Agenda item

Reserved matters application to determine appearance and landscaping following the grant of outline planning permission  P/OUT/2022/00852 (for mixed use development comprising up to 141 dwellings (Use Class C3) and 60 bed care home (Use Class C2), with up to 340 sqm associated leisure floorspace comprising gym, swimming pool / spa (Sui Generis); up to 1,186 sqm office /light industrial floorspace (Use Class E(g)); up to 328 sqm restaurant floorspace (Class E(b)); with associated car parking, public open space, public realm, cliff stabilisation & sea defence works, with vehicular and pedestrian access from Newton’s Road & associated infrastructure - some matters reserved (appearance & landscaping)).

The Lead Project Officer presented the reserved matters application to determine appearance and landscaping for 141 dwellings, a 60-bed care home, leisure, office and light industrial floor space. The site location was outlined on the map, adjoining the seafront and was the former QinetiQ factory site. The Grade II listed breakwater was identified, as well as the open space above the cliffs to the west and Nothe Fort and gardens to the north. The cliffs formed part of the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The site fell within flood zones 2 and 3 and group flood defences would reduce flood risk.

Photographs of the site were shown, including views from the coastal path, the entrance to the site, and the former QinetiQ building. It was noted that the site had been granted outline permission and the parameter plan showing pedestrian and vehicle routes was shown.

Details of the reserved matters application were provided, including the housing mix, non-residential uses and the landscaping scheme. The designs of the flats and townhouses were shown, along with the design of the employment building and care home. It was explained that the proposed design was contemporary and incorporated modern materials. Landscaping details were presented, including a gateway feature and a CGI render of the entrance.

The key planning issues were highlighted. The appearance was considered acceptable and compliant with policy. The landscaping was also considered acceptable, causing no harm to heritage assets and delivering biodiversity enhancements, while flood risk had been addressed at the outline stage.

Cllr Wheller spoke as the Ward Member for the application. She noted that the public areas were a welcome benefit of the application, however expressed concern that the materials used in the buildings would not hold up to adverse weather conditions.

Cllr Wheller left the meeting at 12:07

Mrs McFadyean spoke as the planning agent for the application. She explained that the applicant had worked closely with officers to develop an appropriate scheme that was well designed. She noted that the applicant had also worked with Highways Officer’s to ensure that parking and access was acceptable. There would also be biodiversity benefits of the scheme, with 60 new trees to be planted.

Officers provided the following responses to members questions:

·       Officers considered that the current landscaping scheme was more than adequate and that it would not be appropriate to require further additions.

·       Important seagrasses in Weymouth required that the development be located further back from the shoreline.

·       Flooding issues had been dealt with at the outline application stage.

·       The height of the development was agreed in the outline application.  

Several members expressed concerns with the design of the development and stated that they did not believe it to be in keeping with the character of Weymouth. Other members acknowledged the contemporary design of the buildings, however stated that Weymouth already included a mix of different designs and that the development would add to that mix.

It was proposed by Cllr Bell and seconded by Cllr Bawden, that the application be granted.

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