Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Nick Ireland, Paul Kimber and Louie O’Leary

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.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made at the meeting.

Cllr Kate Wheller declared that she had not taken part in any discussion when the applications were discussed by Weymouth Town Council on application P/FUL/2022/02016 - Beach Operations Building, Weymouth Beach, The Esplanade, Weymouth or application P/FUL/2022/01910 - Seascape Café, Greenhill Gardens, Weymouth.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 5 May 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 5th May 2022 were approved 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 attached to this agenda.

The deadline for notifying a request to speak is 8.30am on Tuesday 7 June 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.

Erect 22 dwellings and associated works, including the formation of access, surface water attenuation pond, landscape and ecological enhancements.

This application was deferred.

The Committee considered an application for the installation of mural artwork on a printed board. The application was being considered by the Committee as it was on Dorset Council owned land.

The Team Leader presented the application, including an arial photo of the site and an image of the mural (artwork depicting a post card of Weymouth). 

She informed the committee of the main benefits of the mural such as enhanced visual appearance of the area, increased visitor numbers and regeneration of Weymouth, economic benefits, making a blank building more interesting and increased culture.

There were no objections raised for the mural artwork proposal.

Following the presentation, Cllr John Worth declared that he had not taken part in any prior discussions concerning the proposals as a member of the Board of Weymouth BID.

Debbie Redding, the Agent, addressed the Committee in support of the proposal.

The committee was given the opportunity to ask questions.

Proposed by Kate Wheller and Seconded by Bill Pipe.

The application was voted in favour unanimously.

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

Installation of Mural Artwork on cladding boards.

The Committee considered an application for the installation of a mural artwork on cladding boards on the side of the Seascape Cafe building located in Greenhill Gardens, Weymouth.

The Team Leader presented the application for a second mural for the Artwork Mural Trail. The presentation included an aerial photograph of the area, an image of the mural, the main challenges and benefits, planning history and the principle of development were also outlined.

She added that this would be implemented on a non-designated heritage asset on timber boards. The mural was a depiction of King George 3^rd bathing in Weymouth. It was described to the committee as an interpretive artwork, which did not seek to replicate or copy, which aimed to bring vitality and a modern reference to a historic figure.

The Team Leader stated that the Conservation Area would be enhanced and preserved by this mural and that although located in high-risk flood zones, it would be erected on the building away from flooding.

Debbie Redding, the Agent, addressed the Committee in support of the proposal.

The artwork was received positively by the Committee.

The committee was given the opportunity to ask questions.

Proposed by Sarah Williams and Seconded by Jean Dunseith

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

Demolition of existing external sheds and WC building. Construction of new WC building and access ramp.

The Committee considered an application for the demolition of existing external sheds and WC building and construction of a new WC and access ramp.

The Team Leader outlined a presentation including an aerial photograph, details regarding the site, main issues and benefits, planning history and main planning issues.

It was noted that Weymouth Sea Life Centre was very important for the Weymouth area and that the application would be a visual upgrade of the premises. The officer told the committee that the new toilets would be inclusive to disabled people adding a new ramp and new disabled access to the new building. It was also noted that the new WC would have a modest, low-profile roof. 

The committee were given the opportunity to ask questions.

Questions were asked regarding the untidy areas around the new WC. There were concerns raised pertaining to only one door to the building, and worries were expressed that this would lead to queues and build up. The Team Leader reassured members that there would be more than one toilet within the facility and it would be better than what was currently at the site.

Proposed by Kate Wheller and Seconded by Susan Cocking

Decision: That the application be approved 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 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.