Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence

No apologies for absence were received at the meeting.

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.

Cllr Bill Pipe informed the Committee that, owing to an association he had with a client who had objected to the Foundry Lea application, he would take no part in the consideration, debate or vote of that particular item.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 7^th July 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 July 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 Monday 1^st August 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.

Construction of 760 dwellings, public open space (including play space and landscape planting), allotments, an orchard, sports pitch provision, with associated changing rooms and car parking, pedestrian, cycle and vehicular links, drainage works and associated infrastructure (Reserved matters application to determine appearance, landscaping, layout and scale following the grant of Outline planning permission number WD/D/17/000986)

Prior to consideration of the item, the Chairman sought a Vice-Chairman for this given that the Vice-Chairman, Cllr Bill Pipe, was unable to take part owing to his association with a client who had objected to the application. On that basis, Cllr Susan cocking proposed Jon Worth - this being seconded by Cllr Louis O’Leary. There being no further nominations, Cllr Jon Worth was appointed as Vice-Chairman for the item.

The Committee considered application P/RES/2021/04848 for the construction of 760 dwellings, public open space (including play space and landscape planting), allotments, an orchard, sports pitch provision, with associated changing rooms and car parking, pedestrian, cycle and vehicular links, drainage works and associated infrastructure in the development of land at Foundry Lea (Vearse Farm), Bridport. This was a Reserved Matters application to determine appearance, landscaping, layout and scale, following the grant of Outline Planning Permission (OPP) - number WD/D/17/000986. How any decision made would be enacted and the reasons for this was also explained.

Officers drew the attention of the Committee to the planning history of the site, in that OPP had been granted by the former West Dorset District Council in 2017. Accordingly, it was confirmed, and emphasised, that this application sought approval for the Reserved Matters pursuant to the OPP permission and should be the focus of the Committee’s considerations.

With the aid of a visual presentation – and taking into account the provisions of the Update Sheet circulated to members prior to the meeting - officers provided context of what the main proposals, principles and planning issues of the development were; how these were to be progressed; how the development would contribute to meeting housing needs; and what this entailed. The presentation took into account the policies against which this application was being assessed, - in complying with the West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland Local Plan, the Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) – and particularly how it accorded with the junction layout, parameter, green infrastructure, scale & density plans approved with the OPP that were derived from a Masterplan for the scheme.

The Committee were informed that as the principle of the development had been deemed acceptable, it was solely now the Reserved Matters that were for consideration:

·        principle,

·        appearance,

·        landscaping,

·        layout – housing/ community infrastructure; roads, footpaths and cycleways; foul and surface water drainage; affordable housing and self build

·        scale

Plans and photographs provided an illustration of the location, orientation, density, dimensions – form, bulk, size and mass - and appearance of the development and of the individual properties, with examples being given of how typical properties would be designed within the five distinctive character areas, along with their ground floor plans; how it would look; proposed street scenes; the materials to be used; energy efficiency enhancements; affordable housing provision; self-build provision; access and highway considerations; infrastructure and amenity considerations and provision; environmental and biodiversity considerations; the means of landscaping; and its setting within that part of the Bridport area -  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

Erect stand alone timber structure

The Committee considered an application for the site of a timber lodge classroom within the grounds of Greenford Church of England Primary School, Chilfrome Lane, Maiden Newton.

The planning officer’s presentation - in taking into account the provisions of the Update Sheet circulated to members prior to the meeting - outlined the site location, the conservation area, and that the application is located on Dorset Council freehold land.

The officer highlighted the planning history, the appearance of the timber structure, the view from the school gates from Chilfrome Lane, the main issues being that it was close to the Maiden Newton conservation area and being within the Dorset AONB, and the officer also covered the principle of development. She made the committee aware of the economic and educational benefits of additional learning space and the minimal flood risk. 

The committee was informed that there would be minimal impact on character and appearance of the site. The dimensions of the timber structure were described too.

