The Eastern Area Planning Committee of Dorset Council scheduled a meeting to discuss several planning applications, including a retail development in Colehill, a residential development in Lytchett Matravers, and a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) in East Stoke. The committee, including Councillor David Tooke, Chair of the Eastern Area Planning Committee, was expected to review these proposals and consider their compliance with local and national planning policies.

Retail Development in Colehill

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application, P/FUL/2024/04629, for the demolition of existing buildings at 26 Canford Bottom, and the construction of a Class E(a) retail store with associated parking and landscaping. The applicant is Aldi Stores Ltd.

The planning officer, Diana Mezzogori-Curran, recommended that the committee refuse the application, citing that the development is inappropriate for the South East Dorset Green Belt, would negatively impact the openness of the Green Belt, and would lead to the loss of employment land without sufficient justification.

The development is considered to be inappropriate development, which is by definition harmful to the Green Belt. Impact on the openness of the Green Belt. Loss of employment land without sufficient justification.

The officer's report also noted that if the committee were minded to approve the application, it would need to be referred to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, due to its Green Belt location.

Residential Development in Lytchett Matravers

The committee was scheduled to consider application 6/2021/0282, concerning land east of Wareham Road, for a residential development of 95 dwellings, with new access onto Wareham Road, landscaping, and open space. The applicant is Lewis Wyatt (Construction) Ltd and the planning officer is Naomi Shinkins.

The planning officer recommended granting the application, subject to conditions and the completion of a legal agreement to secure:

• 40% affordable housing
• Education contribution
• Special education needs contribution
• GP surgery contribution
• Public right of way contribution
• Nutrient neutrality requirements
• Local equipped area for play requirements

Redevelopment in Binnegar, Wareham

The committee was scheduled to discuss application 6/2018/0228 for the redevelopment of Binnegar Hall, for 48 dwellinghouses and a village hall, including access improvements, parking, and landscaping. The applicant is Westcoast (Purbeck) Ltd and the planning officer is Robert Lennis.

The planning officer recommended granting planning permission subject to conditions and the completion of a section 106 legal agreement, or refusing planning permission if the section 106 legal agreement is not completed.

The officer's report noted that the site has an extant planning permission for some residential development, so that the principle of residential use on the site is established. The proposal would provide 48 dwellings, 40% of which would be affordable dwellings, and would deliver a new community hall for East Stoke Parish. The provision of an associated Suitable Alternative Green Space would be a benefit, and financial contributions will be secured towards education and special education needs.

Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) in Binnegar, East Stoke

The committee was scheduled to discuss application P/FUL/2023/07467 for the use of land south of A352 (Wareham Road) as a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) with associated access, landscaping, infrastructure, and alterations to the road. The applicant is Westcoast Developments and the planning officers are Claire Hicks and Robert Lennis.

The planning officer recommended granting planning permission subject to conditions and the signing of a S106 legal agreement to secure its delivery prior to the occupation of any dwelling approved under planning application ref. 6/2018/0228 and continued availability in perpetuity, or refusing planning permission if the section 106 legal agreement is not completed.

The officer's report noted that the proposed SANG at Court Farm is well positioned near to the pending outline planning application for 48 dwellings at Binnegar Hall (6/2018/0228). The purpose of the SANG is to displace the recreational pressure generated by the residential application.