Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Monday 18^th November 2024.

The draft minutes are to be published ahead of the meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on Monday 18^th November 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.

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.  Guide to Public Speaking at Planning Committee

The deadline for notifying a request to speak is 8.30am on Friday 22^nd November 2024.

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.

The installation of a battery energy storage system (BESS), together with associated infrastructure, security fencing, CCTV, cable route, landscaping, on-site Biodiversity Net Gain.

With the aid of a visual presentation including plans and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and explained the proposal and relevant planning policies to members. The proposal was situated within the identified greenbelt, aimed to enhance the local context while addressing the established settlement boundary. The integration of Public Rights of Way ensured accessibility, and the wider context included nearby facilities such as the crematorium and the Upton residential area, as well as operational renewable sites within a 4 km radius. A comprehensive review of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)  Planning Database nationally and within Dorset revealed the ongoing landscape of applications submitted and appeals lodged, giving crucial insights into the regional development framework. The site plan outlined the integration of battery energy storage system alongside measures for biodiversity net gain through thoughtful landscaping initiatives, all presented alongside the summary of components that form the proposal.

No objections had been raised by third party, highlighting community support for the initiative. All principal issues had been carefully considered, including screening for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and  Appropriate Assessment. The underlying principle of the development aligned with national policies focusing on sustainability while rigorously evaluating its impact on the greenbelt, justifying very special circumstances for its implementation. The proposed elevations included the installation of an acoustic fence to mitigate noise, with comprehensive documentation addressing key amenity issues, including assessments regarding the distance to the closest residential properties and commentary from the environmental health officer detailing noise mitigation strategies. Efforts towards biodiversity enhancement and showcasing net gain further bolster the project's environmental credentials. Traffic management had been meticulously planned, factoring in access lane dynamics and the provision of passing places to ensure unobstructed access for maintenance vehicles during construction/operation stages and emergency vehicles in case of emergencies. Construction logistics also included designated vehicle routes, temporary signage, and measures to minimize disruption. Consistent with recommendations from the National Fire Chief Council, provisions for fire safety included the installation of two hydrants, addressing the water supply for fire fighting operations and safety needs of adjacent residential properties. Detailed conditions related to these aspects can be found in the officer report. 

The proposed project would have incorporated internal tracks designed for battery storage maintenance and emergency response, specifically addressing flood risk and improving drainage for both surface and groundwater scenarios. The project's drainage strategies are mindful of potential pollution risks associated with fire incidents and runaway events, particularly concerning waterways. To mitigate these risks, a trench and attenuation pond  are proposed along the southern boundary of the site, with each section of the battery units being carefully bounded to provide additional mitigation to store polluted water in case of fire fighting operations and fire protection. While the Dorset heathland's integrity will be preserved, only one tree would have been removed, and a robust tree protection plan would be implemented. Archaeological assessment had not identified harm to limited archaeological findings within the area whilst heritage assessment has identified heritage assets in the area,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

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 are no exempt items scheduled for this meeting.  

There was no exempt business.