Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

No apologies for absence were received at the meeting.

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 14^th April 2026.

The minutes of the meeting held on 14^th April 2026 were confirmed and signed.

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.

Erect 28 dwellings including access, parking, landscaping & associated infrastructure and  ancillary works.

With the aid of a visual presentation, including site plans, aerial photographs and site photographs, the Case Officer identified the location of the application site and outlined the proposal and relevant planning policies.

Members were shown photographs of the site, views of the surrounding area and the wider site context. The Case Officer explained that the site was located on the southern edge of Puddletown, south of Athelhampton Road, within walking distance of local facilities and schools. A public footpath runs adjacent to the site and, as part of the development, improvements would be made to pedestrian connectivity, including enhanced walking and cycling access.

The proposed landscaping included a tree belt along the site boundary. Members were advised that, due to the separation distance, the proposal would not result in harm to the setting of the Grade I listed church. It was also considered that there would be no unacceptable harm to the character or appearance of the Conservation Area, with the development designed to minimise impacts on neighbouring properties.

The site is located on the edge of the Conservation Area and within the Poole Harbour Nutrient Catchment Area. The Case Officer outlined how the layout and landscaping had been designed to maintain key views from Athelhampton Road and Little Copse. Parking would be provided alongside the dwellings, with hedgerow planting forming a buffer to the wider landscape beyond.

Public Participation

Steve Clark of Wyatt Homes (Senior Manager for Wyatt Homes)

He explained to the Committee that Wyatt Homes is a Dorset based home builder, with a proud track record of delivering high quality developments. He informed that Wyatt homes take the same commitment to design, quality and placemaking across all sites, and the scheme before the Committee today was no exception. Wyatt Homes had been actively involved in the site for several years and engaged extensively through the Puddle Town neighbourhood planning process. Wyatt Homes had worked positively and constructively with the Council officers, to respond to their comments and there were no objections to the application. The Parish Council objection solely related to the affordable housing provision. The layout and appearance of the homes had been designed to sit comfortably between existing buildings within the village. The layout presented an attractive frontage onto Athelhampton Road with dwellings set back behind grass verges and hedge rows. A large area of open space with drainage attenuation and play facilities would be provided at the entrance of development with an attractive walking route located around the landscape boundaries of the site. Biodiversity net gain would be achieved with an uplift of 11.9%. Parking would be provided in courtyards, and garages with some visitor spaces provided on streets separated by tree planting to avoid car dominance. The proposal would see the delivery of 28 much needed new homes, meeting the needs of those looking to get on the housing ladder as well as growing families and for those looking to be nearby shops and services within the village. Since the time of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 137.

Change of use of the land & erection of Holiday Lodges & Staff Accommodation units, together with installation of infrastructure to form a Holiday Lodge Park in lieu of the current land use of motor racing circuit, shooting ground & static caravan park.

With the aid of a visual presentation, including site plans, aerial photographs and photographs of the existing site, the Case Officer identified the application site and outlined the proposal and relevant planning considerations.

Members were advised that the site was located off the A37 and benefitted from an established access, forming the main entrance into the wider George Albert Hotel site. The Case Officer explained the site's extensive planning history and historical use, including military-related activities during the Second World War. The wider site currently comprised a mix of uses, including the George Albert Hotel and conference facilities, a gun shop, tea rooms, an antique shop, areas of car parking, a touring caravan site, a static caravan area, a former shooting ground and adjoining agricultural land.

The proposal sought the redevelopment of part of the site to provide 226 holiday lodges. Existing static caravans, ancillary buildings and former shooting ground structures would be removed as part of the development, resulting in a more coherent and visually attractive site arrangement. The layout incorporated recreational walking routes, ecological enhancement areas and significant landscape planting. Agricultural land would be converted to habitat creation and ecological enhancement areas, with substantial planting proposed within landscape buffer zones to strengthen the site's setting and biodiversity value. Ecological buffers would be established around key areas of the site.

Members were shown the proposed drainage strategy, which included a replacement package treatment plant, sustainable drainage features, soakaways and two ponds. The site was located within Flood Zone 1 and therefore at low risk of flooding. Whilst some isolated surface water pooling had been identified, the Case Officer advised that an appropriate drainage strategy could be achieved.

The proposal also included a new clubhouse building, the continued use of an existing building currently associated with the motor circuit, a new amenity lake and a wildlife pond. Cross-sectional drawings of the ponds were presented, which demonstrated shallow side slopes and gradual gradients designed to ensure safety without the need for perimeter fencing.

