One dwelling at 3 Maiden Castle Road, Dorchester

“The layout of the site indicates that the dwelling will be positioned relatively close to the front of the site. Whilst this is not typical, the south side of Maiden Castle Road features dwellings at various orientations and layouts.”

“Road are laid out in a mixed form, some perpendicular to the road, and others facing the road. The dwellings are largely detached, and set back from the road, but there is not a consistent building line. Description of development Erection of 1no. dwelling (outline application to determine access & layout) 6. Background and relevant planning history Reference: P/HOU/2024/01836. Decision: Granted. Decision Date: 20/05/2024 Description: Erect 2 storey side extension 7.”

“The Council would prefer for this mature tree to be maintained as part of any landscaping scheme, and this is what is indicated on the site plans and within Biodiversity Net Gain assessments. Biodiversity Net Gain The proposed development results in a net loss of 0.03 habitat units, and a net loss of 0.05 hedgerow units. The habitat lost is largely vegetated garden and ornamental hedgerow, which is considered of low distinctiveness.”

“The site is currently bordered by domestic/ornamental hedges. The overall site under the same ownership (red and blue line boundary) is approximately 800 square metres, which would be segregated into two parcels of land, with the site at the focus of this development (within red line boundary) at approximately 375 square metres. The site appears to be relatively flat, with no obvious slopes. The garden area is largely lawn, featuring a mature beech tree.”

“In terms of location, the site is considered in accordance with the LP spatial strategy. The site is located within the Defined Development Boundary (DDB) for Dorchester, and under Policy SUS2 (Distribution of Development) of the WDWPLP residential development will normally be permitted. SUS2 identifies Dorchester as a main town, and therefore is a “highest priority location” for new development.”

“Heritage Section 66 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 requires that when considering whether to grant planning permission for a development which affects a listed building or its setting, there is a general duty to have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses.”

“Consultations All consultee responses can be viewed in full on the website. Consultees 1. Natural England The scheme relies on the purchase of phosphorus/nitrogen credits from an approved nitrogen mitigation scheme. I can confirm Natural England has no objection to this approach.”

“DC – Dorchester West – Cllr Canning No comments received 9. DC – Dorchester West – Cllr Fry Wish to object to the driveway for the following reasons: - The property already appears to benefit from a safe vehicle access directly onto Temple Close, and the proximity of traffic calming furniture adjacent to the property. - Installing an extra driveway will simply be dangerous for both the householder and other road users, adding confusion to an already crowded street scene. 10.”

“- Negative impact on free flow of traffic - Negative impact on pedestrian safety - Layout is out of character with locality/neighbourhood - Proposal would constitute overdevelopment - Negative impact on trees and wildlife 9. Duties s38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires that the determination of planning applications must be in accordance with the development plan unless material circumstances indicate otherwise.”

“When a vehicle egresses out of the proposed access, it will have the visibility from the footway located behind the traffic calming. The traffic calming will act as a speed deterrent which will allow for a vehicle to come onto the D20915, Maiden Castle Road in a safer manner.”

“Recommendation: Grant of planning permission subject to conditions as set out at the end of this report.”

“Decision: Grant planning permission in accordance with the officers recommendation plus an additional conditional requested by members regarding the protection of the Beech tree during construction.”