Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Stella Jones, Emma Parker, Jon Andrews, and Les Fry.

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 interests were made at the meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 12^th April.

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 12^th April 2022 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 Guidance for speaking at the Area Planning Committee for further information.

The deadline for notifying a request to speak is 8.30am on Friday 6^th May 2022.

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.

Demolish existing barn and erect 8 No. dwellings, new vehicular access and ancillary works (outline application with all matters reserved)

The Case Officer presented to members the outline application of the demolition of an existing barn and erection of up to 8 dwellings. Members were shown the location of the site as well as aerial photos and the existing site access. Members were also provided with details of nearby listed buildings and were ensured that the site provided no harm to them. The site was near an AONB but not within it. The Senior Planning Officer also informed members that the site was outside of the settlement boundary. The recommendation was to grant the planning application.

Public participation

Robert Neville, Agent for the application spoke for the planning application. He spoke of the significant benefits with the provision of the development in reference to its social, economic, and environmental benefits. Members were informed of the need for housing and how the proposed development met the council requirements. Mr Neville hoped members would approve the application.

Peter Williams, Bourton Parish Council spoke in the objection of the planning application due to the failure of identifying the rural need. He reiterated to members that the proposed site was outside Bourton’s settlement boundary and the development would be detrimental to the area. He also informed members that there were no economic, social, and environmental advantages for the site and viewpoints would be harmed. Mr Williamson hoped members would object the application.

Members Questions and Comments

·       Praised the presentation and report.

·       Conflict with the development plan.

·       Sustainability of the development

·       Lack of local need for the development. Members were informed of the Dorset need which was identified in the neighbourhood plan.

·       Retention and management of hedges

·       Lack of affordable housing

·       Lack of material change from when the application was previously bought to the committee.

·       Design of dwellings

·       Neighbourhood plan needed to be considered.

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of all this entailed; having considered the officer’s report and presentation; the written representatives; and what they had heard at the meeting, in being proposed by Cllr Belinda Ridout and seconded by Cllr Tim Cook.

Decision: To refuse the application due to the prominent location of site being outside the established limits of a settlement, therefore, adversely impacting the character and appearance of the area. Resulting in a coalescence of the village of Bourton and the hamlet of Chaffeymore and visual and landscape harm to the transition between the built-up and rural area.  These significant impacts outweighed the benefits of the proposed site and result in the application being contrary to North Dorset Local Plan Part 1 (2011-2031) policies 1, 2, 7, 20 and 24, Neighbourhood Plan policies 1, 2 and 3 and the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework.

Demolition of existing stables & erection of 1no dwelling

The Case Officer presented to members the outline application of the conversion of stables into a single dwelling. Members were shown the location of the site as well as aerial photographs and designs of the single dwelling. They were presented with details of the site access. The site was near an AONB but not within it. The recommendation was to grant the planning application.

Public participation

Sammy Upton, resident of Child Okeford spoke for the application. She informed members of the environmental benefits of the development as well as how materials would be sourced to help blend the development with the surrounding area and houses. Mrs Upton hoped members would approve the application.

Nicholas Applebee, resident of Child Okeford spoke for the application. He discussed the shielding of the current location and how this would help blend the development with local surroundings. Mr Applebee also discussed the site access. He asked members to approve the application.

Gareth Kitching, Agent for the application spoke in support. He highlighted the sustainability of the development as well as the location. He advised members that the development did not cause harm to the rural area and was an easy walking distance to the village centre. He reiterated that highways had no objections and asked members to approve the application.

Tim Cotton, Child Okeford Parish Council, spoke in objection of the application. He discussed the isolated location and the design of the development. He raised his concerns regarding creating an urban appeal to the village rather than a rural area. He also highlighted the repercussions for the village and how the development would not be sufficient. Mr Cotton hoped members would refuse the application to protect the countryside.

Members Questions and Comments

·       Sustainability of location.

·       Suitability of the lane for refuse and emergency services vehicle access.

·       Praised the design of the land and the environmental benefits.

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of all this entailed; having considered the officer’s report and presentation; the written representatives; and what they had heard at the meeting, in being proposed by Cllr Carole Jones and seconded by Cllr Valerie Pothecry.

Decision: To approve the application as per the recommendations.

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