Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mike Barron and Julie Robinson.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests 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.

Cllr Shane Bartlett took the opportunity to confirm that whilst he was aware of the application, in being a member of the Town Council’s Planning Committee, he had taken no part in meetings or decisions on this.

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.

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 application 3/21/1556/FUL for the redevelopment of Wimborne Market to continuing care community comprising of 67 age restricted apartments, 26 age restricted bungalows, 6 age restricted chalet bungalows, one wellness centre, 9 open market houses, parking , highway improvements and pedestrian link (description amended 24.09.2021 as agreed to include dwelling numbers) at Wimborne Market, Station Terrace, Wimborne.

The Committee were informed that the application had been referred to the Committee by the Head of Planning due to the scale of development and in the public interest and that consideration at this time was due to the fact that there was an appeal for a previous refusal – on the grounds of the need for affordable housing, heathland mitigation and flooding to be adequately addressed - which was imminently due to be heard at a public inquiry and the current scheme was seeking to overcome and address the previous reasons for refusal. Members recognised that given this it was therefore important to get a decision as soon as possible, as this could have a significant bearing upon the twin track appeal.

With the aid of a visual presentation, and taking account the detail in the report, officers provided context of what the main proposals, principles and planning issues of the development were; how these were to be progressed; how the development would contribute to meeting housing needs; and what this entailed. The presentation focused on not only what the development entailed and its detailed design, but what effect it would have on residential amenity and the character the area, taking into account the policies against which this application was being assessed.

The officer provided an update that Condition 21 had been amended to specify the retirement living aspects and accommodation only – so as to not infer that the 9 open market houses were included – with the reason being amended too to state that the parking was specific to the aged restricted development.

Plans and photographs provided an illustration of the location, orientation,

dimensions – form, bulk, size and mass - and appearance of the development

and of the individual properties, with examples being given of how typical

properties would be designed, along with their ground floor plans; how it

would look; proposed street scenes; the materials to be used; access and

highway considerations; environmental considerations; drainage and water management considerations, the means of landscaping, screening and open space provision and its setting within that part of Wimborne Minster and the wider landscape. Flooding, heathland mitigation and affordable housing issues were all given particular consideration.

The site was still currently in occasional use as a market - but this was to shortly cease - and currently contained a number of late 20th century market buildings, covered areas and a multi-storey car park, all being situated on tarmacked hardstanding with surface car parking available on site too.

Officers showed the development’s relationship with other adjacent residential

development and how the buildings were designed to be in keeping with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 221.

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.