Agenda item

Demolition of existing dwelling & erection of 6 dwellings with associated landscaping & parking.

The Committee considered a report to demolish an existing dwelling and erect 6 dwellings with associated landscaping and parking.

Members were given a presentation including an aerial plan of the site showing the pattern of housing along that part of Dorchester Road, photos, a site plan, elevations, floor plans and street scene.  The proposal included widening of the existing access and 15 parking spaces, some of which were allocated.

The Senior Planning Officer advised that trees on the site had been removed, but as the site was not in a Conservation Area and in the absence of any Tree Preservation Orders, consent for the removal of trees had not been required. 

An Historic Plan dated 1937-1961 was also shown further to an objection by the Civic Society who considered the building to be of historic merit known as North Lodge previously serving Corfe Hill Farm.  However, members were advised that as the property was not a Listed Building or situated in a Conservation Area it could not be protected in planning terms.

It was confirmed that the public footpath that ran alongside the site would not be affected by the development.

The key issues were outlined including:-

·         Within the Defined Development Boundary

·         Not in the Conservation Area

·         Not a Listed Building

·         acceptable design

·         no significant harm to neighbours

·         added to the housing land supply

A plans list was provided that had not been included in the officer's report.

Public written submissions received in respect of this application were read out at the meeting and are attached to these minutes.

Members were shown a "Swept Path Analysis" diagram in response to concern expressed by members on the acceptability of the road layout for vehicles turning right from or into the development and for vehicles turning right into the petrol station opposite the site.

The Highways Officer explained that any conflict would be minimal due to the number of vehicle movements arising from the development, good visibility, the wide road and presence of a pedestrian refuge.  He confirmed that there was adequate parking and vehicle turning within the site.

Members requested additional conditions relating to a construction environmental management plan to protect neighbour amenity during the construction phase of the development and the provision of electric car charging points.

The Area Manager - Western and Southern advised that in light of the two suggested conditions, the recommendation should be amended to delegate approval of the application to the Head of Planning so that the additional conditions could be drafted in conjunction with the Chairman.

In response to a further question it was confirmed that the existing stone boundary wall would be retained as a result of widening the access.

Proposed by Councillor Kate Wheller, seconded by Councillor Bill Pipe.

Decision: That authority be delegated to the Head of Planning to grant subject to planning conditions outlined in the appendix to these minutes, including a construction environment management plan condition and a condition requiring a scheme for car charging points and implementation of it, with these conditions to be drafted in conjunction with the Chairman of the Area Planning Committee.

NB: Councillor Susan Cocking joined the meeting part-way through consideration of this application and therefore she did not take part in the debate or vote on this application.