Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 4 November 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 November 2022 were confirmed and signed.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests 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.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made at the meeting.

The winning and working of limestone through the lateral extension to Swanworth Quarry, retention of processing plant and existing infrastructure, importation of inert waste material for restoration purposes, and continued production and sale of recycled aggregates.

The Planning Consultant presented the report for the winning and working of limestone through the lateral extension to Swanworth Quarry, retention of processing plant and existing infrastructure, importation of inert waste material for restoration purposes, and continued production and sale of recycled aggregates.

The site was allocated in the Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Dorset Mineral Sites Plan 2019  2019 for the supply of crushed rock.

The slide presentation showed views from the Purbeck Way and a photo montage of how the proposed new bridge would look once constructed. The committee were given details of the phasing of the restoration of the site and where the restoration materials would be stored.  Due to the delay in restoration mitigation proposals were in place to support the ecological network which over time would also provide a biodiversity net gain.

The final restoration proposals involved reinstatement of the site to original levels to conserve the strong landscape and historic character of the area, and would be managed for a 30 year period.

The application was recommended for approval subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement.

Oral representation was received from Mr Martin Rowell in objection to the application, his concerns focussed on the affect on the AONB and local residents together with the impact of increased traffic movements.

Oral representation was received from Ms Lauren Davis, Mr John Suttle and Cllr Cherry Brooks, Ward Member, in support of the application.

The Planning Consultant was given the opportunity to respond to the speakers’ comments and the Committee members were invited to put forward any questions for clarification.

Cllr Brenton proposed a site visit as she felt it was difficult to picture the topography from the presentation slides.

The Head of Planning re-emphasised that the Planning Inspector had agreed the need for crushed rock in the location was substantial and that principle had become part of the Local Plan, which in turn had been through the test process and approved.   In response to member questions and to the proposal for a site visit he reminded the Committee that the allocation of the site in the Local Plan had been made on the basis of the landscape impacts being mitigated and compensation had been allocated for this.  Members would need to be very clear on the scope they wanted to look at if they went on a site visit.

At this stage there was a short adjournment while the Planning Officers uploaded some additional images from the landscape visual assessment, after which Cllr Brenton withdrew her proposal for a site visit.

In response to a question relating to the water table, the Head of Planning advised that this was a matter for the Environment Agency to monitor, however members requested an informative note added to ensure the water was checked and not contaminated.

Taking into account the site was allocated in the Local Plan, the benefits of the extension and the robust environmental mitigation proposals the members were supportive of the recommendation.

Proposed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

The Lead Project Officer presented the application for the Installation of ground mounted photovoltaic solar farm & associated landscaping, hydrological & biodiversity enhancements.

The project was to cover a 40 year period and would produce a 30 megawatt solar farm.

Slides and aerial views highlighted the access route, the proximity of the application site to the surrounding area and other solar farms in the locality.

The area to the south of the application site was an AONB with key rights of way, with the aid of an ariel view the historic aspects of the environment and the wildlife sites were pointed out.

The site layout would be made up of 5 blocks of panels and the Lead Project Officer indicated the locations of the invertors and substation.  2.4m deer fencing was proposed with gaps to accommodate any badgers.

Members attention was also drawn to a proposed wetland area and pond detail, and the submitted Landscape Strategy.

Members were provided with photos looking towards the site from nearby footpaths and roads. Indicative slides portrayed the predicted future views of the solar farm, in combination with the approved North Fossil Farm application, from the Chaldon Ridge bridleway in one, ten and twenty years’ time, having regard to both summer and winter views.

Members were advised that the photomontages provided, although useful, were simply an artist’s impression based upon predicted growth rates and that concern had been raised by the AONB Team that they represented an overly optimistic prediction. Members were therefore advised to view the photomontages with this understanding.

The main planning issues were highlighted, with particular reference to the individual and cumulative harm to the AONB, the biodiversity benefits and the green energy benefits. The proposed mitigation measures and details of an agreed compensation package were discussed. Consideration of the impact on historic features, amongst other material planning considerations was also highlighted, and the recommendation was to grant subject to conditions and the amendment to condition 6 (P.161)

Oral representation in support of the application was received from Ms Fiona Bowles, Mr Hugo House and Cllr Nick Ireland, Ward Member.

Members were invited to ask technical questions prior to debating the application.

In response to a question regarding security and vandal proofing the site, members were advised that the site was very rural and there was some security fencing proposed, however an informative note regarding fencing could be added to the conditions if required.

There would be some cumulative impact to the area, but the benefits were considered to outweigh the harm.

Proposed by Cllr Clayton, seconded by Cllr Bolwell.

Decision on Recommendation A: that Authority be delegated to the Head of Planning or Service Manager for Development Management and Enforcement to grant planning permission subject to the conditions outlined in the appendix to these minutes, including the update to condition 6, completion of a satisfactory planning obligation (legal agreement) and an informative regarding fencing of the transformers and substation: 

and

Decision on Recommendation B: REFUSE permission for the reason set out below  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

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.

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.

No exempt business