Agenda item

Installation of two sculptural installations created by two different artists, sited at two locations in Weymouth.

The Committee considered an application for two sculptural installations sited in two locations on the Esplanade in Weymouth to the east of the Jubilee Clock and to the south of the war memorial in an existing landscape planter.

The Planning Officer presented the application, its context and main issues including principle of development, having regard to Local Plan policies ENV10 and WEY1; conservation and heritage and flood risk.

During the presentation, members noted that the Ward Members stated in the report were incorrect and it was subsequently verified that the Ward Member had not been notified on receipt of this application.

Members were advised that although this was not a legal requirement, that it was council practice to notify relevant Ward Member(s).  It was therefore suggested that the application be delegated to the Head of Planning for approval subject to there being no issues that arose as a result of notifying the Ward Member.  Any issues raised by the Ward Member would be reported back to the Committee.  This way forward was supported by the committee.

The Committee raised concerns regarding maintenance of the installations over the longer term and were advised that this would be undertaken as part of the Dorset Council maintenance regime.  The risk of graffiti to public features carried no weight in the planning balance.

Some members of the Committee were not supportive of this application, stating that it was not in keeping with the heritage of the esplanade or the war memorial, that the messaging was political and that the maintenance cost was an unacceptable use of taxpayer’s money. However, these views were not shared by the majority of members who also supported the message of global warming that formed part of one of the installations. Members were reminded that future maintenance costs were not a planning consideration.

Proposed by Cllr Bill Pipe, seconded by Cllr Paul Kimber.

The Committee was minded to delegate authority to the Head of Planning to grant the application, subject to there being no issues arising as a result of consultation with the Ward Member and subject to planning conditions.

The Head of Planning having considered the officer’s presentation and having taken into account the views of the committee made the following decision under delegated authority.

Decision of the Head of Planning: That authority be delegated to the Head of Planning to grant planning permission, subject to there being no issues arising as a result of consultation with the relevant Ward Member and subject to the planning conditions outlined below:

1. The development to which this permission relates must be begun not later than the expiration of three years beginning with the date of this permission.

Reason: This condition is required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town
and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

2. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:
006406 L100 Revision A
006406 L105
006406 L305
006406 L106
006406 L306 Revision A

Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.