Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence

No apologies for absence were received at the meeting.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registerable or non-registrable interest as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct. In making their disclosure 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 Louie O’Leary declared that he had predetermined application WP/20/00756/FUL - Waterside Holiday Park, Bowleaze Coveway, Weymouth and would not take part in the debate or vote on this application.

To receive questions or statements on the business of the committee from town and parish councils and members of the public.

Public speaking has been suspended for virtual committee meetings during the Covid-19 crisis and public participation will be dealt with through written submissions only.

Members of the public who live, work or represent an organisation within the Dorset Council area, may submit up to two questions or a statement of up to a maximum of 450 words.  All submissions must be sent electronically to denise.hunt@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk by the deadline set out below.  When submitting a question please indicate who the question is for and include your name, address and contact details.  Questions and statements received in line with the council’s rules for public participation will be published as a supplement to the agenda.

Questions will be read out by an officer of the council and a response given by the appropriate Portfolio Holder or officer at the meeting.  All questions, statements and responses will be published in full within the minutes of the meeting.  The deadline for submission of the full text of a question or statement is 8.30am on Friday 28 January 2022.

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.

Extension and improvements to Waterside Holiday Park, comprising use of land for the siting of timber lodges for holiday use, outdoor recreation and play areas, associated access and parking, landscaping planting and infrastructure.

The Committee considered an application for the extension and improvements to Waterside Holiday Park, comprising use of land for the siting of timber lodges for holiday use, outdoor recreation and play areas, associated access and parking, landscaping planting and infrastructure.

The Senior Planning Officer referred to an update sheet circulated to the committee prior to the meeting containing an additional consultation response from the Economic Development Team and a third party comment.

The application was presented including an aerial photograph, location plan, site wide plan, proposed development plans, a Local Plan map showing the site within the setting of the AONB / Heritage Coast and site photos.

A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment had been submitted as part of this application and existing, 1 year and 10 year views were shown from different viewpoints.  Computer generated imagery provided by the applicant also showed the proposed lodges with parking and planting.

The key planning issues were highlighted including:-

·       Principle of development

·       Residential amenity

·       Visual amenity, setting of Heritage Coast and AONB

·       Heritage assets

·       Highway safety

·       Biodiversity

Some of the written submissions were read out by the Technical Support Officer.  All written submissions received were circulated to the committee prior to the meeting and are attached to these minutes.

Cllr Tony Ferrari addressed the Committee, as the relevant Ward Member for Weymouth Town Council and Dorset Council. He drew attention to damage to biodiversity integration, the narrow corridor created by the scheme that would be detrimental to wildlife and concerns associated with increased traffic along Bowleaze Coveway including parking.

In response to the issues raised during public participation, the Senior Planning Officer referred to the consultation response from Wessex Water contained in paragraph 8.16 of the report as well as comments by the Economic Development Team.  She confirmed that the proposed lodges would not be located near homes.

The Senior Planning Officer responded to technical questions, including the following points:-

·       That lodges fell under the definition of a caravan for the purposes of condition 11 and were for holiday use only;

·       That the proposed development did not impinge on any footpaths; and

·       That any upsizing of the commercial water supply would be subject to terms and conditions agreed between the applicant and Wessex Water.

It was noted that information relating to a new water tank recently installed at the park to help with the water supply problem had been circulated by the applicant in a separate briefing to members.

The Highways Officer confirmed that there was sufficient capacity in the road for two HGVs to pass one another with cars parked along the road.

Proposed by Cllr Bill Pipe, seconded by Cllr Susan Cocking.

The committee was minded to approve the application subject to conditions.

The Service Manager for Development Management and Enforcement, having considered the representations and the officer’s presentation, and having taken into account  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

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 was no exempt business.