Meeting documents

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Keith Day, Mary Penfold and David Shortell.

There were no declarations by members of disclosable pecuniary interests under the Code of Conduct.

With reference to minute 20, a general declaration was made by Cllrs Dunseith, Garcia, Brooks and Bryan and Ezzard that they would not take part in the debate or vote as they were unable to attend the site visit.  In addition, Cllr Ireland declared that although he was the local member for the item he had not taken a position on the application and would continue to take part in the debate and vote.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 1 February 2018.

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 February 2018 were confirmed and signed.

Public Speaking

There were no public questions received at the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 21(1).

There were seven public statements received at the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 21(2). One statement related to land east of Binnegar Lane and south of Puddletown Road through to land rear of Binnegar Hall, Binnegar (minute 19) and six statements related to Woodsford Farm, Woodsford, Dorchester (Minute 20).  Summaries of the statements are attached to these minutes as an annexure and are also referenced at minute numbers 19 and 20.

Petitions

There were no petitions received at the meeting in accordance with the County Council’s Petition Scheme.

To consider a report by the Head of Planning.

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Planning regarding applications which proposed changes to the Raymond Brown Sand and Gravel operations at Binnegar Quarry. 

A detailed overview, and presentation, were provided in respect of the proposal to relocate both the processing plant and silt lagoons from the north side of Puddletown Road to the south side. The impacts would be that dumpers would no longer need to cross the road, and that HGV delivery vehicles would access the site on the south side of the road rather than the north side as at present. The application also proposed revised restoration levels in area "B1" for the silt lagoons, which would be "capped" and restored to original ground levels. It was clarified that the application was supported by an Environmental Statement and no changes to the amount, duration, or extent of the extraction operations were proposed.  An extensive summary (including plans and photographs of the site, the relocated plant, battery bank and phasing of restoration to include a mix of biodiversity including dry humid and wet heathland) was provided.

The citing of the plant was explained as it would be at a low elevation below the rim of the extracted area at ‘B2’, and would be screened, which would minimise any visual or noise intrusion for local residents and the public.  Officers explained that the proposed restoration would bring improvements in providing ground levels close to existing levels rather than the currently approved bowl shape and improvements to the setting of the battery bank.  Historic England identified short-term harm to the setting of battery bank but considered this would be outweighed by the long-term improvement.

A description of the operational benefits was also provided which would improve highway safety by removing dumpers crossing Puddletown Road; introduce a legal agreement for the integrated management plan arrangements, specifically regarding restoration; landscape benefits to improve the long-term setting of the battery bank supported by Historic England; and common land improvements post restoration.

One public statement was received at the meeting from Mr Rob Westelon behalf of the applicant, in relation to the application in accordance with Standing Order 21(2).  A summary of the statement is attached to these minutes as an annexure.

As a neighbouring local member to the area being considered, Cllr Beryl Ezzard asked about any impact of HGV use of the site, to which it was confirmed that there were no highway liaison officer objections and given that there would be no dumpers using the road this would result in a big highway improvement.  She also asked about consultation with Arne Parish Council, to which it was confirmed that consultation had been undertaken and the report should have stated that no response was received.

The use of imported inert waste was discussed by the Committee, with questions asked about the definition of what waste would be used for restoration.  It was explained that the waste would consist of largely construction and demolition waste including materials from site preparations. The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

At this point in the meeting Cllrs Brooks, Bryan, Dunseith and Ezzard left the meeting.  Cllr Garcia remained but took no part in the debate and did not vote.

To consider a report by the Service Director.

(Note: With reference to minute 16, a general declaration was made by Cllrs Dunseith, Garcia, Brooks and Bryan and Ezzard that they would not take part in the debate or vote as they were unable to attend the site visit.  In addition, Cllr Ireland declared that although he was the local member for the item he had not taken a position on the application and would continue to take part in the debate and vote.)

The Committee considered a report by the Service Director – Economy, in relation to an application for planning permission and an application for approval under planning conditions. Application WD/D/15/001057 was previously discussed at the Regulatory Committee meeting held on 27th October 2016 with a decision on the application being deferred. Application 1/E/2005/0742/AuC was received in May 2017. A Committee site visit was undertaken on the 28th September 2017 (attended by Councillors Jones, Andrews, Bartlett, Ireland, Phipps, Orrell and Penfold).

It was acknowledged that there had been additional correspondence from the applicant’s heritage advisor, further representations and Parish Council correspondence.  An update sheet was provided for the meeting which summarised late representations received, and is attached to these minutes as an annexure.

The Principal Planning Officer provided and extensive overview and presentation of the applications (including plans and photographs), which included site context in respect of previous permissions and operation on site from 2009.  He explained that due to the interrelationship between the applications they were being reported together.  An overview of the applications was provided including arrangements for a Bagging Plant, proposed silt lagoon extension, landscaping including bunding, mitigations for sound and visual impact, together with a summary of the boundaries and local area including the road access, cycle network, footpaths, residential properties and the Woodford Castle, farm and nearby cottages.  Officers also explained the amendments to the application made since the site visit.

A description of the on-site operations including extraction, silt lagoons, water management, stockpiles, and the phased restoration which had encountered delay were provided. The site and surrounding land portfolio was also summarised together with the landowner’s desire for residential development within the area.

Six public statements were received at the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 21(2).  Summaries of the statements are attached to these minutes as an annexure. Five statements were made at the meeting as detailed below: 

·      Cllr Tony Meader, Knightsford Parish Council, addressed the Committee to confirm that the Parish Council had no objection to the proposal for a Bagging Plant, but had concerns regarding the silt lagoons being cited within 200m of housing for families and children, next to a public footpath and that they would not be seen from the processing area of the site and so would be dangerous.  He indicated that although there was no landowner consent, there was a more suitable alternative site to the south of the existing site comprising of lower grade agricultural land with existing quarrying permission which could accommodate the site extension and would be a long  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

To answer any questions received in writing by the Chief Executive by not later than 10.00am on 19 March 2018.

No questions were asked by members under Standing Order 20(2).