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 Ezzard declared that she was the Ward Member for Wareham, where application P/FUL/2026/02113 was located, however she was not predetermined on the application.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 22 July.

Cllr Coombs queried the inclusion of a member being listed under ‘Apologies’ for the attendance record, when their apologies were not received in advance of the meeting. It was explained by the Democratic and Governance Officer that it was understood this process was in place to ensure all members are recorded at the meeting, however it was being explored whether there was an alternative that would more clearly record members’ attendance and that notification would be sent to members, when a decision had been made.

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 Friday 28 August.

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.

Retain petrol filling station, forecourt, and Class E retail unit with 24-hour opening and lighting scheme. 

The Planning Officer presented the application to retain the existing petrol filling station and forecourt with 24-hour opening hours and lighting scheme. It was noted that the application had been brought before the Committee because part of the application site was owned by Dorset Council.

The location plan was shown, identifying the site as a BP petrol filling station with an associated convenience store. Members were advised that the site was located outside the settlement boundary and the part of the application site on Dorset Council land was highlighted. The site also lay within the 400-metre heathland buffer zone. An aerial photograph was shown, illustrating the site's relationship with surrounding residential development and some commercial uses to the north. Photographs taken from various points around the site were displayed, including views of the access and egress arrangements.

The site plan was presented showing the development as implemented. The Planning Officer explained that, although the site was located within the countryside, all aspects of the operational development had previously been assessed and found acceptable, and they remained acceptable. The main change proposed related to the extension of opening hours of the filling station. It was considered that the use of the site would largely generate passing or linked trips rather than creating significant new travel demand.

Members were shown plans comparing the approved shop layout with the existing layout. It was advised that the facilities provided met an identified need and were located close to an existing settlement. The extension of opening hours demonstrated that this local need would continue to be met. The site was situated in an accessible location off Wareham Road and the impact of the extended operating hours was judged to be minimal.

The Planning Officer reported that objections had been received from residents of the park homes located to the rear of the site, primarily concerning impacts on residential amenity. It was noted that noise generated by the petrol filling station and retail use broadly coincided with the site's hours of operation. Previous planning conditions had restricted operating hours in order to protect local amenity; however, the site had been operating on a 24-hour basis in breach of those conditions. A noise impact assessment accompanied the application and concluded that there would be a negligible impact on noise levels. The assessment found that forecourt noise was largely dominated by general traffic movements on the highway and that night-time activity would be similar to existing traffic noise from the adjoining road network.

To mitigate amenity impacts, conditions were proposed restricting delivery and waste collection times. A further condition would require retail sales between 11.00 pm and 6.00 am to be conducted through a serving hatch only and would prohibit the use of loudspeaker systems during those hours.

It was explained that the application was supported by a lighting assessment. Proposed downlighters to the canopy and forecourt were shown on plans. It was noted that the existing totem sign had previously been granted separate advertisement consent and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

Demolish existing covered area and replace it with a new roof. Erect single-storey extension.

The Planning Officer presented the application for the demolition of an existing covered area, replacement with a new roof structure, and the erection of a single-storey extension. It was noted that the site was owned by Dorset Council.

The site context and location plan were shown, identifying the site within Colehill with vehicle access from Cannon Hill Road. Members were advised that the site lay within the settlement boundary. It was also highlighted that the entire site was subject to a Tree Preservation Order.

An aerial photograph was displayed showing the area proposed for demolition. Photographs of the site were then shown. The location of the proposed tree protection fencing was identified, demonstrating how retained trees would be safeguarded during construction.

Existing and proposed site plans were presented, together with existing and proposed rear elevations. The Planning Officer explained that the extension would have a maximum height of 4.5 metres, reducing to 2.1 metres at its lowest point. The proposed materials would comprise shiplap cladding and grey roof tiles.

It was advised that the proposal represented a modest single-storey extension within the settlement boundary and that no adverse impacts had been identified. Subject to conditions, including those relating to tree protection, the development was considered acceptable.

Cllr Todd spoke in support of the application, as the ward member and a member of Colehill Town Council. He noted that it was a modest and sensible proposal which would improve a community facility and there had been no objections from consultees or members of the public.

It was proposed by Cllr Morgan and seconded by Cllr Skeats, 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.