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.

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

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 03 April 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 03 April 2025 were confirmed 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.  Guide to Public Speaking at Planning Committee.

The deadline for notifying a request to speak is 8.30am on Tuesday 06 May 2025.

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

Erect single storey modular building. Install perimeter fencing.

With the aid of a visual presentation including plans and aerial photographs, the Senior Planning Officer identified the site and explained the proposal, which consisted of the erection of a single storey modular building and installation of perimeter fencing.

The location of the site was identified, it fell within the Dorset National Landscape and open countryside and was located within the setting of Maiden Castle. There was also an Edwardian building on the site, which was considered a non-designated heritage asset.

The proposal was explained, it consisted of a modular building comprising four classrooms and an area of enclosed outside space, to be used for educational purposes.

It was explained that 3 trees would be lost as a result of the proposal and that the planting of 18 trees elsewhere on site was proposed in order to offset the loss, in addition to an offsite bio-diversity net gain contribution.

Members were shown photographs of various points around the site, as well as views of the site from Maiden Castle and the trees set to be removed were identified on an aerial photograph.

The Senior Planning Officer considered that the proposal was compliant with planning policy and due to the site being screened by vegetation the impact on views from Maiden Castle would be limited. It was explained that there were no concerns with highways, archaeology or neighbouring amenity.

In response to member’s questions the Senior Planning Officer provided the following responses:

·       The applicant could choose a different method of delivery for the bio-diversity net gain.

·       The site would accommodate four pupils, therefore any traffic increase was considered to be minimal.

·       The proposal would not provide overnight accommodation.

·       The applicant would be expected to demonstrate they are unable to provide the bio-diversity net gain on site before exploring alternatives, this would be covered by an informative on the decision notice.

It was proposed by Cllr Christopher and seconded by Cllr Wheller to grant the application.

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.