Agenda and minutes
PDF 94 KBVenue: Committee Rooms A&B,, South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester, DT1 1UZ (DT1 1EE for sat nav). View directions
Contact: David Northover 01305 224175 - Email: david.northover@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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Apologies To receive any apologies for absence. Minutes: An apology for absence was received from Councillor David Tooke. |
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Declarations of Interest To receive any declarations of interest. Minutes: No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made at the meeting. |
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Public Participation To receive questions or statements on the business of the
committee from town and parish councils and members of the public. Minutes: There were no statements or questions from Town and Parish Councils, nor public statements or questions at the meeting. |
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The Terms of Reference of the Committee are attached, for reference. Minutes: The Committee noted their Terms of Reference and what these entailed. |
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Application to divert Footpath 51, Dorchester and Footpath 6, Winterborne Monkton To consider a report by the Executive Director for Place. Minutes: An application to
divert Footpath 51, Dorchester and Footpath 6, Winterborne
Monkton - as shown on Drawing 18/20/1 of the officer’s report - was considered
by members, with particular emphasis being given to the objections received in
response to the formal consultation on the application, how these should be
addressed, and how to proceed in light of the officer’s recommendation that an
Order be made. Prior to the meeting, the
Committee had visited the site of the application, to see at first hand what this proposal entailed and to have a more
meaningful understanding of the material considerations, to help inform their
decision. With the aid of a
visual presentation, the basis for the application and what it entailed was
explained. Photographs and plans were shown to the Committee by way of illustration,
showing how the footpath was being proposed to be diverted; its current characteristics
and those associated with its setting within the landscape; the points between which it
ran; and the characteristics of the alternative diversion being proposed. Views
from various points along the length of the current route and the proposed
diversion - showing its topography; its relationship with the neighbouring town
development - were drawn to the attention of the Committee. The main reason
for the application being made was on public safety grounds: so that it would
not be necessary to cross the A35, as those using the route currently had to.
The footpath crossed land owned by the Duchy, with the proposed diversion also being
beneficial to the affected landowner and its tenant farmer. Public consultation in 2018 had resulted in four objections - Councillor
Roland Tarr (the local Ward member for Winterborne and Broadmayne); a
local resident; the Ramblers Association; and the Open Spaces Society,
primarily on the basis that public enjoyment of the route would be diminished
and that it was less convenient and attractive due to the extended length and
route of what was being proposed. Other concerns expressed related to its
character; proximity to the bypass and route through a business park; number of
gates; its width and surfacing. Whilst the objections had been considered on their merit, officer’s
confirmed that their view was that the proposed diversion met the statutory
legal tests for both Order making and Order confirmation under Section 119 of
the Highways Act 1980. Officers clarified what those tests constituted:- ·
That it was in the interests of both the landowner and the
public,
in that public safety would be considerably improved by the diversion,
benefitting from the utilisation of an already established underpass, so
avoiding the need to cross the A35. The safety improvements for the public
using the footpath were considered to be substantial, given that the current
route was seen to pose a danger owing to the speed and volume of traffic at the
point at which it crossed the road. · Officers were satisfied that the diversion was in the interest of the landowner as it improved land management, given that the ... view the full minutes text for item 5. |
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Urgent items 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. Minutes: There were no Urgent Items necessary for consideration. |
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Update Sheet Minutes: Update Sheet Rights of Way
Application
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