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.

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

Due to the timings of the meetings, the minutes of the previous committee will be confirmed at a later date, once they are available.   

The minutes of the last meeting were unavailable at the time of the publication of the agenda and would be confirmed and signed at the next meeting.

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 Monday 12 October.

Representations by the public to the Committee on individual planning applications are detailed below.

Full planning permission for the erection of 99 open market dwellings & affordable dwellings, a new doctors surgery, a replacement village hall, a car park, a new village green, new vehicular and pedestrian accesses and works to Warmwell Road. An outline application for the erection of 401 open market and affordable dwellings, the provision of 2.5ha of employment land, new vehicular and pedestrian accesses, roads, footpaths and cycleways, a car park for the proposed Site of Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) and 2 pumping stations; and a full application for the change of use of 22.4ha of land to Site of Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG).

The Lead Project Officer presented the hybrid application for the development of 500 dwellings, a new doctors’ surgery, village hall, village green, car park, Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) and associated access arrangements. Members were advised that the Committee had previously resolved to grant planning permission and that work on the Section 106 Agreement had been progressing. During that period, a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) had been published in August, introducing new material planning considerations that needed to be addressed.

It was explained that one new material consideration related to wildfire risk, which had not been assessed as part of the original application or by the Fire and Rescue Service. A further update related to a minor amendment to the Section 106 heads of terms concerning education provision. Since publication of the committee report, the Council had also published a Housing Needs Assessment, which was considered to be a material consideration. Having reviewed the proposed housing mix against the findings of the assessment, officers considered the housing mix remained appropriate. A number of planning conditions had also been updated.

An overview of the site, located to the south of Crossways, was provided. The site was outlined on a map, with key surrounding features identified. The development wrapped around the existing business park, while the Warmwell Holiday Park lay to the west. Moreton railway station was noted to be approximately 850 metres away, with Crossways Surgery and a number of residential developments located to the north-west and west.

An aerial photograph showed that the majority of the site comprised agricultural land, with areas of woodland both within and surrounding the site. It was noted that these woodland areas had contributed to the need to assess wildfire risk. Members were advised that the site was not located within a National Landscape but did fall within the Poole Harbour catchment area. The land formed part of an allocated mixed-use development site within the adopted Local Plan, and the Defined Development Boundary (DDB) for Crossways had been extended to include the site. The proposed SANG was located adjacent to the settlement. It was also noted that the site was excluded from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charging schedule, with extended Section 106 obligations proposed to compensate.

Photographs of Warmwell Road, the site entrance, the existing village hall and the Spitfire Club were shown. The detailed component of the application comprised the new doctors’ surgery, works to Warmwell Road, 99 market and affordable dwellings, and a car park associated with the SANG. The remainder of the residential development would come forward through later phases.

The illustrative masterplan was presented, with the detailed element outlined in red. Community infrastructure was located to the north of the detailed section, while the remainder of the site was proposed for residential development. Building heights would range between two and three storeys and a variety of materials, including brick, render and clay roof tiles, would be used across the development.

It was explained that wildfire risk had not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

An outline application for up to 328 dwellings with full details supplied in respect of 143 dwellings (Phase A) including creation of new accesses onto School Hill and Chickerell Link Road (B3157), including details of the internal spine road, landscaping, drainage, car parking, public open space and associated works for Phase A. All other matters reserved in respect of 185 dwellings (Phases B and C) and land for a primary school, public open space including, landscaping and associated works.

The Lead Project Officer presented the outline application for up to 328 dwellings. Members were reminded that the application had previously been considered in July; however, the consultation period had not concluded at that time and further material planning considerations had subsequently arisen.

The proposed development was outlined, which would be delivered in a number of phases. An updated masterplan was presented, together with illustrative house designs showing a range of materials. The dwellings would incorporate south-facing roof slopes designed to accommodate solar panels and would include air source heat pumps, in accordance with the Committee’s previous decision. The site was shown divided into several development parcels, with a cycle link running through the scheme. Strategic planting corridors extending from north to south were proposed to provide wildlife connectivity. Computer-generated images were presented to illustrate the appearance of the proposed street scenes.

Plans of the central section of the development were shown, including a segregated footway and cycleway. Due to the sloping nature of the site, retaining features would be required in certain areas to manage level changes. Sections illustrating the proposed retaining structures and the relationship with neighbouring properties were shown. Green corridors and planting throughout the development would soften the appearance of the internal street scene.

Further site sections demonstrated the relationship between the proposal and existing neighbouring properties. The southern part of the development would incorporate boulevard-style planting and areas of open space to the west and south. A further computer-generated image illustrated the intended character of the completed development. An east-west green corridor would be provided to the south of the site, forming a public open space link that was considered to contribute positively to the character of the area.

Plans relating to Phase B and the central avenue were presented, including highway layouts extending south through the site. Numerous photographs of the site were also shown, including views from the northern access, views looking north and west across the upper field, the smaller parcel of land near Mariners Way and views looking south from the public footpath. Additional photographs of the north-eastern field, proposed school site and views from the existing settlement towards the site illustrated the site's sloping topography and relationship with surrounding development.

It was advised that the design of the scheme was considered acceptable. The impact on residential amenity had been assessed and reported previously, with a balance struck between avoiding retaining features at street level and facilitating the delivery of the development. Ecological measures included the provision of wildlife corridors, together with bat and bird boxes throughout the scheme.

