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.

Cllrs Clayton, Bolwell and Williams declared an interest in the application P/FUL/2022/00228 due to being members of the Bridport Town Council.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 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.  GuidanceforspeakingatPlanningCommittee.doc.pdf (dorsetcouncil.gov.uk).

The deadline for notifying a request to speak is 8.30am on Tuesday 17^th January 2023.

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.

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

Cllrs Clayton, Bolwell and Williams left the Council Chamber due to having declared an interest in the item and did not take part in the debate or vote.

The Development Management Team Leader presented the application from Bridport Town Council to erect a building to be used for storage, offices and associated ancillary uses in Bridport town centre. The application had come to committee for determination because Dorset Council were the landowners.

Members were informed that the application was fully compliant with the Neighbourhood Plan for Bridport, which sought to enhance the cultural reputation of the town.

The Development Management Team Leader detailed the intended use of the building, which was for creative organisations, such as theatre groups, to meet and store equipment.

Members were shown photographs of the current site and its location within Bridport, showing the site was being used as ad hoc parking. The Development Management Team Leader also highlighted examples of other new developments in the vicinity of the site.

The Development Management Team Leader was satisfied that the proposed development was situated in a sustainable location in the town centre and that it would support the cultural base within Bridport. Following a change in design of the application it was considered that it would not cause any harm to the conservation area or the setting of nearby listed buildings.

Proposed by Cllr O’Leary and seconded by Cllr Ireland.

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

Change of use from restaurant (Class E) to a single dwelling (Class C3).

Cllrs Clayton, Bolwell and Williams returned to the Council Chamber.

The Planning Officer delivered a presentation to the committee for the application to change the use of Le Petit Canard from restaurant (Class E) to a single dwelling (Class C3). The application had come to committee for determination following a request from the Ward Member.

Members were shown the location plan, as well as photographs of the exterior of the building, showing its location within Maiden Newton.

The Planning Officer advised that the main issue was the loss of a community facility. Since the applicant had failed to provide evidence that the business was no longer viable as a restaurant, it was considered that the development would be contrary to the local plan, which sought to retain current village facilities. Therefore, application was recommended for refusal.

There were public representations from Cllr Alford as the Ward Member, who spoke in support of the application and from the applicant, Mrs Craig, who noted the support of the local parish council and from local residents.

In response to questions from members the Planning Officer informed the committee of the three other restaurant businesses operating in the village.

Several members felt that the impact on community services were extremely limited, due to the restaurant having not operated as a restaurant for the past two years and that the location was not sustainable for running a fine dining restaurant.

A concern was raised that granting permission could set a precedent leading to the loss of other community facilities in the future.

Proposed by Cllr O’Leary and seconded by Cllr Worth.

Decision: That the reports recommendation was refused.

Proposed by Cllr O’Leary and seconded by Cllr Worth.

Decision: That authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and the Service Manager for Development Management and Enforcement to approve subject to conditions which shall have first been agreed with the Chairman for the Western and Southern Area Planning Committee.

Erection of additional 2no. classrooms within courtyard of existing school; Erection of storage building; Replacement of external windows and doors.

The Planning Officer presented the application to grant a Certificate of Lawfulness to erect 2 additional classrooms within the courtyard of the existing school, the erection of a storage building and replacement of external windows and doors under Permitted Development.

The application had been brought to the committee for determination due to the site being on land owned by Dorset Council.

Members were shown an ariel map of the location of the site, as well as the proposed roof plan and proposed ground floor plan of the site.

The key planning issues of the development were highlighted by the Planning Officer, who noted that the development was considered to be a permitted development and was therefore lawful. As such, the report recommended approval of the application.

Proposed by Cllr O’Leary and seconded by Cllr Pipe.

Decision: That a Certificate of Lawfulness be granted.

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.

To inform Members of notified appeals and appeal decisions and to take them into account as a material consideration in the Planning Committee’s future decisions.