Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

No apologies for absence were received at the meeting.

To receive any declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

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

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 December 2020 were confirmed and would be signed at a later date.

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 george.dare@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, 12 February 2021.

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 Committee considered an application to erect up to 114 dwellings and up to 2,000 square metres of employment space. (Outline application to determine access).

The Chairman introduced the item by explaining that the application has been referred to the Planning Inspectorate on the grounds on non-determination.  She asked that members consider the application the same as any other application, however the final decision would be made at a public enquiry.

The Area Lead Planning Officer delivered a presentation to the Committee. Various plans were shown including an arial view, access plans, and a concept masterplan.  He highlighted the officer views on the site being a valued landscape.

The Transport Development Manager presented the access points to the site.  There would be two highways access points and two pedestrian access points.  He explained to the Committee that the Highway Authority would not support the eastern pedestrian access point because it was not considered safe.  The application was supported by a transport assessment.  The Highway Authority had no objections to the application.

The key planning matters were highlighted:

·       Principle of development, lack of five-year housing land supply, and the Planning Balance

·       Landscape impact

Members were advised that there was an amendment to condition 8.

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

Local Member for Stalbridge

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones

As a representative of the local community, he urged members to refuse the application.  He stated although the Council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, the proposal contradicts several parts of the North Dorset Local Plan.  He felt that Stalbridge has inadequate facilities and infrastructure, such as the lack of a medical facility.  He also drew attention to the fact that there would be a 27% growth of the town if this application was approved and if the other two proposed sites are built.

Cllr Carr-Jones’ full statement has been attached as an annexure to these minutes.

Members’ Questions and Comments

The Committee asked questions and made comments on the application. The issues raised included: pedestrian safety on Lower Road; the residual cumulative impact of the development; the lack of a housing land supply; the high-density housing proposed compared to other areas of the town; the commercial area of the development; and the lack of infrastructure and facilities in Stalbridge.

In response to the members, the Area Lead Planning Officer confirmed that: there are no historical trails near to the site; the planned commercial area would be for light industrial use or for workshops; Stalbridge could be allocated further growth in the new Dorset Local Plan.

In response to the members, the Transport Development Manager confirmed that the transport assessment has been checked and it identified no traffic issues; there would be a construction traffic management plan.

It was proposed by Cllr Ridout and seconded by Cllr Andrews that, for the purposes of appeal, the application be refused.

The meeting was adjourned at 11.39am for officers to formulate formal reasons for refusal as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

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 was no exempt business.