Agenda item

Demolish existing buildings and develop land by the erection of up to 45 No. dwellings with associated infrastructure, including the widening of Shillingstone Lane and provision of school drop off car park. (Outline application to determine access).

The Area Lead (Major Projects) Eastern presented the application to demolish existing buildings and develop land by the erection of up to 45 No. dwellings with associated infrastructure, including the widening of Shilingstone Lane and provision of school drop of car park.  (Outline application to determine access)

The application had been presented to North Dorset District Council Planning Committee in March 2019 but had been deferred to allow Officers time to consider amended plans put forward by the applicant shortly before the committee meeting.

The proposed site was within the Development Boundary and access had been amended to address concerns for the conservation area.

He referred to the requirement for an arboricultural impact assessment to assess which trees would be important and need to be taken into consideration.

In summarising, the principle of development – the site had been designated for business use in the 2003 Local Plan but was now surplus to requirements.  The proposal offered affordable housing, footpaths, and other financial contributions.

The Transport Development Manager addressed the committee and confirmed that Highways were supportive of the application.

The Committee received a late representation relating to concerns about flooding and drainage in Little Lane, however the Area Lead (Major Projects) Eastern advised that the Flood Authority had no objections.

Oral representation was received from Mr J Hall, Mr M Holmes, Ms S Faraday and Mr M Burt with their concerns regarding the application.  These concerns related to the water flow into Collwell Brook the capacity of the two drainage pipes at Little Land to manage the water flow, the construction of the swale and possible pollution to the River Stour which had see the return of the otter.  It was felt that due to other emerging sites in the area there was no need for another 45 homes.  Reassurance was requested in relation to retaining enough hedgerow and greenery to protect the character of the conservation area.  The committee were urged to involve members of the Parish Council in discussions as to where and how the S106 contributions would be used.

Mr R Bellamy, the applicant’s agent, addressed the committee in support of the application.

In response to committee questions the Area Lead (Major Projects) Eastern re-assured members that this was a request for outline permission only and reserved matters would be considered at a later stage.  He was satisfied that the site could be developed with 45 houses while safeguarding trees.  At the reserved matters stage for the proposed site layout the parish council would be consulted through normal procedures and the application could be referred back to committee if required.

The proposed S106 agreement was highlighted on page 81 of the report and it was agreed that the local Ward Member, and the Parish Council would be kept updated on the S106 contributions.

In response to a request to assess the mature trees on the lane, the Tree Officer would be asked to carry out an assessment and if applicable, apply a Tree Preservation Order on any trees that would merit protection.

Members were advised that the Traffic Management Plan would request that the construction vehicles were parked on site, however it was not possible to enforce parking and stop people parking on the highway

Proposed by Cllr Pothecary and seconded by Cllr Ridout

Decision – that authority be delegated to the Head of Planning to grant subject to a Section 106 agreement and the conditions outlined in the appendix to these minutes.