Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Alex Brenton, Barrier Cooper, Les Fry and Richard Crabb.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registerable or non-registerable 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.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 4 August 2026.

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 August 2026 were confirmed and signed.

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 18 September 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.

Erection of 1no. dwelling (outline application to determine access & layout).

With the aid of a visual presentation, including site location plans, aerial photographs and proposed layout plans, the planning officer Jamie Francis identified the site and outlined the proposal and relevant planning policies. Members were shown the location of the site, which is in a preferred area for housing within the spatial strategy of the local plan and is within walking distance of the train station and local bus stops. The surrounding area was described as predominantly residential in character, with mainly 1970s housing estates located to the south. Photographs of the site and neighbouring properties were displayed, illustrating the site’s position within the street scene.

The planning officer explained that the proposal was divided into two parcels of land. The site context was outlined, including the existing dwelling on the site, views from the rear of the property, and the current garden area. Planning history relevant to the site was also presented. Existing and proposed site plans were shown, together with details relating to the proposed parking arrangements and the scale and appearance of the development. Members were further advised that the site lay within the Poole Harbour nutrient neutrality catchment area. The impact upon heritage assets had also been assessed, with officers concluding that the proposal would cause no harm to heritage assets. No objections had been received in this regard.

The planning officer confirmed that Dorchester Town Council had raised no objection to the application and that five objections had been received from members of the public. In relation to highways matters, the proposed access from Maiden Castle Road was explained. Members were advised that the road was subject to a 30mph speed limit and that the required visibility splays were 43 metres in both directions. The Case Officer noted that existing traffic-calming measures acted as a deterrent to vehicle speeds and that the Highway Authority had raised no highway safety concerns.

The character of the area was discussed, with the planning officer explaining that development on the northern side of the street generally followed a defined building line, whilst development on the opposite side was less linear in nature.

Members also considered the impact on trees. The planning officer advised that the Council's Tree Officer had not sought to make a Tree Preservation Order in respect of the tree on the site. Whilst the tree was considered to have amenity value, the Tree Officer had recommended that an arboricultural impact assessment be undertaken. Members were advised that there was no intention on the part of the Council to formally protect the tree and that its presence was not considered detrimental to the overall planning assessment. The submitted plans showed the tree being retained and it was anticipated that it would remain unharmed by the development.

The planning officer explained that Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements no longer applied to developments on sites smaller than 0.2 hectares. However, as the application had been submitted before 6 August 2026, it remained subject to the earlier BNG requirements and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 158.

Erection of up to 8no. dwellings (permission in principle).

Application withdrawn.

Erect 130 No. dwelling, form public open space, landscaping and sustainable drainage system (SuDS) (with variation of conditions 1, 3 & 7 of planning permission no. APP/D1265/W/25/3365845 (LPA Reference P/RES/2023/05768) to reflect amended planting plans and Landscape Management Plan).

The Town Council objection had been withdrawn, and authority delegated to the Corporate Director for Planning, the Service Manager for Development Management & Enforcement or the Development Management Area Manager Northern Team.  

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 x 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.