Issue - decisions

Land rear of 156-172, South Street, Bridport DT6 3NP

17/12/2025 - Land rear of 156-172, South Street, Bridport DT6 3NP

That the Council will no longer defend the remaining reasons for refusal relating to ‘affordable housing provision’ and ‘applying the sequential test’ which the Council had previously put forward in relation to the refusal of application P/FUL/2024/04613. This will mean that Council is no-longer defending the planning appeal for this application. 

 

Appeal reference: APP/D1265/W/25/3372602 

 

Planning application: P/FUL/2024/04613 

 

Location: Land rear of 156-172, South Street, Bridport DT6 3NP 

 

Description of development: Redevelopment for erection of retirement living accommodation comprising 48 apartments, 25 cottages, communal facilities, access, car parking and landscaping to create an integrated retirement community. 

 

The planning application was refused under delegated authority on 21/03/2025.  

 

The application was refused for reasons relating to highways/layout, ecology, affordable housing provision and applying the sequential test for flood risk. On 24 October 2025, the decision was taken that the Council would no longer be defending the reasons for refusal relating to highways/layout and ecology, as the appellant had submitted amendments and additional information to address these matters. 

 

For the reasons set out below, the decision has now been taken that the Council will no-longer be defending the remaining reasons for refusal relating to affordable housing and applying the sequential test for flood risk. This means that the Council will no-longer be defending the planning appeal for this application.  

 

The decision not to defend these reasons for refusal is taken under delegated powers as set out in paragraph 139 of the Officer Scheme of Delegation (which forms part of the Council’s constitution).  

 

Paragraph 139 provides the following delegated powers: 

 

To undertake all action relating to any matter arising in respect of any appeal, call-in and/or other inquiry and/or hearing of whatever nature arising pursuant to any Town and Country Planning Legislation including for the avoidance of doubt but without prejudice to generality of the foregoing: 

 

(a)  to determine any response required in relation to any procedural issue relating to any such matter including for the avoidance of doubt whether any such matter should be dealt with by means of written representation, hearing or public inquiry; 

(b)   to determine any procedural issue relating to any such matter including the venue for the holding on any hearing and/or appeal; and/or 

(c)  to determine whether or not to defend any reason for refusal.