Agenda and 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 Mike Barron declared an interest to agenda item 6, in which he had undertaken a separate site visit with one of the Local Ward Members. Therefore, it was agreed that we would not take part in the debate or vote.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 13^th March 2024.

The minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 13^th March 2024 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 22^nd April 2024.

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 the applications listed below for planning permission

Members considered written reports submitted on planning applications as set out below.

Outline application for erection of a church & care home with associated parking & an area for biodiversity enhancement (all matters reserved except access and scale)

The Case Officer reminded members of the application before them and noted some of the key information which was shown in the officer’s presentation at the previous committee. This included details such as the application site in relation to the settlement boundary as well as highlighting the Local Plan Policy. All matters were reserved except for access and scale. The Case Officer also provided the following updates since the committee report on Wednesday 13^th March 2024:

·       Update to the housing land supply.

·       Extension of time agreed to 1^st May 2024 which was required due to the committee’s decision of deferral.

·       References to use class D1 had changed to refer to F1, in connection with public work or religious instruction as set out on March 13^th Committee report.

·       References to close care had been changed to nursing care.

·       References to church/community hall had been changed to church in response to public representations.

·       Comments received from Adult Social Care Team added to section 9.7 of the report.

·       Reference to the Dorset Council Strategic Flood Risk Assessment which had been added to section 15.6 of the report.

·       Summary of comments received from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service were added to section 9.7 of the report.

·       Summary of local representatives received prior to the previous committee meeting by Monday 15^th April 2024 had been added to section 9.4 of the report.

·       Origin Transport Consultant post committee added to the list of local resident reports submitted under section 9.5 of the report.

The following conditions had also been added as set out below.

·       Renewable energy and water efficiency condition added.

·       The number of bedrooms conditioned to 60 and the number of storeys limited to 2 stories high. The reason for this was to protect the character of the area and prevent over development of the site. 

·       Grampian condition was required for the removal of the utility pole at Station Road junction.

·       Removal of permitted development rights for F1 use class added.

·       Condition 15 LEMP – had been amended with the addition required in relation to Dorset Heathland fires.

The Case Officer discussed the site visit which had been carried out on Wednesday 17^th April between 2:30-4pm. Highlighting that member had now viewed the site and the junction and had looked at alternative routes. The officer also discussed the comments which had been received post committee in relation to development from local residents, the summary of these comments could be found in section 9.5 of the report and full comments were available online. In summary, the officer’s recommendation had not changed, therefore, the recommendation was to grant permission subject to conditions listed in the officer’s report and the updated conditions.

Public Participation

Representations made by the public for this item were heard at the previous committee meeting which was held on Wednesday 13^th March 2024.

Members questions and comments

·       Clarification on the differences between a care home and a nursing home as well as clarity on the intended use of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

Change of use and conversion of outbuilding to form new dwelling. 

The applicant had withdrawn their application for development at 1 Christchurch Road Longham Ferndown BH22 8TD application reference P/FUL/2023/06130 so there was no application for the Committee to consider.

Variation of Condition 4 to application P/PAAC/2023/04935 (Conversion of agricultural barn to a single dwelling, with alterations to provide windows to all habitable rooms including 3 bedrooms and 2 reception rooms.)

(Approved Condition 4 was added under a Non-Material Amendment (P/NMA/2023/06875) to list the approved plans).

With the aid of a visual presentation including plans and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and explained the proposal and relevant planning constraints and policies to members. Photographs of the proposed elevations, an indicative 3D design, and images from September 2019, March 2021 and September 2023 were shown. Members were informed of an updated site plan which identified the proposed residential curtilage.. The Case Officer briefly outlined the history of the barn which benefitted from prior approval for residential use.  The differences between the previous proposal and that before Members was explained including the proposed materials. The recommendation was to grant subject to conditions set out in the officer’s report.

Public Participation

The applicant addressed the committee and explained his intentions for the barn. Mr Freemantle highlighted the amount of time and work undertaken with their architect to ensure that the correct layout  to meet his family needs and suit the location. The applicant  asked the committee to note that the bedroom windows had decreased in size and would have been screened by a mature hedge.. Mr Freemantle  recognised that local residents would notice the barn, but reported local support. He expressed his hope that the committee would support the officer’s recommendation to approve.

Members questions and comments

·       The Local Ward member explained that he was familiar with the structure and was pleased by the proposed conversion. It was noted that the dwelling is visually dominant in the area in which it was situated, however, he considered  it was a good proposal and supported it.

·       Clarification regarding the curtilage.

·       Members felt as though the proposal was an improvement.

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 Robin Cook, and seconded by Cllr Mike Dyer.

Decision: To GRANT the officer’s recommendation for APPROVAL.

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 3 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.