Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence

No apologies for absence were received at the meeting.

To receive any declarations of interest

Cllr David Gray declared a non pecuniary interest in Application WP/19/00476/FUL - Site of 8-10 Dorchester Road, Weymouth (minute 56) as he lived next door to the application site.  He would therefore leave the room and not take part in the debate or vote on this application.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 3 October 2019.

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 October 2019 were confirmed and signed.

Members of the public wishing to speak to the Committee on a planning application should notify the Democratic Services Officer listed on the front of this agenda. This must be done no later than two clear working days before the meeting. Please refer to the Guide to Public Speaking at Planning Committee.

Representations by the public to the Committee on individual planning applications are detailed below. There were no questions, petitions or deputations received on other items on this occasion.

To consider the applications listed below for planning permission

Members considered written reports submitted on planning applications as set out below.

Demolish existing dwellings and erect 3 no. blocks of flats (31 flats in total) with car parking, cycle and refuse storage.

Cllr Gray left the room and did not take part in the debate or vote during consideration of the item.

The Senior Planning Officer introduced the application to demolish the existing dwellings and erect 3 blocks of flats (31 flats in total) with car parking, cycle and refuse storage.  The revised recommendation and some additional conditions had been included in an update sheet that was circulated to the Committee at the meeting.

He conveyed the observations of the Housing Enabling Officer that it would be very difficult to find a social housing provider who would be prepared to manage two individual flats within larger blocks of a different tenure. Recently providers had wanted to sell flats in blocks where they did not own the freehold, as they were unable to influence the management of the blocks, particularly in relation to fire safety and risk assessments. There were a number of affordable housing schemes being worked on in the area that would benefit from financial assistance, therefore in this instance it was decided that a financial contribution would be acceptable.

Members were shown a location plan and site plan that identified the Conservation Area boundary and included block C at the rear of the site and although this was outside of the Conservation Area, it was recognised that this would have an impact.

Also shown were the elevations and floor plans, including Blocks A and B elevations which picked up on the proportions and fenestration of the neighbouring properties, in particular, the adjacent listed building Cranford House.

The plans for Block C had been amended to mitigate the impact on residents at 8 Ricketts Close, by cutting back the elevation on the south east and south west elevations and moving the extension to improve outlook and daylight in line with Building Research Establishment (BRE) guidelines. The relationship of the buildings was now acceptable in residential amenity terms and it was difficult to construct an argument to suggest that the loss of daylight was such as to provide a reason for refusal.

A street scene slide showed the previously approved flats, which demonstrated the standardised elevation treatment and fenestration of that scheme.  The contrast with the current proposal was explained including the reduction in overall mass, the design treatment in the spirit of a Victorian villa influence and with Block B moved further away from Cranford House.

Photos were shown of Cranford House, the site frontage with derelict properties, Rembrandt Hotel site access and rear car park, College Lane (access), the existing dwellings and unkempt garden area, the rear of all properties and the site relative to 8 Ricketts Close showing windows on the side elevation.

The Key Planning Matters were outlined including the principle of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

Erect up to 58 dwellings, amenity space, landscaping, informal public open space, and children’s play area. Demolition of agricultural structures (outline).

The Senior Planning Officer introduced the outline application to erect up to 58 dwellings, amenity space, landscaping, informal public open space, children’s play area and the demolition of agricultural structures. 

It was reported that the ward member indicated in the report was incorrect and should be Cllr Rebecca Knox.  In addition, the number of units of affordable housing in paragraph 15.12 was 20.3 and not 16.24 units as outlined in the report.  Members were reminded that the application was for up to 58 dwellings and therefore affordable housing provision would be based on the actual number of homes that were built.

Members were shown a location plan and aerial photo showing the relationship with the adjacent Clipper Teas building that was also to be redeveloped for housing in the future.  The northern edge of the site went beyond the allocated site, mainly proposing strategic landscaping beyond the allocated site and providing for more housing within the allocated site. The removal of the equestrian outdoor riding area and other agricultural buildings would mean that this land became available for ecological enhancement and additional landscaping.

