Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Monday 30^th June 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on Monday 30^th June 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.

Cllr David Tooke declared an interest in Agenda Item 6, as he had not attended the site visit. He withdrew from the meeting at this point and took no part in the debate or vote.

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 Thursday 4^th September 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.

P/FUL/2023/04753: Extension to Woodsford Quarry for the winning and working of sand and gravel with restoration to agriculture, waterbodies and wetlands for nature conservation;

P/VOC/2023/04760: Mineral extraction and progressive restoration to agriculture and woodland including the erection of a processing plant, concrete batching plant, workshop, office and weighbridge (with variation of Condition Nos. 3, 4 and 15 of Planning Permission Ref. 1/E/2005/0742 to revise the approved phasing of working, extend the duration of the development and allow importation of mineral and processing of mineral from extension site); &

P/VOC/2023/04761: Formation of silt lagoons to serve existing processing plant at Woodsford Quarry with site restoration to agricultural use (Planning Permission Ref. WD/D/18/002648) as upheld at appeal for non-determination (appeal reference APP/D1265/W/19/3232596) (with variation of Condition Nos. 3, 5, 7 and 9 to extend the duration of the development and associated scheme submission dates).

The item was deferred to a future meeting due to unforeseen circumstances.

Extraction of approximately 11.5 million tonnes of sand and gravel, in phased working, together with importation of aggregates and cement, construction of a car park, internal haul road, bridged conveyor crossing, erection of a site office, aggregate processing plant, aggregate bagging plant, ready mix concrete plant, and ancillary buildings. Restoration to water bodies and agriculture and biodiversity enhancements together with public access and use of retained site office as a Visitor Centre.

With the aid of a visual presentation the Case Officer identified the site and outlined the proposal. The presentation included plans, aerial photographs, and illustrative images. Members were shown the site location and wider context maps, the proposed phasing of works over a ten-year period, and the dredging methodology, including the use of electric dredging units. Details were provided of the proposed conveyor crossing over the B3390, the elevations of the site office and visitor centre, and the creation of a permissive bridleway and new footpath links between Moreton Station and Moreton village. The presentation also addressed anticipated traffic movements and access arrangements, restoration measures aimed at enhancing ecology and biodiversity, and the layout of ancillary buildings across the site. The officer’s recommendation was to grant planning subject to conditions and completion of a section 106 agreement.

Public Participation

Nigel Hill raised concerns regarding water flow beneath the surface at Hurst Farm Quarry, explaining that slowed water created silt and made the site particularly sensitive. He referred to the consultation process and the technical papers provided, noting that he had no prior experience of such matters but remained sceptical about proposed solutions to the waterflow problem. He argued that failures in water management could occur and emphasised that restoration should be prioritised, particularly given the expanding local population. 

Cllr David Neudegg spoke in his own personal capacity and highlighted the importance of Sculpture by the Lakes as a recognised tourist site and expressed concern that noise levels, already noticeable, would increase under the proposal. He noted the report gave limited attention to noise impacts and requested a public commitment from the applicant to address these issues, including consideration of operational times

Cllr Tony Meader spoke in his personal capacity and warned that extended quarrying would industrialise the rural landscape and exacerbate noise issues already experienced locally. He stressed the need for strict enforcement of conditions and raised safety concerns for cyclists and horse riders on narrow routes. He considered the scale of the application excessive and urged refusal.

Cllr Roland Tarr noted that noise had been a continuous problem in the area. He highlighted the high number of truck movements and stressed that tonnage limits should be enforced. He also expressed concern about the visual and environmental impact of the proposed crossing in a rural setting.

Robert Westell, speaking as the applicant’s agent, emphasised the urgent need for the proposal, noting that Hurst Farm was the only site allocated for this purpose since 2019. He explained that the application had been subject to extensive scrutiny and highlighted the projected 190 percent biodiversity net gain, the creation of employment opportunities, and the provision of safe pedestrian links. He stated that the development was essential for Dorset’s economic growth.

Richard Kimblin KC stated that the site had been formally allocated and that the proposal was in line with the adopted plan. He acknowledged that mineral developments inevitably had impacts but emphasised that the application had been subject to detailed scrutiny. He advised  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

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.