Agenda and minutes

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 Tuesday 5^th March 2024.

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 5^th March 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 Friday 5^th April 2024.

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.

Hybrid planning application for the phased development for up to 490 No. dwellings and non-residential uses comprising:

Outline planning application (to determine access) to develop land by the erection of up to 340 No. dwellings (Use Class C3), local centre with flexible floorspace including Commercial, Business and Services (Use Class E), Drinking Establishments and hot food takeaways (Use Class Sui Generis) and Local Community (Use Class F2); land for a three-form entry primary school and associated playing pitches (Use Class F1 Learning and non-residential institutions); form public open space, replacement allotments including allotment building, new sports pitches, parking, access, infrastructure, landscaping, and carry out ancillary and site preparation works, including demolition of existing buildings and removal of existing allotments.

Full planning application to erect 150 No. dwellings (Use Class C3), form public open space, attenuation basins, parking, access, infrastructure, landscaping, and carry out ancillary and site preparation works.

Cllr Tim Cook had not taken part in the site visit; therefore, it was agreed that he would not take part in the debate and would leave the room.

Mike Garrity, Head of Planning, informed members that there had been some changes to legislation and legal advice had been sought. He informed members that they were to determine whether the previous decision to grant would have been different and that formally, planning permission had not been granted. The Head of Planning noted that the material changes had not changed the officer recommendation, and this would be set out in further detail in the officer’s presentation. In the interest of transparency, Mr Garrity made reference to an email which had been circulated prior to the meeting by the Local Ward member who had referred to the secretary of state, at this time, there had been no objections from Dorset Council and the committee were to continue determining the application, prior to the previous committee meeting which was held in October 2023 where members received a detailed presentation and debate.

With the aid of a visual presentation including plans and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and explained the proposal and relevant planning policies to members. Photographs of the site location map, illustrative masterplans and constraints maps were shown. It was confirmed that the applicant had not submitted any additional or new information since the previous committee decision. Mr Lennis informed members that the section 106 agreement had been working positively and updated them of the National Planning Policy framework updates, including changes to section 3 of the NPPF which sought to support the beauty in placemaking, it was supported with a bespoke and detailed design code. Changes had also been made to the Housing Land Supply; it was previously 5 years, but current changes have now made it 4 years. The Housing Delivery test was now advised to be at 75% as opposed to 110%. These arrangements would apply for a two-year period from the publication date of the revised framework. Blandford Neighbourhood Plan was also updated and was made with a detailed design code. The Case Officer made note to section 15, outlining changes to footnote 62, impacts of agricultural land as well as providing detail to changes to Levelling UP and Regeneration Act. The proposed enhancement would further the purpose for which this national landscape was designated.

Members were reminded of the original officer presentation with a comparison of the updated conditions, providing context of the site. The Case Officer outlined the application, providing visual aids of parameter plans, illustrative designs of building scale. Details of tree protection plans, and open space strategies were highlighted. There were no objections received from highways officers and no changes were made to paragraph 60 of the NPPF. The officer’s recommendation was to consider the recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and to legislation through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act are such that they should not result in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

One year retention of gypsy & traveller transit site for 25no. caravans between 1st April and 30th September 2024.

The Case Officer provided members with the following updates:

·       There was an error in the officer report at paragraph 9.0 page 108, Puddletown Parish Council was referred to, whereas it should have read Piddle Valley Parish Council.

·       The Ward Member following issue of the agenda and officer report requested that details of the Management Plan which previously in 2014 formed part of a planning condition regarding ongoing management of the site & security arrangements was updated and made available. This had subsequently been carried out, and an updated April 2024 Management Plan was now available to view on the application online. Both the Ward Member and the Parish Council had clarified that they were happy with the details as set out in the updated 2024 Management Plan.

·       Following the publication of the agenda, a further representation had been received from Brian Twigg, planning agent to the objector(s) to the scheme who was registered to speak on this item. This representation pointed out that the red line on the submitted plan did not include the roadway to the West of the site: The Applicant did not own the roadway but did have the right to use that roadway with or without vehicles at all times (as confirmed by the Title Deeds). The roadway was already in use for accessing the application site and had been for many years. In addition, the site was technically also accessible from the highway at the lower end of the site within the red line plan which had been submitted. The representation also raised further concerns with regards to serving Notices on relevant landowners. The Applicant had sent the required Notices to the owners of the relevant land and sufficient time was allowed for those owners to submit a further representation if they so wished. The Council had been provided with copies of the letters and Notices, which could be found on the Council’s website, and were satisfied that the correct Notices had been served.

With the aid of a visual presentation including plans and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and explained the proposal and relevant planning policies to members. Photographs of the site location were included, and the history of the site was explained to members. The Case Officer informed members that the location and impact on visual amenity was considered acceptable and a bespoke solution had been provided to protect Poole harbour catchment. There were no concerns regarding flooding, highways or impacts on neighbouring amenities. Therefore, the officer’s recommendation was to grant approval subject to conditions set out in the officer’s report.

Public Participation

Mr Twigg addressed the committee and explained his previous experience within planning. He had made previous objections to the proposal, questioning the need, sustainability of the location and the site access. Mr Twigg did not feel as though the proposal addressed national validation requirements and his representation also included his concerns regarding the implications on biodiversity and an increase in traffic movements. He hoped the committee would refuse  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

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 are no exempt items scheduled for this meeting.  

There was no exempt business.