Famous view from Hovis advert ruined by scaffolding

A planning application submitted to Dorset Council in May reveals how the 17th century Grade II-listed cottage has been damaged by water and needs extensive structural work.

Planning officer Emma Ralphs said: “The site lies within the highly sensitive Gold Hill area of the historic core within the designated Shaftesbury Conservation Area. 

“The street, a former historic routeway of local and national significance, incorporates a listed cobbled surface and the high boundary wall of the former Abbey Precinct, listed and scheduled. 

“The majority of the properties within the steep street are listed including no.16 and its adjoining no.17 and all of its northern neighbours.”

A spokeswoman for Shaftesbury Town Council said they hadn’t received any complaints – and that eventually the view would look even worse if the works weren’t carried out.

She added: “The problem is that works do need to be carried out, even in a lovely and picturesque place like this.”

Town councillor Piers Brown added: “Although one of the properties at the bottom of Gold Hill is currently undergoing some renovations, fortunately Shaftesbury has a lot more to offer including some of the most scenic views in the whole of the UK. 

“All easily accessible by foot, bike and car as well as one of the most vibrant and unique High Streets.”

And spokeswoman for Visit Dorset added: “The scaffolding is due to a renovation project bringing an old neglected cottage back to life, however Gold Hill can still be photographed at an angle that cuts out the scaffolding and shows the beautiful Melbury Downs in the background.”