Agenda and draft 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.

Cllr Wheller declared that she knew the applicant for item 5d, but that their relationship was strictly professional and did not impact her ability to take part in the deliberation of the item. Cllr Wheller also declared that she grew up near the application site of item 5b, but was not predetermined on the application and also that she would not take part in determining items 5 h, I & f as she hadn’t attended the previous committee meetings for those items.

Cllr O’Leary declared that he would not take part in the debate or vote for item 5d, as he knew the owner of the Rugby Club.

Cllr Shortell declared that he hadn’t been present at the previous committee meeting for item 5h, however he had since read the committee papers and watched the video recording of the meeting and therefore, would take part in determining that application.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 14 March 2024.

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 March 2024 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.

Demolition of existing building and restoration of the site through the construction of a temporary surface car park.

The Lead Project Officer presented the application for the demolition of an unused bowling alley in Weymouth and the construction and temporary siting of a car park. The proposal included the demolition of the entirety of the existing building, which was no longer in use and the creation of a 57-space car park, accessed via the existing car park.

Members were shown the location of the site within Weymouth and photographs of the exterior of the existing building and surrounding area.

The key planning issues were summarised by the Lead Project Officer and it was explained that this was an interim stage in the possible future development of the site and that it would likely be proposed to be developed further in the future.

There was public representation received from Mr Christian, the agent for the application, who spoke in support of the proposal, stating that the demolition of the unused building would be a positive contribution to the area.

In response to a question from one member the Lead Project Officer informed the committee that there weren’t concerns over harming archaeological finds on the site as the building would only be demolished to slab level and as such wouldn’t impact anything under the surface. A condition requiring a programme of Archaeological works would further safeguard any minor intrusions that may occur from drainage works.

Having had the opportunity to discuss the proposal, members were in agreement that the removal of the vacant building from Weymouth town centre would be a positive contribution to the area and looked forward to the potential redevelopment of the site in the future.

Proposed by Cllr O’Leary and seconded by Cllr Ireland.

Decision: That the application be granted subject to the conditions set out in the appendix to these minutes and as per the update sheet attached to the agenda.

Modify section 106 agreement dated 17 August 2016 - Relating to Phases 2-4 at Curtis Fields (WP/14/00777/OUT) - to modify a portion of the affordable housing requirements from 30% to 26.24% following receipt of independent viability report (revised description).

The Lead Project Officer presented the application for the variation of a legal condition on a previously approved application, to reduce the affordable housing requirements from 30% to 26.24%. It was explained that a report had been produced by the independent District Valuer, which had determined that due to abnormal costs that had arisen during the development, the full affordable housing requirement of 30% was no longer viable and the alternative of 26.24% had been proposed. This equated to a loss of 18 affordable homes from the development.

Cllr Northam, a representative of Weymouth Town Council, spoke in objection to the application, stating that there was a serious need for affordable homes in the area and reducing the requirement could set a precedent for other developers to seek to reduce their contribution.

Having had the opportunity to discuss the application members expressed concerns over reducing the affordable housing requirement from the development, particularly due to the view that the applicant did not do their due diligence when estimating their costs initially. Members felt that approving this application could set a precedent for reducing affordable housing requirements, which they were reluctant to do and were minded to defer the application to allow officers to review the application with the applicant to explore whether there were any other options that the applicant could propose that would not result in a reduction of affordable housing provision

Adjournment 11:23 – 11:42

Proposed by Cllr Wheller and seconded by Cllr Williams.

Decision: That the application be deferred until a later meeting.

Renewal of permission for change of use to hostel (permanent approval requested) - Variation of condition 2 of planning permission 4/91/0110T to allow the use to apply to the land rather than the applicant.

The Senior Planning Officer presented the application for the variation of condition to allow the planning permission to apply to the land rather than the applicant, following Dorset Council acquiring a former hostel. The application had been brought to committee for determination because Dorset Council was the applicant.

Members were shown the location of the application site, as well as photographs of the building and the surrounding area. The condition linking the planning permission to the applicant rather than the land had been carried over from consent granted in 1991. The Senior Planning Officer explained that there was no specific justification for tying the consent to the applicant rather than the land and the condition fails the test of being necessary and reasonable, as such it was recommended to grant approval.

Vikki Jeffery spoke as the applicant, in support of the application, noting the building had been recently purchased by Dorset Council to be used as a hostel.

Proposed by Cllr Wheller and seconded by Cllr O’Leary.

Decision: That the application be granted.

Change of use of a sector of the Rugby club car park to a cafe with seating area.

Cllr O’Leary left the Council Chamber at 12:05.

The Senior Planning Officer presented the application for the change of use of the Rugby Club car park to a café. An application for the site had been previously refused at the February 2024 committee and had returned with the kiosk being situated in a different part of the car park, further away from the neighbouring residential properties, to address issues around noise and odour.

Members were shown the location of the application site and an aerial view of the site, with the location of the current kiosk and seating area highlighted, as well as photographs of the kiosk and seating area and the proposed area where the kiosk would be relocated to.