The existing site entrance was highlighted, together with proposals to reduce the urbanising appearance of certain areas and restore a more rural character to parts of the access route. Members were also shown the George Albert Hotel complex, conference facilities, touring caravan site, commercial uses and the former Second World War water tower, which had ecological importance as a bat roost and would be retained. The removal of a telecommunications mast from the site was also noted.

The Case Officer explained that the site occupied a relatively elevated position but was generally well contained within the landscape, with limited opportunities for significant public views into the development. Key planning considerations included the loss of existing recreational facilities associated with the clay pigeon shooting ground and motor racing activities, the provision of staff accommodation on site, landscape and visual impacts, ecology, drainage and the overall principle of tourism-related development.

Public Participation

Dan Parker (The Head of Motorsport, UK)

He explained that Motorsport, UK was the national body governing for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 138.

Siting of a statue depicting Susie the cat on a low plinth.

With the aid of a visual presentation, including site location plans, proposed drawings and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the application site and outlined the proposed development and relevant planning policies. The Planning Officer advised that the application sought permission for the erection of a life-size cat statue. Members were informed that the statue would measure approximately 38cm in height and would be mounted on a low plinth measuring 40cm square with a height of 75cm, resulting in an overall height of approximately 1.13 metres. The statue would be cast in bronze, while the plinth would be constructed from fossil-bearing Purbeck stone. The plinth would be secured to the ground using stainless steel pins fixed into a concrete sub-base, with the existing flagstones reinstated above the concrete base following installation. Members were further advised that the Honorary Bard of Dorchester for 2025–2026 would compose a poem to accompany the memorial. The poem would be inscribed onto stone and affixed to the plinth as part of the proposal.

Cllr Jespersen left the meeting.

Public Participation

No public participation.

Members questions and comments

• Members noted that the proposed structure was relatively low in height and expressed concern that it could present a trip hazard to pedestrians. It was also expressed that the structure would be positioned adjacent to existing planters. Members sought clarification regarding future maintenance arrangements.

In response to Members’ questions, officers provided the following clarifications:

• Officers advised that it was intended to provide an accessible piece of public art. The design would enable interaction by children and would also be accessible to people with disabilities, thereby enhancing its educational and inclusive value within the public realm. The feature would be maintained by the Town Council.

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, a motion to APPROVE the officer’s recommendation to GRANT planning permission as recommended, was proposed by Cllr Fry, and seconded by Cllr Jespersen.

Decision: To grant planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the appendix to these minutes.

Erect garden summer house

With the aid of a visual presentation, including site location plans, aerial photographs, site photographs and proposed drawings, the Case Officer identified the application site and outlined the proposed development and relevant planning policies. Members were advised that the site shared a boundary with the Grade I listed Church of St Mary. The site location, surrounding context and development proposals were explained. Officers highlighted the presence of a Wessex Water foul drainage pipeline crossing the site and noted the associated easement area, within which no building works could take place.

The Committee was shown both the original and amended plans. Officers explained that the proposal had been revised to reduce the overall size of the building, including a reduction in depth to approximately 5 metres and a further reduction in height of 25 centimetres. Details of the proposed materials were outlined, comprising a slate roof, natural timber cladding and dark grey fenestration.

In considering the impact on neighbouring amenity, officers advised that the nearest residential property was located to the south-west of the site, with other neighbouring properties set back at a similar distance from Palms Lane. It was considered that the proposal would not result in a significant adverse impact on residential amenity. Members were informed that the dwelling known as Amanita was located approximately 7.5 metres from the development site. Officers also noted that existing natural screening would assist in reducing impacts and that no windows were proposed in the eastern or western elevations, therefore limiting opportunities for overlooking.

The impact on heritage assets was assessed, with officers advising that the Grade I listed parish church was situated on the opposite side of the site and approximately 150 metres from the application site. It was concluded that the proposal would cause no significant harm to the setting of the listed church. Officers also drew attention to a semi-mature cherry tree located to the south-west of the site and a further mature tree identified as T7. Tree protection measures, including protective fencing during construction, were proposed and could be secured by condition.

Public Participation

Scott Black (Applicant)

He explained that he had built his family home and that the property included approximately 3.5 acres of land. He stated that additional storage was required to accommodate the needs of his growing family, including the storage of a small tractor used for grass cutting and other equipment required for the maintenance of the property.

He advised that he currently lacked sufficient storage space and was relying on temporary storage facilities. He informed Members that he had sought informal advice from a conservation officer regarding the design and appearance of the proposed outbuilding. He stated that the proposed cedar-clad building with a slate roof would be more appropriate to the setting than a conventional prefabricated shed with a felt roof, which would require replacement or significant repair within a relatively short period.