Flood risk had been assessed through a combined drainage strategy. Sections of the proposed drainage basin were shown and were considered compliant with Sustainable Drainage System guidance. Post-development flood modelling indicated a small increase in flooding around the adjacent golf course, but this was considered acceptable and did not justify refusal on flood risk grounds.

Concerns raised by Sport England regarding golf ball trajectories from the adjacent golf course were addressed and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

Proposed canopies, planters and associated signage to frontage of Kika Beach Club for use within the business premises.

The meeting adjourned 12:35 – 12:45.

Cllr Dickenson and Cllr O’Leary left the meeting at 12:35.

The Development Management Area Manager presented the full planning (P/FUL/2026/03357) and Listed Building Consent (P/LBC/2026/03356) applications, which sought permission for canopies, planters and associated signage. The site location was shown, identifying a group of Grade II listed buildings within the Weymouth Town Centre Conservation Area on the seafront.

Members were advised that the proposal sought to retain outdoor seating areas and erect canopies over them, together with seven planters to the front of the premises, removable canvas infill panels and a 1.4-metre-high timber-clad wall. Elevations were displayed showing the proposed canopies and planters. It was explained that the supporting framework for the canopies would remain in place permanently, whilst the canopies themselves could be retracted when not required. Illustrations were shown depicting both the extended and retracted positions.

Historic street view images from 2009 were presented, showing only tables and chairs in front of the building, with no features obscuring the architectural character of the listed buildings. Further images from 2017 showed the presence of fencing, although this remained relatively low in scale.

It was advised that, planning permission and Listed Building Consent should only be granted where the public benefits outweighed the identified harm to heritage assets. It was considered that the public benefits of the proposal were limited, whilst the canopies, planters and boundary treatments would introduce features that were out of keeping with the character of the listed buildings and the surrounding conservation area.

Members were informed that a late representation had been received on the morning of the meeting from the owner of a local guest house. The representation objected to both applications and argued that the canopies and boundary treatments detracted from the Georgian architecture of the buildings.

The committee voted to extend the meeting beyond three hours.

Ross Fisher spoke in support of the applications, as the agent. He explained that the proposals sought to rationalise the structures currently located outside the premises. He advised that the use of canopies had evolved from the temporary measures introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, when businesses had been encouraged to extend outdoor seating areas. Since that time, there had been a significant shift towards outdoor dining and drinking, with café culture becoming increasingly important to the viability of seafront businesses, particularly in challenging economic conditions.

Officers provided the following responses to members questions:

·       The proposed planters would be constructed with timber.

·       No objection had been made by Weymouth Town Council and Weymouth Civic Society had supported the Listed Building Consent application.

·       The frames would be attached to the building, while the canopies could be withdrawn while not in use.

·       The current structure on site was put in place during Covid when there were special measures to allow for outside seating and these structures were now unauthorised.

·       If the application were to be granted a condition could be included requiring details about the design and materials and for them to be retained  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

Proposed canopies, planters and associated signage to frontage of Kika Beach Club for use within the business premises.

It was proposed by Cllr Kimber and seconded by Cllr Wheller, that the application be refused in line with the officer’s recommendation.

Decision: That the application be refused for the reasons set out in the appendix to these minutes.

Proposed canopies, planters and associated works to signage/frontage.

Cllr Northam left the meeting at 13:52.

The Development Management Area Manager presented both the full planning (P/FUL/2026/03672) and Listed Building Consent (P/LBC/2026/03671) applications for an external seating area incorporating a framework with extendable canopies. Members were shown recent street view images of the site and advised that the current proposal differed from the structures presently in place. Historic street view imagery from 2009 was also displayed, showing the building without any external structures in front of it.

It was advised that the principal issues were the impact of the development on the character and appearance of the Georgian seafront and the setting of the listed buildings. It was considered that the proposed canopies and associated structures would introduce visual clutter that would detract from the historic character of the area. While economic benefits associated with the business were acknowledged, these were not considered sufficient to outweigh the identified heritage harm.

Members were informed that a third-party objection had also been received in respect of the applications. The representation argued that the proposal would be harmful to the character of the Esplanade and would detract from the qualities that attracted visitors to Weymouth.

Ross Fisher spoke on behalf of the applicants, the owners of The Nook Cocktail Club. He explained that the business was proud to contribute to Weymouth’s evening economy and operated responsibly. He advised that the canopies had originally been erected during the Covid-19 pandemic before becoming an important part of the business model. He stated that the challenging economic climate and the impact of poor weather made the canopies important to the long-term viability of the business. The canopies were removable structures, and significant design amendments had been made in response to comments from the Conservation Officer.

In response to a question from one member, the Development Management Area Manager explained that Highways had not raised any issues with the outside seating area obstructing the highway for pedestrians.

It was proposed by Cllr Kimber and seconded by Cllr Wheller, that the application be refused in line with the officer’s recommendation.

Decision: That the application be refused for the reasons set out in the appendix to these minutes.

Proposed canopies and associated works to signage/frontage.

It was proposed by Cllr Wheller and seconded by Cllr Kimber, that the application be refused in line with the officer’s recommendation.

Decision: That the application be refused for the reasons 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.