Agenda and minutes

To receive any declarations of interest

Cllr M Penfold declared a non-disclosable pecuniary interest in Minute No 14 due to being involved in several discussions on this development. She withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the item.

Cllr Penfold declared a non-disclosable pecuniary interest in Minute No 16 due to being previously involved in matters relating to the application. She withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the item.

Cllr J Andrews declared a non-disclosable pecuniary interest in Minute No 14 due to previous predeterminations made on the development. He stated that he would be speaking on the application but would not take part in debate and voting thereon.

Cllr N Lacey-Clarke declared that as he did not attend the site visit in regards to Minute No 14, he would not take part in debate and voting thereon.

Cllr M Hall declared that in regards to Minute No 14, the proposal was deemed to be a new planning application and different to one considered at Sherborne Town Council, and therefore he had did not have a predetermination and would remain present.

It was proposed by the Chairman that Cllr V Pothecary be elected as Vice-Chairman for Minute Nos 14 & 16. This was seconded and agreed.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 28 May 2019

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 May 2019 were confirmed and signed.

There will be no opportunity for Members of the public to speak on a planning application unless proper notification is given to Democratic Services no later than two clear working days before the meeting in accordance with the Guide to Public Speaking at Planning Committee.

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.

To consider the applications listed below for planning permission

Members considered written reports submitted on planning applications as set out below.

Partial demolition of stone boundary wall to the west of the site, demolition of the stone boundary wall to the north of the site and erection of visual arts venue

The Planning Officer presented the report showing Members all the relevant plans and drawings. Members were informed that CPRE withdrew their objection. Members were also informed of an additional comment from Sherborne Town Council on the revised plans, a letter of support from Artlink, and an objection from Trees for Dorset.

The Planning Officer explained that the site was in a sustainable location in the centre of Sherborne. In view of this, the loss of 15 parking spaces was considered to be acceptable having regard to the level of parking that would still be available within the town.

One of the key panning considerations was the impact of the proposal on the setting of the grade I listed Sherborne House and on the designated Conservation Area. The impact on the designated heritage assets was considered to be neutral. The design of the arts centre had been modified to address the concerns of Historic England.

The officer explained that there were significant public benefits to weigh in the planning balance, to the town and to the wider area.

Public Participation

Oral representation was received from Mr P Neal (Sherborne and District Society CPRE President) stating that following discussions with the applicant and Heritage England, and the improvements made to the design, the CPRE withdrew their objection.

Oral representation was received from Cllr J Andrews (Local Ward Member) raising concerns with the loss of parking spaces and disruption from the construction of the site.

Oral representations in support of the application were received from Ms J Wood (Sherborne Chamber of Commerce), Ms V Jardine (Local Resident), Mr A Strachan-Stephens (Local Resident), Mr J Halsby (Sherborne Arts Society), Sir R Fry (Chairman of Sherborne Arts Trust) and Ms E Morris (The Paddock Project). The benefits of the proposal were highlighted including the economic benefits to the town centre from attracting visitors and providing further employment, the social benefits of creating a hub for the town, the cultural benefits raising the profile of Sherborne with famous and important artwork, and the learning benefits providing year-round programs of activities for all ages.

Debate

Members raised concern with the maintenance of the green roofs as these lessened the impact to Sherborne House. Officers stated that a condition could be added for a submission of details for ongoing maintenance of the green roofs for the lifetime of the building.

A Member also raised concern over the preservation of the monkey puzzle tree in Paddock Garden. Officers stated that Condition 4 could be amended to include protection of the tree specifically.

Decision

It was proposed by Cllr C Jones, seconded by Cllr M Hall and agreed that the application be:-

GRANTED as set out in the appendix to these minutes.

Modification of planning obligations of Section 106 Agreement dated 20th December 2011 of planning approval 1/D/09/0013

The Planning Officer presented the report showing Members all the relevant plans and drawings. Members were informed that Paragraph 14.2.6 of the report referred to the trigger for the provision of the combined NEAP and LEAP at The Great Field. The applicant had advised that they proposed to have the play equipment in place for spring 2020, which tied in with the planting that the applicant was proposing at The Great Field over the winter months and to that end proposed a trigger of prior to the occupation of the 550th dwelling in phases 3 and 4. This was for member’s information and did not change or alter the recommendation to committee. Members were also informed of a further late consultation received.

Debate

Following questions by Members, it was proposed and seconded as set out in the officer recommendation.

A counter proposal was made by Cllr Cook and seconded by Cllr Taylor to remove the third point from the recommendation on the grounds that a second LEAP should still be required.

Officers stated that removing that recommendation would require lowering the pieces of play equipment and area of the LEAP as set out in the second point of the recommendation.

Following further clarification and debate, the counter proposal was withdrawn.

Decision

It was proposed by Cllr Lacey-Clarke, seconded by Cllr Taylor and agreed in accordance with the officer recommendation that:-

Delegated authority be GRANTED to the nominated officer to modify the S106 agreement dated 20th December 2011 to:

-        Omit provision of a ball wall and 300 seat community hall.

-        Provide one NEAP and one LEAP in a combined area on the Great Field with at least 18 pieces of play equipment and an area of 1800 sq m

-        Omit requirement for a second LEAP in phases 3 and 4 of the development.

The Definitive Map Technical Officer presented the report showing Members all the relevant plans and drawings.

Public Participation

Oral representation in support of the application was received from Mr S Rice (Agent for Applicant) highlighting the process leading to the proposals and the benefits of the changes to the area. 

Decision

It was proposed by Cllr Andrews, seconded by Cllr Cook and agreed in accordance with the officer recommendation:-

RESOLVED that:-

a)     The application to divert Footpaths 9 (part), 22 & Bridleways 7 (part), 8 & 23 Piddlehinton and Bridleway 32 (part), Puddletown at Muston Farm be accepted and an order made;

b)     The Order include provisions to modify the definitive map and statement to record the changes made as a consequence of the diversions; and

c)     If the Order is unopposed, or if any objections to the Order are of a similar nature to those already considered by the Committee, it be confirmed by the Council without further reference to the Committee.