Agenda item

P/OUT/2021/05309: Development of up to 80 residential dwellings, together with open space, allotments and enhanced drainage features (outline application to determine access only).

P/FUL/2021/05255: Change of use of agricultural land to Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) and temporary formation of a construction haul road.

(The reports from the July 2023 and September 2023 Committee meetings have been added as appendices to the report).

The Lead Project Officer presented both applications P/OUT/2021/05309 and P/FUL/2021/05255, it was explained that these applications had been brought before the committee in July 2023 and September 2023 and the committee had been minded to approve both applications, however they had been brought back to committee due to new material considerations that could impact the decision that members made.

With the aid of a visual presentation, including maps and aerial photographs, the Lead Project Officer outlined the proposals and the locations of the application sites.

The material planning considerations, which had changed since the September 2023 meeting of the committee were highlighted and included a revised NPPF published in December 2023, updated Housing Delivery Test figures and a revised statutory duty for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beaty.

The updated Heads of Terms for the Section 106 was shown to members and the Case Officer highlighted the recommended changes, should the committee decide to grant permission.

Public representations were received in opposition to the applications from Mr Cady, Mr Young, Mr Spenceley, Cllr Diamond (Broadmayne Parish Council) and Cllr Tarr (Ward Member). Their objections included the view that Broadmayne was an unsuitable location for a development of this size and there was not the necessary infrastructure in place to support additional homes within Broadmayne. In addition, the application went against the NPPF and Local Plan and there was not a need for a SANG as Broadmayne was already well serviced by the countryside.

Public representations in support of the applications were received from Mr Jones, the applicant and Mr Stone (Abri Housing). They noted the increasing demand for affordable housing within Dorset and Broadmayne, highlighting a property that had become available, which had received 124 applicants from the Dorset Council Housing Register. In addition, Mr Jones explained that following comments from one member at the previous meeting, they had looked into moving the location of the SANG car park but had been advised against this change by Natural England.

In response to questions from members, the Lead Project Officer clarified that 70% of the affordable homes would be affordable rented accommodation and a further 30% would be intermediate housing and that approximately 28 dwellings in total would classify as affordable housing.

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of each application, several members felt that the new material considerations did not impact the decision made at the previous meeting of the committee and expressed support for both applications and the amended Section 106 Heads of Terms.

Proposed by Cllr Ireland and seconded by Cllr Wheller.

P/OUT/2021/05309 Decision: That authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and the Service Manager for Development Management and Enforcement to grant subject to the completion of S106 Agreements and the conditions set out in the appendix to these minutes.

Proposed by Cllr Ireland and seconded by Cllr Wheller.

P/FUL/2021/05255 Decision: That authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and the Service Manager for Development Management and Enforcement to grant subject to the completion of a S106 Legal Agreement and the planning conditions as set out in the appendix to these minutes