Cllr Paul Kimber asked if there were toilets in the structure.

The officer clarified that there were no toilets there and that the space would provide additional shelter in all weather. 

Proposed by Cllr Paul Kimber, seconded by Cllr Susan Cocking

Resolved

That application P/FUL/2022/02646 be granted permission subject to the conditions set out in the report, and in taking account of the provisions of the Update Sheet, as necessary.

Erection of extension to provide wheelchair accessible WC & shower facilities

The Committee considered an application for the erection of an extension to provide wheelchair accessible WC and Shower facilities to the site at Scout Hall Granby Close Weymouth.

The officer explained that the application was on behalf of Weymouth West Air Scout Group located on Council owned land.

The officer - in taking into account the provisions of the Update Sheet circulated to members prior to the meeting - informed that the site was located on the boundary of western Chickerell ward and was in a low flood risk zone. The presentation showed an arial shot of the site shown and other photographs, covering the relevant planning history, existing plans, elevations, the site plan proposed and key planning issues and principles of development.

It was made known that the design was in harmony with existing buildings and in keeping with site and area. The planning officer recommended to grant the application subject to conditions.

Proposed by Cllr John Worth, seconded Cllr Jean Dunseith

Resolved

That application P/FUL/2022/02955 be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report and in taking into account the provisions of the Update Sheet circulated to members prior to the meeting.

Carry out internal and external alterations.  External alterations include the carrying out of pointing, the refurbishing of windows and the installation of a new extractor fan.  Internal alterations include the installation of:  Secondary glazing; a new floor slab with drainage below; a new boiler; insulation; a services cavity; a stove box following the removal of a fireplace surround; wiring; a nib; draft proofing between joists; partitions; plumbing and drainage and wardrobes.  Internal alterations also include the removal of a cupboard, the repair of ceilings and the relocation of a ceiling hatch. 

The Committee considered an application to carry out internal and external alterations at 4 Bedford Terrace, Long Bredy. The application came to committee due to the applicant residing with a planning officer.

Internal and external alterations told to the committee involved refurbishing of windows, installation of extractor fan, double glazing, wiring; a nib; draft proofing between joists; partitions; plumbing and drainage and wardrobes. Internal alterations also included the removal of a cupboard, the repair of ceilings and the relocation of a ceiling hatch. 

In taking into account the provisions of the Update Sheet, circulated to members prior to the meeting, officers summarised the plans of installations, the front renovations, photos of bedroom 1, 2, 3, kitchen, living room, front elevation, and rear elevation.

It was also discussed that the installations would have limited impact on the historic fabric of the listed building and would cause less than substantial harm and allow a good standard of repair.

The officer recommended to grant, subject to conditions, as proposed works would cause less than substantial harm to the designated heritage assets, the public benefits outweighed the harm and provided a modern living standard and ensured long-term visibility of the designated heritage assets as a dwelling.

Proposed by Cllr Dunseith, seconded by Cllr Paul Kimber

Resolved

That application P/LBC/2022/02381 be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report and in taking into account the provisions of the Update Sheet circulated to members prior to the meeting.

Erection of a marquee and provision of a services structure (back of house) to function as a restaurant. The provision of a 49 space car park and associated driveway improvements.

The Committee considered an application for the erection of a marquee and provision of a services structure (back of house) to function as a restaurant,   as well as the provision of a 49-space car park and associated driveway improvements at Parnham Eastate, Parnham, Beaminster.

The presentation - in taking into account the provisions of the Update Sheet circulated to members prior to the meeting - covered rights of way/bridleway, aerial photographs, maps of the site, photos of the location and car park, the proposed car park, the elevations of the proposed marquee, the material that the marquee would be constructed of, and other key planning issues such as, noise report being reviewed, heritage assets, residential amenity, AONB highway safety, biodiversity and flood risk.

It was also discussed that the marquee would be located in flood zone 1 which is was low risk and the car park in floor risk 2 and 3, considered high.