The main planning issues were summarised by the case officer and it was explained that previous concerns over the noise and odour produced by the café had been addressed by the relocation of the kiosk.

Public representation was received from the agent, Mr Williams, who spoke in support of the application.

In response to a question from one member, the Senior Planning Officer explained that the area where the kiosk and seating is currently located would be returned to car parking.

Proposed by Cllr Kimber and seconded by Cllr Ireland.

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

Cllr O’Leary returned to the Council Chamber at 12:19.

Erect public toilets/cafe and form a new vehicular access. Install ten electric vehicle charging stations.

The Senior Planning Officer presented the application for the erection of a café, new vehicular access and the installation of 10 electric vehicle charging stations in the Charmouth Road Park and Ride car park. This application had come to the committee for determination because the application site was on land partially owned by Dorset Council. 

Photographs of the existing Park and Ride site were provided to members, as well as various views from around the site and access to the site. The case officer provided plans for the proposal and indicated where the café building and car chargers would be located.

The main planning issues were summarised and it was explained that the scale of the facilities being proposed were considered to be disproportionate when considered against other facilities that served larger settlements and that insufficient evidence had been provided to demonstrate that the building is needed for the use of the park and ride. The application site also fell within the National Landscape, for which the council has the duty to enhance the natural beauty of the landscape and this application would introduce a permanent structure onto the site to service a seasonal park and ride.

Public representation in support for the application was received from Mr Cope, the agent for the application, Mr Green a representative of Lyme Regis Town Council and Cllr Bawden, the Ward Member.

The committee voted in favour of extending the meeting past 3 hours.

In response to questions from members the Senior Planning Officer explained that the Electric Vehicle charging stations had been considered as part of the application and were considered acceptable, but their benefit was outweighed by the harm caused by the erection of the café building. Members were also reshown a photograph of the existing site, showing the proximity and size of the neighbouring residential buildings.

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application, members felt that the facilities provided by this application were important to help facilitate the park and ride for the future and provide economic benefits to ensure its sustainability. In addition, they held the view that the café building wouldn’t have a negative impact on the landscape, particularly when compared to the existing buildings nearby. The application also had support from the Town Council and the Ward Member.

The meeting adjourned to allow for planning officers to draft a set of conditions for the approval of the application. 13:09 – 14:00

The Senior Planning Officer presented the set of conditions and summarised them for members. The proposer and seconder agreed to the proposed conditions.

Proposed by Cllr Ireland and seconded by Cllr Kimber.

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

Cllr Wheller left the meeting at 13:09

Retain conversion of barn to residential use.

The Senior Planning Officer presented the application for the retrospective planning permission for the conversion of a barn to residential usage. It was explained that due to a revised National Planning Policy Framework, the requirement to demonstrate a 5-year housing land supply had been reduced to 4-years and the tilted balance would not apply to this application.

Members were shown the location of the site and an aerial photograph of the area, showing the building and surrounding land. Elevations of the building and floorplans were provided, as well as photographs, to give members an idea of the scale and design of the building.

The Senior Planning Officer summarised the main planning issues related to the application, noting that the application site fell outside of the Defined Development Boundary and the justification provided by the applicant, of it being a rural workers dwelling was not considered sufficient as evidence for this had not been provided.

Public representation in support of the application was received from Ms Sturrock, Mr Winterson, the applicant Mr Tolkovsky, Cllr Rogers representing Netherbury Parish Council and Cllr Alford the Ward Member. Within their statements they highlighted the sustainable construction of the barn and the need for the rural location for the woodworking and education business ran by the applicant.

The Senior Planning Officer reiterated that the applicant had not provided details to justify the need for a rural workers dwelling and it was not clear that there was a need for accommodation on the site, as the business had previously been run from a different location.

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application, members felt that the application did not pose significant harm to the landscape and expressed concerns over security, due to there having been 3 instances of theft from the site in the past. 

The meeting adjourned from 15:33 – 15:48.

Based on the evidence presented by the public speakers and within the officer’s report, members felt that there were significant security concerns due to the isolated location of the business that would require the siting of on-site accommodation.

Planning conditions that were required, should members approve the application were presented to members. The proposer and seconder agreed the conditions presented.

Proposed by Cllr O’Leary and seconded by Cllr Kimber.

Decision: That authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Service Manager for Development Management and Enforcement to grant subject to the conditions as set out in the appendix to these minutes.

Relocation of main electricity service line cut-out board by SSEN from lower ground floor to first floor of the property adjacent to already existing electricity board.

The Conservation and Design Officer presented the application for listed building consent to relocate the main SSEN electricity service line cut-out board from the ground floor to the first floor. The application had come to committee for determination because Dorset Council was the landowner.

Members were shown the location of the application site within Weymouth. The case officer summarised the proposal and explained that the proposed location would allow for better access and prevent any damage from damp issues. The application was not considered to cause any harm to the heritage asset.

Proposed by Cllr Williams and seconded by Cllr O’Leary.

