Agenda and draft minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Monday 30^th September 2024.

The minutes of the meeting held on Monday 30^th September 2024 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 Northam made a declaration to agenda item 6, in which he had spoken with local residents and the headmistress within his capacity as the Local Ward Member. It was agreed that he would take part in the debate and vote as he would consider the application on its own merits, therefore he was not pre-determined.

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 15^th October 2024.

Representations by the public to the Committee on individual Public Path Order applications are detailed below. There were no questions, petitions or deputations received on other items on this occasion.

Members considered written reports submitted on Public Path Order applications as set out below.

This report considers an application to extinguish a section of Footpath 131 and to divert a section of Footpath 62, Weymouth, which both currently run through the school grounds. The affected land is registered to Dorset Council and one other landowner and is opposed, therefore the application needs to be considered by the Strategic and Technical Planning Committee.

With the aid of a visual presentation including plans and photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and explained the proposal and relevant legislation to members. Members were informed that it was a public path order application for a special extinguishment order and special diversion order. Dorset Council, as the highway authority, has the power to divert and extinguish footpaths for the purposes of school security and safety. The proposal was before the committee as objections had been received and it affected Dorset Council land. The Case Officer indicated the location of the school and identified the two footpaths which were to be extinguished and diverted on the grounds that it is expedient for the purposes of school security and safety, with maps of the area. The officer presentation provided details of the proposed extinguishment and diversion, highlighting that a section of the proposed new route will cross land which is not owned by Dorset Council, however, the landowner had been consulted and officers were awaiting a response. It was explained that the section of land not owned by Dorset Council already carries public highway rights.

Photographs of the staff car park, parts of the existing perimeter fencing and the affected parts of Footpaths 131 and 62 from different viewpoints were shown. Members were shown the approximate location of the fencing and locked gate at point A on Footpath 131 which will be opened for school pick up and drop off times in the event the orders are successful. The current route of Footpath 62 is to be diverted runs between point C and point D, which is located next to the school entrance. There would be some vegetation clearance required if the application is approved, however, it was noted that no mature trees would be affected. Details of the width of the new route of Footpath 62 were provided; that is 2 metres except at points E and F which will be 1.2 metres. Photographs also identified existing parking spaces which will be reconfigured if the proposals are successful.

If approved, an extinguishment order will be made under section 118B of the Highways Act 1980 and a diversion order under section 119B of the Highways Act 1980. The risk to pupils and staff from the location of existing footpaths was highlighted including aggressive parents, dogs and dysregulated pupils leaving the site. The proposal addresses the risks identified by the School relating to the footpaths and is supported by Dorset Council’s Assets and Property Team, Health and Safety Officer and Safeguarding and Standards Advisor. The Council had also consulted the police who were fully supportive of the application.

The Case Officer set out the legal order making and confirmation tests for Sections 118B and 119B of the Highways Act 1980. Evidence in support of the orders provided by the school was highlighted including a recent Risk Assessment, incidents logged by the School and recommendations from Dorset Council’s Assets and Property Team, Health and Safety Officer and Safeguarding and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

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.