Agenda item

Modification of conditions of planning permission 1/D/13/000972 for improvements to existing golf driving range and practice area including amended scheme for the re-profiling of the playing surface through the importation and placement of uncontaminated sand, naturally occurring soils and inert waste (Variation of condition 3 of p.p. WD/D/17/000991– (Time Limit – Completion of Development) to extend the end date to 18/08/2023).

With the aid of a visual presentation incorporating plans and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and outlined the proposal along with the relevant planning policies. The proposal sought an extension of time to the end of 2028, representing a five-year extension, with the only changes relating to time and additional landscaping measures in line with climate change legislation. The site lied within the Dorset National Landscape. Photographs were shown to illustrate the current condition of the site. The Case Officer explained the site phasing, highlighting Phases 1, 2, and 3, and outlined the works associated with each stage.

Details were provided regarding site access for HGVs and customers, existing fencing, the current access track, and signage. The access track was proposed to be extended to facilitate Phase 3, with the creation of a new safe working platform area. Views from the access were illustrated, noting the shared access arrangement with a nearby farm and campsite. It was confirmed that the site was importing waste, and the restoration and landscaping proposals included new tree planting to the south, extending the wooded area to maximise biodiversity. Suggested landscaping and restoration conditions were outlined. The Case Officer concluded that any policy conflicts were outweighed by material considerations and recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions set out in the officer report.

Public Participation

The agent spoke in support of the extension of time, explaining that it would allow the necessary work to be completed. He noted that the past few years had presented many challenges, but despite delays, the site had continued to be managed safely and responsibly. Mr Hansford stated that the project had continued to support local initiatives and highlighted that allowing work to take place on site, rather than elsewhere, would result in lower emissions. He explained that the proposal aimed to future-proof the club and emphasised that there was no benefit to keeping the site open any longer than necessary.

Members questions and comments

• Referred to the presentation slides and asked how the site would be monitored.
• Queried the nature of the imported inner material and sought clarification on the extension of planting and maintenance.
• Asked whether an independent assessment had been carried out to determine the overall timescale for completing the project.
• Questioned whether, if the extension were refused, the relandscaping works would still be required.
• Noted that the applicant had not filled the site as originally intended and expressed concern regarding the visual impact
• Assumed that officers were satisfied with the proposed conditions and the transport plan for the site

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of all this entailed; having considered the officer’s report and presentation; the written representatives; and what they had heard at the meeting, a motion to APPROVE the officer’s recommendation to GRANT as recommended, was proposed by Cllr Spencer Flower, and seconded by Cllr Belind Rideout, subject to conditions set out in the officer report.

Decision: To grant for the reasons set out in Section 17 of the officer’s report.