Agenda and draft minutes

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.

Cllr Morgan declared that he had an interest in application P/LBC/2026/03245 and P/ADV/2026/02975 due to his role as a trustee for the Museum of East Dorset and left the room for the deliberation of these items.

Cllr Suttle declared a pecuniary interest in application P/HOU/2026/01416 and withdrew from the meeting for the deliberation of this item.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 24 June 2026.

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 June 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 Monday 20 July.

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.

Modification of legal agreement dated 15 January 2016  on application 3/13/0674/OUT to remove obligation relating to affordable housing.

The Lead Project Officer presented the application seeking modification of the Section 106 agreement to remove the affordable housing obligation associated with the development. It was noted that the application had been referred to Committee in accordance with the Dorset Council Constitution due to the proposed reduction in community benefit.

The site location and surrounding context were shown on a map, with the application site outlined in red. Members were reminded of the planning history of the site and in particular an outline application for 29 homes (LPA reference 3/13/0674/OUT), which had been refused by East Dorset District Council in 2015 before being allowed on appeal in 2016. A reserved matters application (3/19/0019/RM ) was subsequently approved by Committee in 2019.

Plans were displayed identifying the affordable housing units currently secured through the legal agreement, together with examples of the approved dwellings. Members were advised that the existing agreement required the delivery of 11 affordable housing units, but the applicant was seeking to remove this requirement in its entirety on viability grounds.

It was reported that one objection had been received from neighbouring residents. Objections had also been submitted by the Town Council and the Ward Member. Although the Housing Officer had initially objected to the proposal, they had subsequently acknowledged that the provision of affordable housing was not viable based on the evidence submitted.

The applicant had identified a number of abnormal and increased costs associated with the development, including the diversion of a water drain over a distance of approximately 50 metres, non-standard drainage requirements across the site, the construction of a sacrificial road to protect retained trees during development, the provision of heat pumps, and increases in construction and labour costs.

The key findings of the independent viability review undertaken by the District Valuer Service were outlined to members. The District Valuer had adopted a higher gross development value than that suggested by the applicant, while also applying lower construction, external works and abnormal cost assumptions. The District Valuer’s assessment of policy requirements was approximately £200,000 lower than that advanced by the applicant. It was also noted that the development was not liable for Community Infrastructure Levy payments.

A viability matrix had been used to test the conclusions and was found to support the District Valuer Service assessment. The Lead Project Officer advised that viability would only improve sufficiently to support affordable housing provision if sales values increased by approximately 10 per cent and construction costs reduced by approximately 10 per cent. Reference was also made to the Planning Inspector's observations on another appeal scheme at 184 Ringwood Road, noting that the viability information supporting the Christchurch and East Dorset Local Plan was considered to be out of date.

It was further noted that the Section 106 agreement was more than five years old, meaning that the Council was obliged to consider whether the affordable housing requirement continued to serve a useful purpose. It was concluded that the viability evidence submitted and independently reviewed demonstrated that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

Proposed extensions and alterations to provide ground and first floor accommodation, new hipped roof providing a second-floor loft room and covered balcony, and refurbishment of outbuildings.

The meeting Adjourned 11:22 – 11:36.

Cllr Suttle left the room at 11:36.

The Planning Officer presented the application for extensions and alterations to provide additional ground and first floor accommodation, a new hipped roof incorporating a second-floor loft room and covered balcony, together with the refurbishment of outbuildings. It was noted that an objection had been received from Swanage Town Council.

The site was identified on a map and was noted to lie within the Dorset National Landscape but outside the Conservation Area. Members were shown photographs of the property, which comprised a detached dwelling with partial two-storey form. A converted garage was located to the side of the dwelling. It was explained that the property had originated as a backland development and remained relatively unassuming in character, not appearing prominent within the landscape or wider views. It remained subservient to the larger neighbouring property, Craig-y-Don.

The proposed development comprised ground and first floor extensions to the south and west elevations, together with the creation of a loft room within a new pitched roof. The proposal also sought to retain the existing outbuilding and demolish the existing garage.

It was explained that an earlier application had proposed a substantially larger two-storey extension and an external staircase. That scheme had been withdrawn following officer concerns regarding its scale, massing and potential overlooking impacts on neighbouring properties. Pre-application advice had subsequently been provided, resulting in a significantly reduced scheme. Members were shown the evolution of the roof design together with the existing and proposed site plans. The revised proposal also included the installation of a heat pump and solar panels. It was noted that the site lay within the settlement boundary and that officers had worked closely with the applicant to secure a scheme of reduced size, scale and mass. The revised design retained visual openness to the side of the property.

Neighbour objections had focused principally on the height of the proposed hipped roof and the extension of the flat-roofed element. Officers considered that, following amendments to the scheme, neither the hipped roof nor the flat roof extension were overbearing within the street scene. Whilst acknowledging that the roof design was not considered exceptional, officers regarded the proposal as achieving a more cohesive overall appearance.

The site was located outside the Conservation Area and would not affect any heritage assets. The proposed materials would match the existing dwelling, and the visual impact of the extensions would remain largely read within the context of the larger Craig-y-Don building. The proposal was therefore considered to conserve and enhance the purposes of the Dorset National Landscape. No objections had been received from the Council’s Tree Officer, biodiversity enhancements would be secured by condition, and no highway objections had been raised.

The impact on neighbouring amenity was assessed in detail. Objections had raised concerns regarding loss of privacy, overlooking, overbearing impacts and the proposed decking area to the rear. Plans illustrating separation distances between properties were shown. Existing trees along the site boundaries provided  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

Alteration to existing fascia sign and add new painted fascia sign.

Cllr Suttle returned to the meeting at 12:29.

Cllr Morgan left the meeting at 12:28. 

The committee agreed to extend the meeting beyond three hours.

The Planning Officer presented both the Listed Building Consent and Advertisement Consent applications together. The proposals sought alterations to the existing fascia signage and the addition of a new painted fascia sign. It was noted that both applications had been brought before the Committee as the site was located on Dorset Council-owned land.

The site location was shown, identifying the museum within Wimborne. Members were advised that the property was situated within the main urban area, within the primary shopping area and within the Wimborne Minster Conservation Area. Reference was made to the Historic England listing description of the building, and it was noted that another listed building was located immediately to the north of the application site.

Existing elevations were displayed, showing the current signage arrangements, which comprised green fascia signage and two hanging signs. Proposed elevations were then presented, illustrating signage painted directly onto the fascia panels. The proposed signage would be painted in a sympathetic green colour and would include revised wording. The existing hanging signs would be retained.

It was advised that the proposed works would not result in harm to the Grade II listed building or the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. The impact on amenity was considered acceptable and compliant with local and national planning policies. It was further noted that the proposals would not give rise to any public safety concerns. Photographs were shown demonstrating the museum within the context of the High Street and its surrounding townscape.

In response to a question from one member, the Planning Officer confirmed that the signs would be painted onto the fascia, which were attached to the buildings.

It was proposed by Cllr Skeats and seconded by Cllr Coombs that the application be granted.

Decision: That the application be granted subject to the conditions set out in the appendix to these minutes.

Alteration to existing fascia sign and add new painted fascia sign.

It was proposed by Cllr Skeats and seconded by Cllr Coombs that the application be granted.

Decision: That the application be granted 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.