An illustrative layout demonstrated how the site might be developed and a strategic framework plan showed the interlinkages and vehicular access between the areas.  Section 106 agreements for both sites would aim to secure 2 pedestrian cycle links and vehicular link in a single integrated community approach.

Photos were shown of the area including the junction with the B3163, vehicular access to the site, stable/tack buildings/arena, the Dutch Barn, the northeast corner of the site, the site of the application looking west towards rising ground, a woodland corridor to be retained, the view to the south from the northern edge of the site and towards Broadwindsor Road, and the vehicular access for the other application.

The Key Planning Matters were outlined including that this was a residential development on an allocated site within the Defined Development Boundary and that provision of employment uses would be made at other more appropriate allocations.  Affordable housing, visual impact on the AONB, ecology and highway safety were also mentioned.

Peter Dutton, the applicant’s agent, addressed the Committee in support of the application for up to 58 homes that had been allocated in the Local Plan in a sustainable location.  The scheme respected the location and the AONB and would assist the Council in addressing the land supply shortfall and the high levels of affordable housing need.  There was no requirement for employment use on this site. A future reserved matters application would finalise the landscaping details and have regard to comments made by consultees.  The 2 application sites would be brought together in cohesive applications and linkages,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

WP/19/00370/FUL - Reconstruction and change of use of church to 25 No. apartments and remedial works to existing house.

WP/19/00371/LBC - Internal & external alterations to facilitate the reconstruction & change of use of church to 25 no. apartments and remedial works to existing house.

The Senior Planning Officer introduced the two applications for the reconstruction and change of use of a church to 25 apartments and remedial works to the existing house.

An additional condition in relation to the Construction Management Plan had been included in an update sheet that was circulated to members at the meeting.

Members were shown a location plan, site plan, elevations, floor plans and aerial photograph of the site currently occupied by the shell of a grade II listed former church and minister's house. In 2002, the church suffered a fire which destroyed the roof and upper walls and had been left open to the elements since that time.

A new steel framed glazed rose window was proposed to replace the stone rose window lost as a result of the fire.  The stone banding around the new window would match the stone and brickwork on the existing building that would be subject to condition.

Photographs of the existing building taken from St Edmund Street and the surrounding area were shown. The key planning matters were outlined including principle of development, heritage, affordable housing and parking.  In relation to heritage, it was noted that there was a need to balance the harm to the existing building already caused by the fire and subsequent exposure to the elements.  Although the application did not offer a faithful reconstruction, the harm from that was outweighed by safeguarding and preserving what remained of the building, the benefits of housing provision and visual improvement of the building in the Conservation Area.  A viability assessment considered by the District Valuer concluded that affordable housing provision would not be financially viable.

Robert Gardner, the applicant’s agent, addressed the Committee and provided background on the application site.  Since the fire in 2002, some demolition work had been carried out and scaffolding erected inside the walls of the building.  Previous permissions had not been successful due to viability issues.  This application was the culmination of 3 years of hard work and consultation with Historic England in order to get as much detail and quality into the building whilst maintaining viability. Residential amenity had been considered from the outset and public consultation had been widely attended with people largely supportive of the scheme. The application presented a unique opportunity to start the next chapter in the building's history, rejuvenate the site and improve the Conservation Area.

Members were pleased with this scheme.  In response to a question it was confirmed that the original stone rose window had been destroyed in the fire and could only be replaced at huge expense which had an impact on the viability of previous schemes.

Members asked how redevelopment would affect residents of Helen Lane and was informed that the additional condition in the update sheet was in relation to a construction traffic management plan in order  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

To consider any items of business which the Chairman has had prior notification and considers to be urgent pursuant to section 100B (4) b) of the Local Government Act 1972

The reason for the urgency shall be recorded in the minutes.

There were no items of urgent business.

On conclusion of the meeting the Committee formally thanked Debbie Redding (Development Manager) and Ian Madgwick, (Highways Engineer) for their support to the Committee as this was their final meeting.