Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence

No apologies for absence were received at the meeting.

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 Ezzard declared that she was pre-determined on application P/FUL/2022/06012 and did not take part in the debate or vote, but spoke as the ward member.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 09 October 2024.

The minutes of the meeting held on 09 October 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 04 November 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.

Development of Class E(a) retail food store with associated parking, landscaping and access.

The Lead Project Officer delivered an update to the committee, in which it was explained that the applicant had requested for the application to be deferred until after the revised NPPF was finalised. Figures around the applicant’s public consultation exercise were also provided in the update.

With the aid of a visual presentation, that included plans and photographs, the Lead Project Officer identified the location of the site, which lay outside of the defined settlement boundary and within the Green Belt. The proposed site plan was shown, giving an indication of the scale and appearance of the proposed development. Details of both the public comments in support and objection to the application were outlined, as well as details of consultee responses.

The Lead Project Officer outlined the proposal, which consisted of developing a 1.25 hectare site for retail purposes, including a parking area, access and landscaping. This represented a marked change to the currently undeveloped nature of the site. It was explained that, where the Green Belt would be impacted, very special circumstances would need to be identified to outweigh any harm caused. 

It was considered that the site was in a sustainable location, within walking distance of Wareham and linked by bus routes to Poole and Swanage. A sequential test carried out by the applicant, showed that there were not any other suitable sites in the nearby or wider area that could be used for the development.

The landscaping plan and design of the store were shown and it was explained that these had been designed to reduce the visual impact of the site, however it was considered that the concerns over the visual impact could not be overcome due to irreversibly impacting the character of the area, by developing the Green Belt and filling in an open pocket of land.

The Lead Project Officer gave details of conditions that would be included should the application be approved, which included lighting restrictions, delivery and opening hours, a biodiversity plan and drainage plan. It was also explained that there were no objections on highways grounds, on the condition that improvements were made to the nearby pedestrian crossing.

To conclude, details of the planning balance were shown to members, detailing the level of weight given to each factor and officers considered that the harm to the Green Belt could not be overcome from the benefits of the application.

Public representation was received in objection to the application from Mr Chambler, Mr Fagan (Wareham Town Trust), Mr Schofield, Cllr Williamson (Wareham St Martin Parish Council) and both Dorset Council ward members, Cllr Ezzard and Cllr Holloway. They raised concerns including, impacting the character of the area, eroding the Green Belt, setting a precedent for developing Green Belt land and increased traffic and congestion.

Public representation was also received in support of the application from, Mr Stewart, Mrs Fletcher and Mr Mitchell, who spoke on behalf of the applicant. They noted the benefits that the application would bring, such as offering a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

Demolish the existing dwelling and erect two detached properties in its place, with a new pair of semi detached properties to the rear of the site (description amended by P/NMA/2024/03533), with a Variation of Condition of condition 2 (Plans) of original permission (P/FUL/2022/03392). The changes are as follows:

Changes to windows, doors and internal layout at Plots 1 and 2.

Changes and enlargement of roof to accommodate first floor habitable accommodation (a bedroom & bathroom for each unit), and also changes to windows, doors and internal layout at Plots 3 and 4.

The meeting adjourned 12:30 – 13:05    

Cllr Hobbs-Chell left the meeting at 13:05.

The committee agreed to extend the meeting beyond three hours.

The Planning Officer presented the application, which was for the variation of the plans condition on the existing permission to make alterations to the design, including introducing first floor accommodation to the two rear residential units.

The location of the site was shown on a map of the area and it was explained that no alterations would be made to the footprint of the approved dwellings and the distance between neighbouring properties remained the same. The proposed changes were outlined and plans of the proposal were provided including the existing and proposed elevations and floor plans.

The parish council had objected to the application on the grounds of overdevelopment and potential flood risk, however it was noted that a pre-commencement condition would be included, should the application be approved, to secure a drainage management plan.

Public representation was received in support of the application from Mr Holmes, the agent, who noted the minimal impact the proposed changes would have.

The following responses were provided to members questions:

·       There were no changes proposed to the number of dwellings, so the existing permission covered bin storage and parking.

