Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence

There were no formal apologies received from members of the Committee.

Given that the meeting was being held as a virtual meeting  - in being delivered as a MS Team Live Event – owing to the need to do so during the coronavirus/Covid -19 pandemic, the Chairman took the opportunity to explain how the meeting would take place, the way this would be done and the reason for this. She explained the protocols and processes to be followed and that doing so give gave the Council the ability to continue to fulfil its obligation of delivering the planning function and determining applications.

To receive any declarations of interest

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made at the meeting.

Councillors Alex Brenton and Cherry Brooks having both served previously on Purbeck District Council, mentioned that minute 88 had been discussed and debated within that Council but neither had come to a view on the matter that would constitute their predetermination of the application, so felt able to participate fully in the meeting.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2020.

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2020 were confirmed and would be signed at the first opportunity.

Members of the public wishing to submit a written representation 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 note that the deadline to register to submit a written submission to the Area Planning Committee is at 8.30am on Thursday 7 May 2020.

Please refer to the Guide to Public Speaking at Planning Committee and specifically the "Covid-19 Pandemic – Addendum to the Guide to Public Speaking Protocol for Planning Committee meetings" (attached).

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 a report by the Head of Planning.

The Committee considered an application 3/20/0178/FUL - single storey extension to south-west elevation and alterations to steps and railings at Verwood Library, 1 Manor Road, Verwood which was designed to provide a new staff and accessible toilet. Doing this would enable the library’s toilet facility to be more accessible to those working at and visiting the library and comply with the necessary statutory regulations relating to this. Whilst reference had been made for a ramp to be constructed for access purposes, officers confirmed that this was not he case and never formed part of the proposals of the formal, with the steps being considered satisfactory to serve the purpose of access.

With the aid of a visual presentation, officers explained what the main

proposals and planning issues of the development were; how these were to

take place; why they were necessary; and what the benefits of the

development entailed. Plans and photographs provided an illustration of the

location, dimensions and configuration of the library, its setting within Verwood; how the new extension and access arrangements would look and where the steps would be; the materials to be used and the reasons for why it was to be orientated in the way proposed. Officers showed its relationship with neighbouring property and amenity, including the united reformed Church, with the characteristics of the site being shown too.

Whilst the proposed extension, new steps and its associated railings would be

visible from the public realm, due to its modest scale and form it was considered that this would have a very limited impact on the appearance in the wider sense. Whilst the extension would bring the building closer to the

side/south-western boundary by approximately 1.2m, no new windows were necessary, with the existing external window being replaced with an internal door for access to the new toilet. And as such the separation distance was not considered to be harmful. Moreover, this part of the library already accommodated a toilet so there was no change of use, merely an increase in size. Accordingly, it was considered to be acceptable as there was no significant harm to neighbouring residential amenity.

Having assessed the material considerations - as outlined within the report – with the proposal considered to accord with policy HE2 of the Local Plan,

officers considered there not to be any matters which would warrant a refusal of planning permission in this case and the Committee’s approval was now being sought, subject to conditions. Given that the application was made by Dorset council, the need for Committee consideration gave it credibility and ensured transparency of the decision making process.

Formal consultation had not met with any formal objections, Verwood Town Council included.

The opportunity was given for members to ask questions of the presentation

and what they had heard. However, whilst the relevance of the ramp mentioned was not part of what the Committee were being asked to consider, some members asked why this could not be the case, considering that a ramp  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.

To consider a report by the Head of Planning.

The Committee considered application 6/2019/0585 for the construction of 9 dwellings and associated works at the former Royal British Legion Club, Wimborne Road, Lytchett Matravers.

With the aid of a visual presentation, officers explained what the main

proposals and planning issues of the development were; how these were to

be progressed; and what this entailed. The application focused on the provision of Plots 7 and 8 and how these would complement the previously granted development permission. Plans and photographs provided an illustration of the location, dimensions and appearance of the development and the individual properties, along with their ground floor plans; how it would look; proposed street scenes; the materials to be used; the means of landscaping; and its setting within the landscape - which was incorporated within the Green Belt. How the previous British Legion building looked was shown too. Officers showed the developments relationship with other proposed residential development sites to its southern, western and northern sides, with reference to policy H6 of the emerging Purbeck Local Plan. The construction of Plots 7 and 8 were considered to be limited infilling and acceptable in the circumstances, due to its relationship with existing development and sites identified for development in the emerging Local Plan.  The characteristics and topography of the site was shown and its relationship with the highway network and to properties in Lions Court, located to the west.

Officers explained that the Committee was being asked to consider the application following the scheme of delegation referral process, this being necessary to allow consideration of the impact on the Green Belt. Members noted that this was exactly the same scheme as application 6/2018/0022, which had been dismissed at appeal. Subsequently, a smaller scheme - for 7 dwellings - had been granted and construction of these was already progressing. Views into Lytchett Matravers, and further along Wimborne Road, showed the dwellings being built.

However, officers were of the opinion there were material planning considerations as to why this application could now be considered acceptable as there were materially different circumstances. Previously, the proposals were considered under previously developed land criteria and there was therefore a requirement to assess the proposals on impact upon the openness of the Green Belt. The Committee were informed that in light of the Planning Inspectorate’s view that weight could now be given to the Emerging Purbeck Local Plan, as this proposal was considered to be infill development in the Green Belt, consequently, there was not an obligation for this impact to be assessed on grounds of openness. The approved scheme for 7 houses had omitted the area of Green Belt land, whilst the proposed layout plan included the area within the Green Belt, which was proposed to be used for the gardens of Plots 7 and 8 only.

Reference was also made for the need for substantial weight to be given to any harm upon the Green Belt, as outlined in paragraph 144 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and to an extract  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

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 for consideration at the meeting.  

The Chairman took the opportunity to thank all who had participated for their contribution in making the meeting the success it was.