Agenda item

Demolition of shed and erection of building for use as a sauna and retaining wall. Erect wood store and access steps/ladder.

The meeting adjourned for a comfort break. 11:17 – 11:21

With the aid of a visual presentation including plans and photographs, the Planning Officer identified the site and explained the proposal, which was for the demolition of an existing shed and construction of a building, to be used as a sauna, along with a woodstore and ladder.

The site was highlighted on a map and it was explained that it fell within the Dorset National Landscape. Photographs of the site were provided, showing the existing building that was proposed to be demolished, as well as the surrounding area. Plans of the proposed development were shown, it consisted of a modular unit to be used as a sauna, with black timber cladding and a log store and ladder access. There were also works included to address the stability of the cliffside.

The key planning issues were summarised and it was explained that officers considered that the proposed development would be an improvement on visual amenity compared to the existing dilapidated shed. There were third party objections to the application on the grounds of impact on visual amenity and light pollution, however officers considered that the conditions were sufficient to mitigate the impacts. The Coastal Risk Management team at Dorset Council were consulted on the application and they considered the proposal acceptable, following amended plans being submitted which amended the position of the sauna and included a retaining wall.

Public representation was received in support of the application from Mr Wilkes, who spoke on behalf of Saltwater Sauna Ltd, who were the operators of the proposed sauna and Mr Mayger, the agent for the application. They noted the important wellbeing benefits that the proposal would have for users and the small scale of the proposal which would have a minimal impact on the Conservation Area.

Cllr Jackson spoke on behalf of West Lulworth Parish Council, in opposition to the application. She was concerned about the visual impact of the proposal and did not believe the site was low risk from coastal erosion, as was stated in the officer’s report. She opined that the daily checks by the sauna operator would be insufficient to ensure the safety of users.

The Planning Officer clarified that the initial position of the sauna was considered low to medium risk, however the revised proposal, which had amended the location and included a retaining wall was considered low risk and manageable.

In response to questions from members the Planning Officer provided the following responses:

·       The proposal included a small window in the sauna to limit light pollution from the artificial light inside the sauna.

·       Temporary permission of three years was proposed to ensure that if there were any changes to the stability of the cliffside or visual amenity of the building then the proposal could be reconsidered in the future.

·       There was a condition included to ensure that an inspection from a qualified engineer would take place following any visual change noticed from the daily inspections of the cliff side.

·       Officers were not concerned about the visual impact of the building, given its scale and that it was an improvement on the existing shed.

·       The existing building had been in place for approximately 30-40 years and was historically used as storage for fishing equipment.

·       It was not considered necessary to ensure that the logs used were specifically kiln dried logs, however this was raised in objections to the proposal by members of the public.

Members considered that although the proposal was broadly acceptable, it was necessary to address concerns about the smoke produced by the log burner, the visual impact of the building and the frequency of inspections by a qualified person.

It was proposed by Cllr Sowry-House and seconded by Cllr Morgan to grant permission, with added conditions that stipulated that only dried logs be used, a more sympathetic stain be used on the exterior cladding with details to be submitted to the Planning Authority and an additional stability check by a qualified person to take place following any named storm that impacts the area.

Proposed by Cllr Sowry-House and seconded by Cllr Morgan.

Decision: That the application be granted subject to the conditions set out in the appendix to these minutes.