Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Emma Parker and Belinda Ridout. 

There was an apology for absence also from Tim Cook for the morning session but he was present for the afternoon session.

To receive any declarations of interest

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made at the meeting..

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 15 September 2020.

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 September 2020 were confirmed and signed.

To receive questions or statements on the business of the committee from town and parish councils and members of the public.

Public speaking has been suspended for virtual committee meetings during the Covid-19 crisis and public participation will be dealt with through written submissions only.

 Members of the public who live, work or represent an organisation within the Dorset Council area, may submit up to two questions or a statement of up to a maximum of 450 words.  All submissions must be sent electronically to fiona.king@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk  by the deadline set out below. 

When submitting a question please indicate who the question is for and include your name, address and contact details.  Questions and statements received in line with the council’s rules for public participation will be published as a supplement to the agenda.

Questions will be read out by an officer of the council and a response given by the appropriate Portfolio Holder or officer at the meeting.  All questions, statements and responses will be published in full within the minutes of the meeting. 

The deadline for speaking at this meeting is 8.30am on Friday 6 November 2020.

Please refer to the Guide to Public Speaking at Planning Committee and specifically the "Covid-19 Pandemic – Addendum to the Guide to Public Speaking Protocol for Planning Committee meetings" included with this agenda.

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.

To consider a report by the Head of Planning.

The Senior Planning Officer introduced an application for land West of Charminster Farm, between Wanchard Lane and A37, Charminster.  The scheme sought to erect 82 dwellings on a 7.3ha site located adjacent to the existing approved Phase 2 site. A new vehicular access to the A37 principal road would be formed towards the south-west corner, allowing a spine road to be provided which would link with Wanchard lane to the north. The new A37 vehicular access would include a right turn lane on the A37.

The variation in the types of dwellings was highlighted, all were 2 storey, apart from 4 bungalows, there would be a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced. A block of flats was also highlighted. It was noted that there would be 35% onsite provision for affordable housing.

As far as possible existing hedgerows and tress would be maintained.  A significant element of the scheme was highlighted as the relocation of the allotments which were privately owned.  There would also be provision for a number of additional allotments and a number of dedicated car parking spaces were also included for allotment holders

The scheme made ample provision for public open space and a locally equipped area of play.

Cycle storage areas were highlighted along with electric vehicle charging points that would be installed.

The main planning issues were highlighted to members along with the updated recommendation. An update sheet detailing the change was circulated to members prior to the meeting and is attached as an annexure to these minutes.

There was also a slight addition to the conditions in respect of highways.  Highways officers had advised that off-site highway works would be needed regarding the improvement to the weir view junction.

The Transport Development Liaison Manager commented on the highway matters within the application.  Highways were wholly satisfied with the proposed junction with the A37 junction.  The internal road layout was also acceptable. The proposed car parking was in line with the guidance and therefore the Highway Authority recommended conditional approval.

An explanation from the Committee’s legal adviser on the detail of the Section106 was given for members. A contribution had been suggested for restrictions along Wanchard Lane, which was not considered necessary for the development in planning terms.  This could not be part of members’ decision making. If the developer withdrew the offer any recommendation to grant would not be affected.

A number of written responses were received and are attached as an annexure to these minutes.

Local Member for Charminster

Cllr Taylor

Asked if the junction with Wanchard Lane would be shut down during the improvement works.  The Transport Development Liaison Manager advised that the Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) for improvement works were not part of this application and were not deemed as being essential to facilitate the development proposal, in highway terms.  The Senior Planning Officer advised that there had been some discussions between the applicant and the Parish Council regarding the restriction of traffic in this area. It could  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

To consider a report by the Head of Planning.

Decision

This item be deferred.

To consider a report by the Head of Planning.

The Area Lead, Gillingham introduced an application for the construction of a principal street, associated access, landscaping and infrastructure works.

Members were advised that the application was back before them due to the proposed minor amendments to the locations of hedgerow planting and hedgerow translocation. Therefore, the recommendation remained the same as presented at the 15 September 2020 Northern Area Committee meeting. The only change to the recommendation was the removal of the phrase ‘and subject to no adverse comment from the Environment Agency.’ Further comment had now been received from the Environment Agency withdrawing their objection.  A further update was that discussion with landowners had resulted in a proposed amendment to the hedgerow relocation areas and subsequent changes to conditions 4 and 12. The revised locations were more suitable for a local farmer to carry out his work.

Local Member

Cllr Val Pothecary

Noted the withdrawal of the objection and was content with the amendments.

Members comments and questions

Cllr Fry commented that as there would be no loss of hedgerow or habitat he proposed the recommendation.

Proposed: Cllr Les Fry

Seconded: Cllr Jon Andrews

Decision

That the application be approved subject to the conditions outlined in the appendix to these minutes.

To consider a report by the Head of Planning.

The Planning Officer introduced an application to develop the land by the erection of 4 No. dwellings, parking spaces and creation of a new access (demolish existing dwelling and garage), (outline application to determine layout and access).

The Planning Officer highlighted to members that the site currently contained a detached bungalow which was located centrally in the plot, in generous grounds. Mature trees bordered the site, a Tree Preservation Order had been made previously due to the significance of the trees and their contribution to the street scene.

The Officer highlighted the objections that had been raised by the Parish Council which were included in the report.

Key planning matters in the report were highlighted to members. The 3 trees with Tree Preservation Orders would be retained and there would be conditions in place to ensure this.

Local Member

Cllr Carr-Jones

The Parish Council had asked him to reiterate their objections to the application.  However, there was a previous application in 2017 which had been approved. This application was for Outline consent at present, but when it came to reserved matters he asked that officers work with the Parish Council to resolve any potential issues that may arise.

Members comments and questions

Cllr Fry asked for clarification on the 2017 application.  The officer confirmed it was exactly the same as was before members now.  The reason it had been submitted again was that the permission had lapsed. Following a question about renewables, the officer advised that details of the design were with reserved matters and would be confirmed.

Cllr Cook asked if the hedging in the plans was indicative of what would be put in.  The Officer advised it would be a mixture of both, some of the hedgerows were not in a great condition so there were a number of protection and maintenance conditions that would be in place.

Proposed: Cllr Les Fry

Seconded: Cllr Tim Cook

Decision

That the application be approved subject to the conditions outlined the appendix to these minutes.

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 of business.