Sailing club platform extension at Sailing Club, Lyme Regis

“Description of site 4.1 The application site, [the applicant], is centrally located within the Cobb area of the town. The Club is bordered to the west by Marine Parade, and east by a part pedestrian road but which has vehicular access on both frontages. To the east and north of the site and immediately in front of the access gates into the site, are a number of single storey mainly timber large ‘shed like’ takeaway kiosks located on this part of the road.”

“All of this area is also located within the Lyme Regis Conservation Area and although lying outside of the defined development boundary (DDB) of the town, the site is very much seen in the wider built-up context of this part of the town. It lies within the Dorset National Landscape and within the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Slope Instability Zones - Zone 1-3”

“Description of development 5.1 The proposal seeks to enlarge the existing raised platform. The structure has been in existence for some considerable time. Planning permission was in place for it to incorporate a lookout tower (not built) under application ref 1/W/94/000059 approved 19/07/1994. The existing…”

“Dacron sails are white in colour which means they would be slightly light-scattering, diffusing light rather than reflecting it like a mirror, given a soft bright shade. But they do not reflect light the way reflective tape, mylar laminate sails or metallic film sails would do.”

“Issue Conclusion Principle of development The principle of extensions and alterations at these premises is considered acceptable. Scale, design, impact on character and appearance/ heritage assets The proposals as submitted are considered to be harmful (moderate harm) to Heritage assets that is not outweighed by public benefits.”

“Issue Conclusion Ecology/BNG10% There are no adverse ecology or biodiversity issues. Flood Risk There are no adverse Flood Risks. Coastal Risk Management There are no adverse Coastal Risk issues.”

“It lies adjacent to a number of Grade II listed buildings 7.2 The site lies outside of Flood Risk Zones 2 and 3. As for surface water the only flood risk relates to the 1:1000 flood risk but this essentially relates to Marine Parade at the rear off the site : Consultations 8.1 All consultee responses can be viewed in full on the website. DC - Coastal risk management - No objections. DC - Highways - The Highway Authority has no objection to the proposal.”

“They recommend that regard is given to advice concerning impacts on heritage assets, noting that NPPF paragraph 189 states that the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage is an important consideration within National Landscapes. Lyme and Charmouth Ward Member – Supports the proposal and considers that the benefits for the Saling Club arising from the proposal outweigh any heritage harm.”

“Public Participation Matthew Dalton-Aram, speaking as agent, stated that the report did not adequately demonstrate harm arising from the proposal and argued that any impact would be limited. He noted the mixed-use harbour setting and that the platform was present when Cobb House was listed.”

“Councillor Philip May, speaking on behalf of Lyme Regis Town Council, expressed strong support for the application. He stated that the Town Council had considered the proposal and concluded that any harm to the conservation area would be limited and minor in nature.”

“Members questions and comments • Referenced the Conservation Area Statement and sought clarification on how its findings and recommendations had been considered in the assessment of the application. • Sought clarification regarding the specific aspects of residential amenity that were affected by the proposed development and the extent of any resulting harm.”

“Queried what amendments would be required to make the proposal acceptable, specifically whether this would be achieved through the removal of the canopy, alterations to the decking area, or a combination of both elements. • Members noted that the proposal would provide a community benefit by bringing increased activity and vibrancy to the area.”

“Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of all this entailed; having considered the officer’s report and presentation; the written representations; and what they had heard at the meeting, a motion to REFUSE, was proposed by Cllr David Northam, and seconded by Cllr Craig Monks.”

“Decision: That planning permission be granted contrary to the officer recommendation on the grounds that, whilst the proposal would result in harm to the setting and significance of the Conservation Area and the listed building, the economic and community benefits arising from the development, when considered within its marine and commercial setting, were considered to outweigh that harm.”

“Furthermore, whilst it was acknowledged that the proposal would give rise to some noise and disturbance for nearby residential properties, Members considered that this impact was acceptable in this location and was outweighed by the economic and community benefits associated with the scheme, subject to the following conditions:”