Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 23^rd September 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 23^rd September 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 Tuesday 14^th October 2025.

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.

Construction of a temporary solar farm, to include the installation of solar photovoltaic panels, with substations, inverters, perimeter fencing, landscaping and other associated works.

With the aid of a visual presentation incorporating plans and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and outlined the proposal, explaining the relevant planning policies to Members. Updates to the report were provided, including additional information from the applicant and clarification emails. The site’s location, application boundary, and proposed construction access were identified, and it was noted that the site was sloping, with ground levels increasing towards the upper areas. Key designations and constraints were highlighted, including its location within the Dorset National Landscape, the presence of public rights of way, scheduled ancient monuments, listed buildings, ecological networks, and Flood Zone 1. Site photographs illustrated the extensive panoramic views from various points, and details were presented of the applicant’s proposal for a new recreational route and picnic area, along with visuals and details of the solar panel arrays, four transformers, a customer substation building, DNO substation building, fencing, CCTV, and a proposed landscaping scheme with new hedgerow planting.

The Case Officer outlined the design evolution and summarised the proposal’s key benefits, including renewable energy generation, ecological enhancements, economic contributions, recreational opportunities, and soil and farm diversification, as well as other non-material benefits. Key planning considerations were addressed, particularly landscape and visual impacts given the site’s extensive visibility. Exceptional circumstances and the planning balance were highlighted, and the Case Officer concluded with a recommendation to refuse planning permission.

Public Participation

Antony Warren highlighted significant changes to the original application, noting that the 44-acre site was located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which government policy stated should be protected. He argued that the land was unsuitable for the proposed development and warned that approval could set a precedent for similar projects elsewhere. He emphasised the need to resist proposals motivated primarily by financial gain. Mr Warren also referred to the impact on neighbouring farms, including one surrounded by flower fields, and noted that the site had produced maize this year, demonstrating its agricultural importance. He concluded that the potential loss of valuable farmland and landscape character outweighed any proposed benefits.

The applicant stated that the need for the scheme was critical. He explained that only one viewpoint would experience any significant visual impact, and panoramic views would be possible from the 1.5ha picnic area. He emphasised that refusing the application would represent a missed opportunity, noting the scheme’s alignment with carbon neutral targets and the urgency of the matter. Mr Bainbridge referred to page 53 of the committee report, stating that any harms had been fully addressed, while the benefits—particularly in relation to renewable energy—were substantial. He highlighted the grid connection as an improvement to a rare asset and argued that the economic benefits should be given greater weight. He added that the proposal supported the Energising Dorset strategy, would deliver employment opportunities, and provide significant benefits for Dorset.

The Local Ward Member stated that the parish council had almost unanimously supported the application, recognising the parish’s desire to play its part in addressing the climate crisis and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

Modification of conditions of planning permission 1/D/13/000972 for improvements to existing golf driving range and practice area including amended scheme for the re-profiling of the playing surface through the importation and placement of uncontaminated sand, naturally occurring soils and inert waste (Variation of condition 3 of p.p. WD/D/17/000991– (Time Limit – Completion of Development) to extend the end date to 18/08/2023).

With the aid of a visual presentation incorporating plans and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and outlined the proposal along with the relevant planning policies. The proposal sought an extension of time to the end of 2028, representing a five-year extension, with the only changes relating to time and additional landscaping measures in line with climate change legislation. The site lied within the Dorset National Landscape. Photographs were shown to illustrate the current condition of the site. The Case Officer explained the site phasing, highlighting Phases 1, 2, and 3, and outlined the works associated with each stage.

Details were provided regarding site access for HGVs and customers, existing fencing, the current access track, and signage. The access track was proposed to be extended to facilitate Phase 3, with the creation of a new safe working platform area. Views from the access were illustrated, noting the shared access arrangement with a nearby farm and campsite. It was confirmed that the site was importing waste, and the restoration and landscaping proposals included new tree planting to the south, extending the wooded area to maximise biodiversity. Suggested landscaping and restoration conditions were outlined. The Case Officer concluded that any policy conflicts were outweighed by material considerations and recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions set out in the officer report.