·       The Council’s parking guidance required 2 spaces for a 3 or 4 bed dwelling.

·       The existing permission given at appeal had permitted development rights removed by condition so that future proposals could be assessed.

·       No garages or garden stores were included in the plans.

·       The entrance to the site was being widened as part of the proposal.

Proposed by Cllr Sowry-House and seconded by Cllr Coombes.

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

Removal of existing shed and carport, construction of 2 bed dwelling with associated parking and garden (as amended by plans rec'd 26/07/2022).

With the aid of a visual presentation the Senior Planning Officer identified the location of the application site within Wareham and noted that there had been five objections to the application, including from Wareham Town Council.

Aerial photographs of the site were provided, as well as photographs of the site and surrounding area and nearby heritage assets were highlighted on a map. The details of the application were outlined and the proposed site plan and elevations were shown to members. It was explained that the design of the proposal aimed to minimise the impact on neighbouring properties, as a result, it was considered that there would not be any harmful level of overlooking.

In response to questions from members the Senior Planning Officer explained that the fire service would not be able to access the property directly, they could service a fire on the site using a hose, or sprinklers, which could be enforced by building control. It was also explained that although the property was designed to be small it was not considered to be excessively small for a two-bedroom property.

Proposed by Cllr Brenton and seconded by Cllr Morgan.

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

Demolition and re-location of wall across site to provide additional parking spaces for retail use with gated and ramped customer access. Install wall mounted steel railings along northern boundary and gate on West Borough frontage to provide side access.

Cllr Goringe left the meeting at 13:48.

The Planning Officer presented both application P/FUL/2024/02975 and P/LBC/2024/02976 in a single presentation as both applications related to the same site.

The location of the site within Wimborne was identified and it was noted that the site fell within the Wimborne Minster Conservation Area and was a grade II listed building. The proposed changes to the building were outlined on a site plan and the existing and proposed elevations were also shown, along with photographs of the site from the street.

The works to the parking area were considered to be modest and would not result in harm to the heritage asset. Concerns had been raised about the size of the bin storage area, however this was considered appropriate in relation to the number of dwellings. It was also explained that the town council had objected on the grounds of increased traffic, however Dorset Council Highways did not consider the scheme to create an unacceptable level of increased vehicle movements.

Public representation was received in support of the application from a representative of the applicant, Mr Boothe, who stated that the current parking situation was unsuitable and this application would help to solve the current issues, while also reusing existing brickwork.

Members were in agreement that the application would allow a positive change to the parking arrangements.

Proposed by Cllr Morgan and seconded by Cllr Sowry-House.

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

Demolition and re-location of wall across site to provide additional parking spaces for retail use with gated and ramped customer access. Install wall mounted steel railings along northern boundary and gate on West Borough frontage to provide side access.

Proposed by Cllr Flower and seconded by Cllr Sowry-House.

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

Sever land and erect a dwelling with associated parking and access.

The application was deferred.

Proposed alterations to dwelling.

Cllrs Skeats, Coombes and Flower left the meeting at 14:10.

The Senior Planning Officer clarified that the relevant ward members for the application were Cllr Atwell and Cllr Todd.

The location of the site was shown to members and it was explained that the site was in the Green Belt and an area at risk of surface water flooding. The existing and proposed site plan and elevations were provided and the Senior Planning Officer provided details of the construction materials proposed to be used. It was not considered that there would be an adverse impact on the character area as a result of the proposal and the proposal was judged to represent a proportionate extension and therefore appropriate development in the Green Belt. A flood risk assessment had been submitted and measures to mitigate against flooding had been included in the application.

Public representation was received from the agent for the application, Mr Kitching, who noted that the changes in the overall footprint of the dwelling were very modest and that the proposal would significantly modernise the current outdated accommodation.

In response to members questions, the Senior Planning Officer clarified that the extension would replace the current mobile home extension that formed part of the dwelling benefitting from a lawful development certificate.

Proposed by Cllr Sowry-House and seconded by Cllr Ezzard.

Decision: That the application be granted subject to the conditions outlined 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.