Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Duncan Sowry-House, Scott Florek and Julie Robinson.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or personal interest as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct.  In making their decision 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 23 July 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 July 2025 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 Monday 01 September 2025.

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.

Demolish existing buildings and construct a Class E(a) retail store and associated parking, servicing arrangements and landscaping.

The Senior Planning Officer, using a visual presentation with plans and aerial photographs, identified the site and outlined the proposal and relevant planning policies. It was noted that the applicant had submitted a briefing note, which had been published online and circulated to members before the meeting. The applicant has also submitted a letter to the case officer, which has been circulated to the Chair and shared with Members via the update sheet on the day of the committee.

The location of the site was shown on a map of the area and the nearby settlement boundaries and Green Belt were highlighted. It was explained that part of the site fell within the Green Belt.

The Senior Planning Officer explained that there had been over 500 local responses to the application consisting of 350 objecting, 174 supporting and 9 general comments. The Ward Member and Parish Council had also objected to the application and four consultees offered comments. It was explained that because part of the site fell within the Green Belt and also did not satisfy all the criteria listed in paragraph 155 of the NPPF (Grey Belt) and that very special circumstances were required to justify any development and that any harm to the Green Belt must be outweighed by substantial benefits.

Officers considered that the application site was a sustainable location for the proposed development, due to good transport links. The loss of employment land on site was also considered. The case officer explained the supply of employment land within the area, the number of jobs that would be created by the development and the employment land supply in East Dorset. However, as no robust evidence had been submitted to justify loss of current employment land it remained a reason for refusal as the proposal did not fully comply with Policy PC2 of the Development Plan.

A retail need assessment was required because the site fell within the Green Belt and this was undertaken by a Retail Consultant (Lambert Smith Hampton). The catchment area of the proposed store was shown and it was explained that there was currently an oversupply in retail supply in the area. It was not anticipated that there would be any increased demand for additional supply up until 2040. A retail sequential test carried out by the applicant, found that there were no other suitable alternative sites in the catchment area.

The landscaping proposal was shown to members and it was noted that a full landscaping plan would be required to be submitted by the applicant, should the application be granted. Elevations of the proposed store were also provided, showing a single storey design, which would be set back from the road by 34 metres, to reduce the visual impact of the building. Officers considered that concerns over landscaping and appearance could be mitigated through conditions.

A new crossing was proposed to allow for safe pedestrian access to the site. It was considered that there would be a modest increase in traffic and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

Residential development of site for 95 dwellings, new vehicular and pedestrian access onto Wareham Road and other associated works including landscaping and open space.

The application was deferred until a later date, as the meeting was no longer quorate.

Redevelopment for 48 Dwellinghouses & Village Hall including access improvements, parking & landscaping.

The application was deferred until a later date, as the meeting was no longer quorate.

Use of land as Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) with associated access, landscaping, infrastructure and alterations to road.

The application was deferred until a later date, as the meeting was no longer quorate.

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.

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.