Agenda item

To consider a report by the Head of Planning.

 

 

The Committee considered application 3/20?2057/FUL on a proposal for the replacement of the roof to the existing building at Allendale Community Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster. The application was being brought before Members for decision given that it was a Dorset Council application and in the interest of transparency and probity of the process.

 

With the aid of a visual presentation, officers provided context of what the

main proposals, principles and planning issues of the development was; how

these were to be progressed; in that the proposed new roof would provide weatherproofing and ensure that the building continued to be fit for purpose as a community centre. The presentation focused on not only what the development entailed and its detailed design, but what benefits it would bring with plans and photographs providing an illustration of the location, orientation, dimensions and appearance of the roof – to have a very shallow

roof pitch - with part of the existing flat roof remaining. Two new windows – to replace those existing – were being proposed at a high level to the front of the building, facing east and west, so as to illuminate the interior ground floor space.

 

The buildings setting within that part of Wimborne and its relationship with other adjacent development was described and officers explained that the roof was designed to be in keeping with the characteristics of the current setting and the established local environment.

 

In summary, officers planning assessment adjudged that the overall design of

the roof was acceptable, with all, significant, planning matters having been appropriately, or adequately, addressed. Having assessed that the material considerations were acceptable, the recommendation made by officers to approve the application was based on this.

 

Formal consultation had seen no objection from Wimborne Minster Town Council and both local Ward Members were supportive. Whilst Councillor Morgan had decided not to take part in the vote given his involvement in the Centre’s Management Committee but was supportive of the proposal given the need to secure the buildings integrity by weatherproofing. Similarly Councillor Shane Bartlett considered the works needed to be done, for the same reason and  to ensure there was no further degradation of the building.

 

The opportunity was then given for members to ask questions of the

presentation and what they had heard, in seeking clarification of aspects so

as to have a better understanding in coming to a decision. Officers addressed

the questions raised providing what they considered to be satisfactory

answers, which the Committee saw as acceptable.

 

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application; having

taken into account the officer’s report and presentation; and what they had heard at the meeting - particularly in taking account of the views of the two Ward members - in being proposed by Councillor Barry Goringe and seconded by Councillor Robin Cook, on being put to the vote, the Committee agreed unanimously to grant permission subject to the conditions set out in paragraph13 of the officer’s report. Councillor David Morgan took no part in the vote.

 

Resolved

That planning permission for application 3/20/2057/FUL be granted, subject to the conditions set out in paragraph 13 of the officer’s report.

 

Reasons for Decision

• The proposal is for a replacement roof over part of the existing building

• The proposed development would not be harmful to the character of the

Wimborne Minster Conservation Area

• There would be no adverse impact upon the setting of Allendale House, the

adjoining listed building

• No change in floorspace proposed

• The Allendale Centre building lies mainly within flood zone 1, an area with a low

probability of flooding. No flood risk assessment required.

• No trees or hedges affected by the proposal

• Adequate parking provision is available for users of the facility and no parking

spaces would be lost as a result of the proposal

• There are no other matters which would warrant refusal of planning permission