Public Participation

The agent spoke in support of the extension of time, explaining that it would allow the necessary work to be completed. He noted that the past few years had presented many challenges, but despite delays, the site had continued to be managed safely and responsibly. Mr Hansford stated that the project had continued to support local initiatives and highlighted that allowing work to take place on site, rather than elsewhere, would result in lower emissions. He explained that the proposal aimed to future-proof the club and emphasised that there was no benefit to keeping the site open any longer than necessary.

Members questions and comments

• Referred to the presentation slides and asked how the site would be monitored.
• Queried the nature of the imported inner material and sought clarification on the extension of planting and maintenance.
• Asked whether an independent assessment had been carried out to determine the overall timescale for completing the project.
• Questioned whether, if the extension were refused, the relandscaping works would still be required.
• Noted that the applicant had not filled the site as originally intended and expressed concern regarding the visual impact
• Assumed that officers were satisfied with the proposed conditions and the transport plan for the site

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of all this entailed; having considered the officer’s report and presentation; the written representatives; and what they had heard at the meeting, a motion to APPROVE the officer’s recommendation to GRANT as recommended, was proposed by Cllr Spencer Flower, and seconded by Cllr Belind Rideout, subject to conditions set out in the officer report.

Decision: To grant for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

Retrospective application for construction of lagoon to store waste from septic tanks to be used as fertiliser in agriculture.

With the aid of a visual presentation including plans and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and outlined the proposal along with the relevant planning policies. The site location, access arrangements, and layout were explained, accompanied by views of the underground tanks and lagoon, including perspectives from across the valley.

The proposal sought the retention of the lagoon, with an annual average of two deliveries per day and a condition allowing a maximum of five daily deliveries. The Case Officer highlighted the operational need for the facility, noting that the nearest septic tank disposal sites were in Poole and Yeovil. Key site constraints were outlined, and the main planning considerations included air quality impacts on protected European Sites, the visual impact on the Dorset National Landscape, and the effect on the use of the public right of way. The Case Officer recommended granting planning permission, subject to the conditions set out in the officer’s report and update sheet.

Public Participation

Helen Simpson described the location as three valleys situated next to the lagoon. She explained that a bridleway led up the hill to a point where visitors could enjoy a breathtaking view across the area; however, she stated that this experience was now being ruined by the smell of sewage. She reported that sewage was being injected into the ground, and along the length of a small valley next to the path, sludge was emerging visibly. She expressed shock that such activity was permitted and argued that small valleys, which cannot be farmed, should be protected. She added that the valley had originally been filled with sewage before the installation of the current system.

John Simpson raised numerous concerns, questioning why Buckland Newton should be used as a dumping ground for waste. Drawing on his experience working on a farm, he highlighted the volume of water involved and the impact of rainfall on sewage levels, noting the potential dangers associated with this. He explained that during periods of continuous rain, the land became too wet to allow the lagoon to be emptied, which could lead to further issues. He stated that greater clarification was needed regarding the proposed cover.

The agent explained that the lagoon was required due to recent regulatory implementation. He stated that restrictions on the movement to and from the storage lagoon would limit capacity in accordance with regulations. He clarified that the proposed cover would be slightly raised to prevent water ingress. Mr Baker noted that the sewage was used as fertiliser and had always been brought in from various local sites. It was documented that the Yeovil and Poole sites were operating at capacity, and this site would help prevent discharge into the nitrate area. He added that transporting the material directly from source to farm would reduce the carbon footprint.

Members questions and comments

• Asked about the reason for the proposed cover, highlighting concerns regarding air quality.
• Queried the level of fill of the lagoon and how this would be monitored.
• Asked  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

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.