Agenda item

Use of land as Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) with associated access, landscaping, infrastructure and alterations to road.

The Lead Project Officer presented the application for the use of land as Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), together with associated landscaping, infrastructure works and alterations to the road. An update was provided, confirming that parking was now included within the scheme. It was also noted that the informative in relation to the legal agreement should have referenced 24 October 2026, and this would be corrected. A further informative would be added to advise that details of the parking provision would be required.

The location plan was shown, and members were reminded that the associated application for housing had previously been resolved to be granted by the committee. The site extended to approximately 5 hectares and lay to the south of the A352. The proposed SANG would provide footpaths, benches, a dog‑walking area and on‑site parking.

The landscape plan was presented, showing that the proposed landscaping remained largely as previously approved, with the addition of a parking area. Plans showing crossing areas on the A352 were presented, and it was confirmed that Dorset Council Highways were satisfied with the arrangements. A further plan demonstrated compliance with Ministry of Defence requirements in relation to the use of military vehicles on the A352 in relation to pedestrian crossing measures proposed.

Members were reminded that parking provision on site had been requested at the committee discussion in September 2025. The original proposal relied on parking located within 400 metres of the SANG, but the revised application now included five on‑site parking spaces, which met Dorset Council parking guidance. The spaces would be marked with timber posts, and their dimensions complied with the relevant standards. Details of the parking would be secured through the SANG management plan. The Highway Authority had raised no objection to the revised parking provision, subject to conditions, and Network Rail had also raised no objections subject to their asset management criteria.

It was considered that the provision of parking did not alter the principle of development and would not give rise to any highway safety concerns. It was not considered to result in any additional harm to the National Landscape, nor were there any further ecological or environmental impacts arising from the amendments. Additional conditions required to address the updates were shown to members.

Public representation was received from Adam Bennet, the agent for the application. He stated that the application had been brought back with the requested alterations to include parking on site. The development would help to mitigate impacts on nearby heathland and provide valuable public open space for use by the local community.

In response to members questions the Lead Project Officer confirmed that there was no proposed gate access into the car park, only into the SANG itself.

It was proposed by Cllr Sowry-House and seconded by Cllr Ezzard, to grant the application with an additional condition requiring a height restriction of vehicles entering the car park and signage discouraging overnight parking.

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