The site had a Grade 1 listed stable block; the garden walls being grade 2 listed. The committee was made aware that Parnham Estate suffered severe fire damage with the loss of its roof and extensive renovation was needed. The presentation told that the new owner’s commitment showed that repairs were taking place to parts of the house, but additional sources of revenue were needed to fund the cost of renovations.

Planting would be conducted around the car park and that parking would be broken up with planting. The Highways Team had no objections with using the northern entrance.

The officer recommended to grant subject to the commission of a robust noise assessment, to be reviewed by environmental health.

The project manager of the estate spoke about the need to create a sustainable and sensible business. He also added that the facilities - and restaurants - would be used to host weddings and events and would help to fund the maintenance of the estate. He also mentioned that all local residents could enjoy the restaurant and the estate which would have the scope to provide employment and training in the area.

Rebecca Knox supported the application by telling the committee that it was a very important estate near Beaminster of which the residents were very proud. She reiterated that the house needed a lot of work and that local people had been informed and included in the plans of the application. She ended that she hoped Dorset Council would play its part.

There were questions asked regarding the colour of the marquee and if this would be restricted.

The planning officer clarified that the marquee would be in cream, but these details need to be submitted and agreed.

Proposed by Cllr Paul Kimber, seconded by Cllr Bill Pipe

Resolved

That application P/FUL/2021/02707 be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report and in taking into account the provisions of the Update Sheet, as necessary.

Erect 6 no. Orchard Rooms and installation of two bridges.

The Committee considered an application to erect six orchard rooms and the installation of two bridges at Parnham Eastate, Parnham, Beaminster. The six orchard rooms would be six units of holiday accommodation and have 1 bed and 1 bathroom.

The planning officer’s presentation - in taking into account the provisions of the Update Sheet circulated to members prior to the meeting - showed a map of the local area, how the holiday accommodation would look, bridge’s location, the street scene and how the orchard rooms would be separated and oriented, as well as dimensions and floor plans parking spaces within the car parking area and the key planning issues and the principle of development.

The officer added that the site would be accessed from the northern entrance and that two units of the orchard rooms would be located in the existing fruit orchard on the opposite side of river. The committee was told that there would be outside baths and the inspiration for the orchard rooms was taken from beehives. It was also made known that the rooms will be built from timber cladding with steel roofs and bridges constructed of oak.

The Public benefits were outlined: as additional income for the estate and increased public access to a heritage asset. These benefits considered to outweigh potential harm and being in a relatively discreet location, highways raised no objection, with a low flood risk (flood zone 1 but foot bridges in flood zone 3).

It was also made aware that Parnham House was located outside the DDB but policy allowed for tourism development. The development had been determined to have less than substantial harm to the icehouse structure.

 An oral update was given regarding the plans list condition. On the update sheet it relates to two proposed locations plans as “rev b” and a proposed site plan as “rev d” but should be “rev a” for both location plans and “rev b” for the proposed site plan.

The Chairman confirmed with the committee that they had read the update sheets, as the application had two recommendations which were amended, and conditions updated.

The conditions were outlined for landscaping, flood risk assessment, evacuation plan, flood warning and biodiversity plan. 

Richard Smith a member of the Parnham planning response group was invited to address the committee and raised points on their behalf. He acknowledged the attempt to create a new hotel and lodge accommodation with benefits for employment and commerce. He informed of the shortcomings such as, the planning statement had no clear written vision or timescale on restoration and development, the business plan was short on financial detail, a lack of a masterplan, no local consultation with residents and rejection by historic England.

He requested a restriction to the house being sold separately and a legally binding agreement to restore the house.

Ed Grant addressed the committee about Parnham House being in a desperate state and the need to establish a business. He mentioned that the orchard rooms had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

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 for consideration.

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 requirement for exempt business.

Planning Committee – Update Sheet

Thursday 4^th August 2022

Planning Applications