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.

Proposed by Cllr Bolwell, seconded by Cllr Dunseith.

Decision: That Cllr Cocking be elected Vice-Chair for the duration of the meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th November 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 November 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  Guidance for speaking at Planning Committee - August 2022.pdf (dorsetcouncil.gov.uk)

The deadline for notifying a request to speak is 8.30am on Friday 9^th December 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.

Continued use of agricultural land as a camping site, Retention of static caravan, log cabin for use as farm/site shop and café, WC shed, storage building, laying of hard standing and tracks for internal access and parking - Erect shower/toilet block

The Senior Planning Officer presented the report for continued use of agricultural land as a camping site, retention of static caravan, log cabin for use as farm/site shop and café, WC shed, storage building, laying of hard standing and tracks for internal access and parking and the erection of a shower/toilet block.

The Committee were shown a plan of the site, as well as the profile view and elevation of the existing static caravan and the proposed shower block and WC. Photos of the existing café/shop and static caravan were also shown to the Committee, alongside a photo of the unauthorised car parking area with the supporting buildings adjacent to it and the camping field with hard standing tracks.

The Senior Planning Officer detailed the planning history of the site, noting a retrospective application in 2021 regarding a change in usage of the land from agricultural use to a camping site, which was refused.

The main issues of the proposal were summarised, including the local plan, which would only support the application in so far as it didn’t cause any harm to the surrounding landscape. Dorset’s AONB Team and Landscape Officer had advised the site would be harmful to the landscape. The Committee were also shown a photograph of the current site from the elevated position of the nearby A35 road, to show that the site was visible in the landscape.

The Senior Planning Officer noted that a flood risk assessment had been provided by the applicant and the risk of flooding could be appropriately managed, but the sequential test had not been passed. The economic benefits were considered to be modest and would not outweigh the landscape impact.

The application was recommended for refusal.

Oral representation in support of the application was received from Mr Edward Dyke (Agent of the Applicant), Cllr Bill Orchard on behalf of Litton Cheney Parish Council and Cllr Mark Roberts (Ward Member).

In supporting the application they highlighted the benefits of the proposal to the local area and residents, an issue in the area with wild camping and other more significant developments in the landscape, including vineyards and a cheese factory.

In response to questions from members, the Senior Planning Officer provided more images of the view of the site from the A35 road, in order to provide a clearer picture of the visual impact that the site would have on the surrounding landscape.

Members felt that the visual impact that the development would have on the AONB would be minimal and they recognised the benefits that it would have for the local community, in providing amenities and jobs. They also felt that the risk of flooding to be low and in any case the risk of damage to people or property to be limited.

11:09 – 11:20 Adjournment for Planning Officers to discuss conditions for the application.

Proposed by Cllr Ireland and seconded by Cllr Wheller.

Decision: To reject the Senior Planning Officers recommendation and delegate authority to the Head of Planning and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54a

Erect building to be used for storage, offices and associated ancillary uses.

The application was postponed until the next meeting, because three Ward Members were pre-determined and would not be able to take part, therefore the Committee was not quorate.

Re-erection of open sided shelter sited adjacent to existing scout hut.

The application had come to committee for determination as the land was owned by Dorset Council.

The Planning Officer presented the report for the application to erect an open sided shelter next to an existing scout hut.

The Planning Officer informed the Committee of the location of the site and identified notable locations in the surrounding area, including listed buildings, a housing development and burial ground. Members were also shown a site plan and an ariel view of the location and surrounding buildings.

The Planning Officer detailed the planning history of the site, noting most recently that an application had been granted to remove an existing garage and erect a new scout hut. The floor plan and elevation of the proposed shelter was shown together with photos of the site, showing where the shelter would be built.

The Planning Officer informed the Committee that the impact of this development would be minimal and that in the summer tree coverage would help to screen the structure.

Proposed by Cllr Clayton and seconded by Cllr Ireland.

Decision: That the application is granted subject to the conditions outlined in the appendix of 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.