Agenda and draft minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 6^th May 2026

The minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 6^th May 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 17^th July 2026

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.

Proposed cable route in conjunction with approved solar farm developments (North Farm Solar Farm ref. P/FUL/2023/02829 and Woodlands Solar Farm ref. P/FUL/2023/03415) at Mannington, Horton.

With the aid of a visual presentation, including plans and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and outlined the proposal together with the relevant planning policies. An update slide was presented, which included changes to conditions 3 and 12 and the inclusion of an informative to satisfy the Cranborne Chase National Landscape officer that previously approved landscaping needs to be adhered to. 

Members were shown the application site, its boundaries and surrounding context, including previously approved solar farms and the Mannington Substation to the southeast. The presentation highlighted nearby designations, including a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, together with the wider Green Belt context.  

The Case Officer explained that two potential cable routes, extending to almost 10km, had been identified to connect the approved solar farms to the National Grid. Approximately 83% of the route would be located within existing highway verges, with around 17% crossing undeveloped land. A preferred route was shown, although the final route would be secured through planning conditions. Indicative trench details and cable design were presented, and Members were advised that all affected land would be reinstated following construction and this was secured by condition.  

The Committee was advised that statutory consultation had been undertaken through site and press notices. Objections had been received from the Horton Ward Councillor, as detailed within the officer report. 

The main planning considerations included the principle of development, Green Belt impact, landscape and visual impact, heritage assets, residential amenity, highways, flood risk, trees and biodiversity. The proposal was considered acceptable in principle, having regard to the NPPF and its role in supporting renewable energy infrastructure. As the cable would be underground, officers considered there would be no significant harm to the character of the area, heritage assets or openness of the Green Belt. 

Potential construction impacts relating to noise, dust and traffic would be temporary and controlled through conditions. A Traffic Management Plan had been submitted; no new accesses were proposed and neither Dorset Highways nor National Highways had raised objections. Flood risk consultees had also raised no objections, subject to conditions. 

The impact on trees was considered minimal, with appropriate tree and hedgerow protection measures proposed. Whilst some woodland loss would occur within the Mannington Substation SNCI, biodiversity mitigation and compensation, including new woodland planting would be secured as part of the development. 

In conclusion, the Case Officer advised that all planning considerations had been found acceptable. The cable route would enable previously approved solar farms to connect to the National Grid, contributing to Dorset Council's climate objectives, without causing harm to the Green Belt. The officer recommendation was to Grant planning permission subject to conditions. 

Public Participation 

The Agent addressed the Committee and advised that the proposed cable route was essential to the operation of the development. She explained that the applicant had identified the most suitable route with the least environmental impact, supported by a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment, and noted that no objections had been received. The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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.