Downe Hall The Earl of Sandwich asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they authorised the repairs to Downe Hall, near Bridport in Dorset; and, if so, whether they did so before West Dorset District Council agreed to the principle of enabling development The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Earl Ferrers) An application for the external alteration and conversion of Downe Hall into five flats, including certain repair work, was submitted to West Dorset District Council on 10 May 1995. On 11th January 1996 the Secretary of State was notified that the application was one which the council proposed to approve, and on 29th January he informed the council that he did not intend to direct that the application be referred to him for determination. The council therefore granted listed building consent on 16th February. An application seeking outline planning permission for eight dwellings in the grounds of Downe Hall was also submitted to the council, for which, I understand, planning permission was granted on 1st April.