Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Wheller.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registerable or non-registrable interest as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct. In making their disclosure councillors are asked to state the agenda item, the nature of the interest and any action they propose to take as part of their declaration.

If required, further advice should be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

Cllr Shortell declared an interest in application no P/HOU/2022/071110 due to having made a written statement regarding the item, he withdrew from the meeting during the consideration of this item.

Cllr Bolwell and Cllr Clayton noted that they sat on the Bridport Town Council planning committee, however, did not take part in the debate or vote when application no P/FUL/2023/00134 was determined by the Town Planning Committee, as such they were not predetermined on this item and were able to take part in the debate and vote.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2023 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. 

GuidanceforspeakingatPlanningCommittee.doc.pdf (dorsetcouncil.gov.uk).

The deadline for notifying a request to speak is 8.30am on Tuesday 21 March 2023.

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.

To retain raised decking at rear of garden.

Cllr Shortell left the Council Chamber during the consideration of this item and Cllr Pipe chaired the meeting.

Proposed by Cllr Pipe and seconded by Cllr Worth.

Decision: That Cllr O’Leary be elected as Vice-Chair for the duration of this item.

The Lead Project Officer introduced the application to retain raised decking at the rear of a residential garden, he explained that this was a retrospective application as the structure had been built in September 2022 and required planning permission due to the height of the structure.

Members were shown an ariel view of the site showing the location in relation to the surrounding area, the Lead Project Officer drew attention to the significant number of listed buildings that are located within the vicinity of the site, including many of the neighbouring properties, which are grade II listed and a grade I listed church. The Planning Officer noted the location of Mary Anning’s grave (a non-designated heritage asset).

A detailed site plan was displayed, which showed the height and scale of the structure in relation to the neighbouring wall of the churchyard. Photographs were also provided, showing the use of the structure and the views from the top of the decking over the surrounding area, as well as the visibility of the decking from neighbour’s gardens and the adjacent churchyard.

The Lead Project Officer outlined the key issues of the application, noting the objection from the Conservation Officer, the impact on residential amenity from loss of privacy of the neighbouring properties and the scale and design of the structure. As a result, the application was recommended for refusal.

In response to a member question, the Lead Project Officer explained to the committee that decking under the height of 30cm falls under permitted development and did not need planning permission, this information was available on the Dorset Council website. He also clarified that the total height of the structure to balustrade level was 2.8m, while the height of the decking was approximately 2m.

Members felt that the structure had an adverse impact on the character of the area and that there was a loss of privacy from the overlooking of the decking into neighbouring properties.

Proposed by Cllr Ireland and seconded by Cllr Cocking.

Decision: That the application be refused for the reason(s) outlined in the appendix to these minutes.

Install large doors to ground floor and replacement windows.

Cllr Shortell returned to the Council Chamber at 10:33 as Chairman.

The Planning Officer presented the application for the installation of large doors to the ground floor and replacement windows of a property in Weymouth harbour, it was explained that this application had been significantly amended and reduced since the initial application.

Members were shown the proposed elevations of the property and the Planning Officer explained that the only changes to the listed building would be to the style and colour of the windows to a more modern design.

The modern style of windows was not considered to cause harm to the conservation area and the Planning Inspector considered the windows to be in keeping with the conservation area.

In response to questions from members the Planning Officer explained that, as a result of the application being reduced significantly from the initial proposal, the large bi-fold doors were now no longer under consideration and the applicant had included a less imposing single width door for the ground floor instead.

Members were considerate of protecting the character of the area and were reassured by the Planning Officer that the new windows would reflect the industrial character of Weymouth harbour and would not negatively impact the area.

Proposed by Cllr Ireland and seconded by Cllr Kimber.

Decision: That the application be granted subject to the conditions outlined in the appendix to these minutes.

Change of use of land to outdoor dining/seating area, construction of low retaining wall.

The Planning Officer introduced the application for the change of use to outdoor seating and dining and the construction of a low retaining wall.

Members were shown the site location in relation to the surrounding area and the Planning Officer explained that this application had come to the committee for determination due to the site being located on Dorset Council owned land.

The Planning Officer displayed the site plan of the existing usage of the site, showing the picnic benches currently in place and the mound that was being used by pedestrians as a footpath to access the beach. The current usage of the site had been agreed with Bridport Town Council under a Sitting Out licence, which permitted the installation of temporary picnic benches for outdoor seating.

Under the application the area would be formalised, with an enclosing wall built to cordon off the seating area and paving installed to place the picnic benches on.

The Planning Officer outlined the main issues of the development, including the impact on the character of the area and the impact on residential amenity and public access for wheelchair users and pushchairs.

A comment was provided by Historic England regarding the application, which stated that care would need to be taken to ensure that there would be no negative impacts on the designated heritage assets in the area.

The Planning Officer noted that the mound showed signs of erosion and the work included as part of this application could stabilise the ground, however this did not outweigh the negative impacts on public access and the character of the area.

There was public representation from Mr James Tigg, who spoke in opposition to the application, citing the negative impact this application would have on the local area.

There was also public representation from Mr Simon Ludgate the agent to the applicant. He highlighted the benefits that this application would have in formalising the public footpath making the area safer for public use.

In response to questions from members the Planning Officer informed the committee that the area had been used as a public footpath for the past 100 years as shown from historic photos and this application would formalise the area as outdoor seating and dining. The Planning Officer also explained that the height of the proposed public footpath would be approximately 0.5m and would have a steep edge on one side.

Several members supported the officers’ recommendations, due to the loss of access to the pathway, particularly for wheelchair users and pushchairs. However, some members felt that formalising the site would improve the look of the area and make it more attractive to users of the site.

Proposed by Cllr O’Leary and seconded by Cllr Worth.

Decision: That the application be refused for the reason(s) outlined in the appendix to these minutes.

Erect No. 2 Commercial Units to the front of site.

The application for the erection of no 2 commercial units on the Granby Industrial Estate in Chickerell was presented by the Planning Officer, who explained that this application had come to the committee for determination because part of the application site was on land owned by Dorset Council.

Members were shown the location of the site in relation to the surrounding area and the Planning Officer explained that the part of the application on Dorset Council land was the pavement at the front of the site.

The Planning Officer showed the proposed site layout plan, with two industrial units in one building and explained that the curb at the front of the site would be lowered to allow access for vehicles. Fencing would be erected to the side and rear of the site to separate it from the existing industrial units.

Members were shown the proposed elevations of the front, rear and sides of the proposed building and were also informed that solar panels would be installed on the roof of the building.

The Planning Officer summarised the key issues of the application, noting there were no highway concerns and no impact on residential amenity.

The Planning Officer clarified that the fencing would only be installed to the side and rear of the units to separate the new units from the existing ones and the front of the site would be open.

Proposed by Cllr O’Leary and seconded by Cllr Worth.

Decision: That the application be granted subject to conditions outlined in the appendix to these minutes.

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 urgent items.

To move the exclusion of the press and the public for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 3 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered.

There was no exempt business.