Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Dave Bolwell and Cllr Kelvin Clayton.

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 Louie O’Leary declared that he had predetermined Application WP/20/00588/FUL - Waterside Holiday Park, Bowleaze Coveway, Weymouth, DT3 6PP and would not take part in the debate or vote on this application.

Cllr Bill Pipe declared that he had previously attended a site visit in respect of Application WP/20/00588/FUL - Waterside Holiday Park, Bowleaze Coveway, Weymouth, DT3 6PP and that he had not predetermined the application.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 7 April 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 April 2022 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 attached to this agenda.

The deadline for notifying a request to speak is 8.30am on Tuesday 3 May 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.

Use of land as year round holiday park.

The Committee considered an application for use of land as a year round holiday park.  This would ensure all parts of the holiday park were subject to the same opening times, including the facilities.  The extended period was from 15 January to 1 March each year.

The presentation of the application included aerial photos, a site plan and photographs of the site. The key planning issues were outlined including the principle of development, visual amenity, setting of Heritage Coast and AONB and residential amenity.  The number of units would be limited to 539 caravans restricted to holiday accommodation.

Mr Richard Burgess, the Agent, addressed the committee in support of the application.

The Committee asked about the definition of a holiday and it was highlighted that condition 4 specified that the lodges and caravans were for holiday purposes only and not a person’s sole residence. 

An up to date register of people staying at the site could be shared with Dorset Council for checking purposes.  There was considered to be no significant adverse effect in terms of amenity as it was anticipated that there would be less usage during this period than the summer months, with the exception of the February school half term period.

Members highlighted the poor levels of enforcement undertaken by predecessor councils or the operator and officers confirmed that the Council had enforcement powers to investigate compliance with conditions should any breaches be notified to the Council.

Some members felt that adding a condition to address potential occupation of the caravans or lodges without interruption could be useful in preventing the site becoming a residential rather than holiday park. However, it was explained that previous government guidance and a condition limiting stays to no longer than 4 weeks were removed in line with the changing holiday market and was no longer used.

Proposed by Cllr Nick Ireland, seconded by Cllr Bill Pipe.

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.