's £4m Paddock Project art gallery 'in wrong building'

A planned £4m art gallery is in the "wrong building, in the wrong place", a pressure group has said.

Sherborne Arts Trust's Paddock Project in Sherborne, Dorset, would also incorporate the town's tourist information centre.

Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) said neighbouring Sherborne House should instead be used.

The majority of the comments so far received on the application are supportive of the plans.

A benefactor has agreed to fund the project, which would include three gallery spaces and a coffee shop.

Emma Morris, director of Sherborne Arts Trust, said it had been "delighted by the overwhelmingly positive response by the public" but "disappointed" by the comments made by the CPRE.

She described the project as "a huge and exciting opportunity".

Local children's author Paul Stickland said: "With over 40 years of experience working as an arts professional with children of all ages and abilities all over the world, I wholeheartedly welcome this exciting project, which will be a perfect addition to our unique town, benefitting both old and young alike."

He added it would give an "unarguable boost" to local businesses.

Other local residents who have supported the application described it as an "asset" to the town.

However, concerns raised include loss of spaces in an existing adjacent car park and part of Paddock Gardens.

Sherborne Town Council said the design of the gallery was "poor quality and an inadequate modern design not in keeping within the surroundings".

CPRE said: "We feel passionately that the Paddock Project is the wrong building, in the wrong place and hence a waste of resources."

It added: "In addition, the benefactor's generosity would be better focussed on Sherborne House to make a gallery... and a centre there."

The trust estimates the gallery could attract between 50,000 and 80,000 visitors a year.

A consultation on the plans runs until Sunday.