Issue - meetings

To consider a recommendation from the Cabinet meeting held on 1^st October 2019.

Cllr D Walsh, Portfolio Holder for Planning, introduced the report. He reminded members that the Dorset and BCP Minerals Sites Plan had taken four years to produce, including consultation with the public and stakeholders.  An examiner had been appointed by the Secretary of State and, following two hearings, it had been deemed "sound" to be adopted.  The Plan could not be changed and, when in place, would protect areas such as heathlands.  He commended the Plan for adoption.

It was proposed by Cllr J Andrews and seconded by Cllr J Haynes

Decision

1.   That the Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Dorset Mineral Sites Plan be

adopted subject to its inclusion of the main modifications that are appended to the Inspector’s Report;

2.   That the formal adoption date will begin two weeks from the date at which both BCP Council and Dorset Council have resolved to adopt the plan;

3.   That delegated authority be given to the Portfolio Holder for Planning, after consultation with the Executive Director for Place:

(a)  any additional (non-material) modifications to the Plan which were the subject of consultation, together with any other additional modifications which benefit the clarity of the Plan;

(b) authority to expedite any technical/procedural matters associated with adoption of the plan, including those connected with Dorset Council’s role as the Competent Authority on matters relating the Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Plan.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning to report.

Recommended to Full Council

The Cabinet considered a report seeking the adoption of the Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Dorset Mineral Site Plan. The Portfolio Holder for Planning advised that the draft plan had been submitted to the Secretary of State and an independent inspector in March 2018. The Inspectors report had now been issued and it concluded that, subject to the inclusion of modifications, the plan was legally compliant and sound.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning confirmed that the modifications did not significantly alter the thrust of the overall content and approach that was submitted for examinations.  The Plan covered the areas of both Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) and would need to be adopted by both unitary councils. 

Members noted that BCP would be considering the adoption of the plan on 13 November 2019. Once this had occurred there would be a 6 week challenge period from the date of adoption, during which interested parties had the right to challenge the plan on legal and procedural matters.

Cabinet members supported the adoption of the Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset Mineral Sites Plan as it ensured Dorset Council had an up to date statutory policy framework for considering planning applications for mineral development. Members also drew particular attention to the significant amount of work and engagement that had gone into the development of the plan.

Recommended to Full Council

That the Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Dorset Mineral Sites Plan be adopted and Council be requested to:-

1.    resolves to adopt the Plan subject to its inclusion of the main modifications that are appended to the Inspector’s Report;

2.    confirms that the formal adoption date will begin two weeks from the date at which both BCP Council and Dorset Council have resolved to adopt the plan;

3.    delegates to the Portfolio Holder for Planning, after consultation with the Executive Director for Place:

a.    any additional (non-material) modifications to the Plan which were the subject of consultation, together with any other additional modifications which benefit the clarity of the Plan;

b.    authority to expedite any technical/procedural matters associated with adoption of the plan, including those connected with Dorset Council’s role as the Competent Authority on matters relating the Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Plan. 

Reason for decision

To ensure Dorset Council has an up-to-date statutory policy framework for considering planning applications for minerals development. 

To comply with the requirements of the statutory/consequential orders concerning Shaping Dorset Council which require a council-wide local plan by 2024.