Agenda and minutes

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.

Cllrs Bolwell and Clayton declared an interest in items 5b and 5c because they had taken part in the Bridport Town Council Planning Committee, where these items had been considered. They withdrew from the meeting during the consideration of these items.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 16 November 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 November 2023 were confirmed and signed.

To consider the applications listed below for planning permission

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

Change of use of building from a Community Nursery (use class E(f)) to a children’s home (use class C2). Carry out landscaping works.

The Senior Planning Officer presented the application for the change of use of a building from Community Nursery (use class E(f)) to a children’s home (use class C2) and landscaping works. The application had come to the committee for determination because Dorset Council was the landowner and applicant.

Members were shown the location of the application site within Portland, as well as images of the building and access to the site. The Senior Planning Officer explained that the proposal consisted of a change of use to facilitate the creation of a care home to provide for the specialist needs of an individual. The application also included fencing to provide a secure area for the resident and landscaping works, consisting of tree planting and hedgerows along the boundary of the site.

The existing and proposed floor plans were shown to members, indicating where internal changes to the building would be made, as well as photographs of the surrounding buildings to show the proximity of the site to neighbouring dwellings.

The principle of development was considered acceptable, as there was not any overall loss of community facilities or assets, and the application would enable the council to meet its specific needs. There were no objections from the Highways team and no loss of on street parking. There would be a minor impact on the character and heritage assets, however this would be offset by landscape planting and the need to provide a suitable care home.

In response to questions from members the Senior Planning Officer confirmed that the building was under the correct use class (C2).

Cllr Wheller declared that she sat as the Chair of the Corporate Parenting Board for transparency, but would take part in the deliberation of this item.

Proposed by Cllr Ireland and seconded by Cllr Williams.

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

Install defibrillator box on building in public car park.

Cllrs Bolwell and Clayton left the Council Chamber at 10:31.

Applications P/FUL/2023/05347 and P/LBC/2023/05348 were presented at the same time, as they pertained to the same application site.

The Planning Officer presented the applications for the installation of a defibrillator box onto a Grade II listed building in a public car park and listed building consent.

Members were shown the location of the site within Bridport and a photograph of the listed building, which consisted of stone walls with a slate roof, the approximate location of the proposed defibrillator box was also outlined on the photograph.

The principle of development was considered acceptable and there was less than substantial harm caused to the listed building, which was outweighed by the public benefits of the application.

In response to a question from one member the Planning Officer confirmed that where possible the internal wiring would avoid the stonework and go through the mortar joint.

Members were in agreement that the application would provide an important public benefit.

Proposed by Cllr Williams and seconded by Cllr Wheller.

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

Install defibrillator box on building in public car park.

Proposed by Cllr Williams and seconded by Cllr Wheller.

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

Replace external front door & frame. Repair & reinstate single glazed fanlight above door. Installation of draughtproofing threshold strip & timber weather bar. Internal alterations to provide smoke detectors throughout the property.

Cllr Bolwell and Clayton returned to the Council Chamber 10:41.

The Conservation and Design Officer presented the application for internal and external works to a Grade II listed property, it was explained that this application had come to the committee for determination because Dorset Council was the applicant.

The location of the site within Weymouth was shown to members and it was noted that the site fell within the Weymouth Town Centre Conservation Area. The proposal consisted of replacing the existing door, which was in poor condition and installing a series of smoke detectors within the building.

Members felt that this would make a positive improvement to the listed building.

Proposed by Cllr Wheller and seconded by Cllr Clayton.

Decision: That listed building consent 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 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 is no exempt business scheduled for this meeting.

There was no exempt business.