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

Conversion and change of use of an existing agricultural building to holiday let accommodation.

(The officer report from the committee meeting held on 19 October 2023 has been attached as Appendix 2 to the report)

Cllr O’Leary left the meeting at 16:10.

Cllr Kimber and Cllr Shortell confirmed that they had read the report from the October 2023 meeting of the committee, where they were not present.

The Development Management Team Leader presented the application for the conversion and change of use of an existing agricultural building to holiday let accommodation. It was explained that although this application had been determined previously by the committee in October 2023, since then there had been various changes in relation to material planning considerations, so the application was being brought back to committee to determine if these changes impacted the decision of the committee.

The changes in material planning considerations were highlighted to members and it was explained that the revised statutory duty to AONB’s was the relevant change to the application. The revised duty requires Local Planning Authorities to seek to further the purposes of conserving and enhancing the AONB (National Landscape),

The application was summarised by the case officer, with detailed plans provided including elevations and floorplans, as well as photographs of the site.

Public representation was received from the applicant, Ms Benedict, who stated that the repurposing of an old derelict building would enhance the landscape and provide important economic benefits.

Proposed by Cllr Ireland and seconded by Cllr Clayton.

Decision: That authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Service Manager for Development Management and Enforcement to grant subject to the completion of a S106 agreement and the conditions set out in the appendix to these minutes.

Erection new dwelling. Construct swimming pool and pool plant house. Alterations and extensions to Dower House to provide enhanced internal accommodation; part demolition including existing boiler room, utility room, conservatory, garage, walling, structures within courtyard and detached outbuilding. Reinstatement of carriageway, gates and piers and boundary enclosure; erection of bike stores.

(The officer report from the committee meeting held on 08 February 2024 has been attached as an appendix to the report)

The Lead Project Officer presented the application, it was explained that officers had sought to agree the terms of the S106 agreement since the committee had resolved to grant approval of the application at the February 2024 committee meeting, however the applicant had advised that the terms of the S106 agreement would prohibit them from acquiring funding for the works due to a legal agreement tying the proposed holiday let to the wider Parnham estate.

The application was summarised by the case officer, who provided plans of the development and photographs of the application site. It was explained that the application sought to tie the proposed holiday let to the Dower House and other land within the same title and commits the applicant to landscape management of the grounds and early restoration work to the historic gates and driveway.

The main planning issues were summarised and it was highlighted that the application was in conflict to policy ECON6, as the holiday let could be sold off separately, so there was a risk of fragmentation of the estate. There were however, heritage benefits from the landscape management and restoration works.

Public representation was received from the agent for the applicant, Mr Grant, who highlighted the need for the applicant to acquire funding for this part of the development and hoped that the agreement to carry out other works would help offset the change to the proposed legal agreement.

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application, members felt that the application would provide economic benefits to the area. They felt that the application would also facilitate the restoration of the rest of the estate, by providing a revenue stream for the applicant. Furthermore, it was considered that the heritage benefits of the restoration of the historic gates and landscaping works would outweigh the harm done by not tying the holiday accommodation to the wider Parnham Estate.

The Lead Project Officer presented the draft conditions to members and the proposer and seconder confirmed that they accepted the conditions.

Proposed by Cllr Ireland and seconded by Cllr Kimber.

Decision: That authority be delegated to the Head of Planning or the Service Manager for Development Management and Enforcement to grant planning permission subject to the completion of a legal agreement under section 106 of the Town and County Act 1990 (as amended) in a form to be agreed by the Legal Services Manager to secure:

i.               Landscape management and maintenance within the title plan, including the tree lined avenue, to ensure the development would improve the quality and appearance of the site and part of the Estate.

ii.              Tying the proposed holiday-let to the existing Dower House and associated title (including entrance and access drive) so that it cannot be sold off separately.  

And subject to conditions set out in the appendix to these minutes.

Retain and alter ancillary building.

(The officer report from the committee meeting held on 16 November 2023 has been attached as an appendix to the report)

The Planning Officer presented the application to retain and alter an ancillary building. The committee were reminded of the update on the application, which was a representation from a neighbour objecting to the application based on impact on character and impact on privacy due to overlooking.

Members previously considered the application in November 2023 and resolved to delegate authority to the Head of Planning to grant subject to the completion of a legal agreement and were now asked to consider an amended scheme, the only difference being the decking area.

The location of the application site within Bridport was highlighted and an aerial photograph of the property and garden was shown to members. A photograph of the existing building and raised decking area was provided, in addition to a floor plan of the building. The Planning Officer summarised the key planning issues and noted that the proposal was considered to be acceptable in planning terms.

Public representation was received from Mr Tuck, who opposed the application because of the increased size of the decking area, which he felt would lead to an unacceptable level of overlooking on neighbouring gardens. Mr Ludgate, the agent for the application, spoke in support of the application.

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application, members felt that the application was acceptable and didn’t pose any issues.

Proposed by Cllr Ireland and seconded by Cllr Kimber.

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 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 scheduled exempt business.

There was no exempt business.