The applicant advised that the size of the outbuilding had been restricted in accordance with permitted development guidelines and that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 140.

To give long-term protection to the Silver Birch tree shown as T1 on the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) map and schedule the tree is considered to enhance the amenity of the area

Cllr Murcer addressed the Committee as the Local Ward Member. Following his representation, he withdrew from the meeting and took no part in the debate or vote on the application.

With the aid of a visual presentation, including site location plans, aerial photographs and site photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and outlined the proposal and relevant planning considerations to Members. Officers explained that the item before the Committee related to the confirmation of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Members were advised that, where a tree in a Conservation Area was subject to a notification of proposed works, the Local Planning Authority had six weeks in which to determine whether to allow the works to proceed or to make a Tree Preservation Order to protect the tree. It was noted that the TPO had been made following a proposal to fell a silver birch tree.

The Committee was informed that the tree was located within the grounds of the Church of the Holy Rood, Shillingstone, and was situated within the Conservation Area. The surrounding context was outlined, including the church building, a number of other mature trees within the churchyard and the convergence of two public rights of way. Photographs showing the tree in front of the church and views facing north were presented.

Officers advised that the silver birch was a low water-demand species and that there was no available evidence regarding the specific soil conditions at the site. It was explained that no factual evidence had been submitted to demonstrate that the tree was causing structural damage to the church. Officers further advised that they did not consider there to be sufficient evidence to conclude that the tree was responsible for any damage to the church building.

Members were informed that the tree was mature and no longer in its most vigorous growth stage. As a result, it was not considered likely to be actively seeking significant quantities of water. Officers noted that there was no evidence to establish whether cracks within the church building were progressive, seasonal in nature or the result of a single historic event.

Officers advised that they did not support the removal of a mature tree solely as a means of determining whether it might be contributing to structural issues. It was suggested that further investigation of other potential causes, including the condition of drainage infrastructure and the possibility of leaking drains affecting ground conditions, should be undertaken.

The amenity value of the tree was highlighted, and officers advised that the loss of the tree could have a detrimental impact on the character of the area whilst potentially failing to resolve the concerns that had been raised.

Members were reminded that confirmation of the Tree Preservation Order would not prevent future applications for works to the tree. Any such applications would be assessed on their individual merits based on the evidence submitted at that time.

Public Participation

Anne Powell

She addressed the Committee in objection to the proposed Tree Preservation Order.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 141.

Take down the partially collapsed masonry arch and replace with a reinforced concrete arch (underneath the track) / reinforced masonry underneath the building wall.

With the aid of a visual presentation, including site plans, aerial photographs and site photographs, the Case Officer identified the application site and outlined the proposal, together with the relevant planning policies for Members’ consideration.

Members were advised that the application related to a historic footbridge located at Keyneston Mill, south-west of Tarrant Keyneston. The site was not situated within a Conservation Area; however, Keyneston Mill was a Grade II listed building dating from the nineteenth century. The Officer explained that the entire mill site, including the footbridge, formed part of the listed structure.

Photographs were shown illustrating the location of the footbridge, which carries a public right of way across the River Stour. Members were shown the area of partial collapse, located immediately in front of the mill building. Views of the southern approach from the public right of way, the northern approach adjacent to the mill building, and the upstream elevation of the bridge were also provided.

The Officer explained that the proposal sought Listed Building Consent for the repair and restoration of the footbridge. The works would involve the careful dismantling and rebuilding of the affected brick arches on a like-for-like basis. Additional structural reinforcement would be provided through the installation of concealed concrete strengthening above the brickwork, together with concealed concrete backing and stainless-steel bed joint reinforcement. Repairs to the downstream headwall and bridge abutments would also be undertaken where necessary, and a breathable membrane would be installed as part of the repair works.

Members were advised that an ecological assessment had been undertaken. The report confirmed that the mill structure supported a significant bat roost and that the associated watercourse (leat) provided habitat for a number of fish species. Appropriate measures would be implemented to safeguard these ecological interests during the construction process.

The Officer informed Members that the public footpath was currently closed due to the condition of the bridge and would be reopened upon completion of the repair works.

The Officer advised that the proposed works had been carefully designed to preserve the significance of the designated heritage asset and would not result in harm to the character, appearance or historic fabric of the Grade II listed building. Accordingly, the proposal was considered acceptable in heritage and planning terms.

Public Participation

No public participation.

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, a motion to APPROVE the officer’s recommendation to GRANT planning permission as recommended, was proposed by Cllr Major, and seconded by Cllr Jespersen.

Decision: To grant planning permission subject to the conditions set out in 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.

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 x 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.