SANG with access and landscaping at Land South Of A352 Wareham Road, Binnegar

“Description of development This application seeks full planning permission for the change of use of land to Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). The proposed SANG would provide ecological benefits and opportunities for a variety of recreational benefits through the creation of a series of pathways (some of which are to be surfaced), introduction of a wildlife pond, hedgerow and tree planting, erection of stock fencing around the site’s perimeter, installation…”

“Access to the SANG would be free of charge and available for use for any who wish to use the SANG. It has been designed for all types of users with a range of transport options in mind. It would be easily accessed via foot, cycle, car or bus. The works to the road network which fall outside the development site would be covered by the Highway Act and bespoke planning conditions.”

“Description of site The site is located outside of any defined settlement and within the open countryside. It is currently used for agricultural purposes and the land is classified as mostly grade 3 (good to moderated quality agricultural land) with some grade 4 grassland in the southeast corner. It is positioned to the south of the A352, close to the Binnegar Hall estate, and broadly rectangular in shape. The parcel of land comprises approximately 4.94 hectares.”

“The site is located north of the river Frome within the valley floor and is relatively flat, falling gently in a south-easterly direction. The Environment Agency flood maps identify that the site is within flood zone 1, which means that it has a low probability of fluvial flooding. The southwestern corner of the site has a medium flood risk from surface water (between 1% and 3.3%).”

“Background and relevant planning history There is no relevant planning history for the application site. Members should be aware that in 2016, planning application reference 6/2015/0541 was approved for the alteration, extension and change of use of existing buildings at Binnegar Hall to Class C3 residential use. The proposal involved the creation of 23 dwellings – 9 houses and 14 flats/maisonettes.”

“It is important to note that originally the proposed SANG was to be located at land to the northwest of Binnegar Hall; as requested in some representations received. However, that site was not feasible as the roads and public right of ways would have linked the SANG to Worgret Heath. As such, it would not have been effective in diverting recreational pressure from residents away from the designated sites of ecological importance.”

“Consultations All consultee responses can be viewed in full on the website. Consultees: • Network Rail No objections. Given proximity to the rail the asset protection information procedure needs to be adhered to. • Office for Nuclear Regulation No comment.”

“Natural England No objection subject to conditions, and details to be secured in a S106 legal agreement. • Dorset National Landscape (AONB) Team No objections. • DC - Natural Environment Team No objections subject to conditions. • DC - Highways No objection subject to conditions. No objection to proposed car parking subject to conditions. • DC - Trees (East & Purbeck) No objection subject to conditions. • DC - Minerals & Waste Policy No comment.”

“Representations received: Five representations have been received raising concerns and objections relating to highway safety, and the use of a layby for parking and access.”

“The then Councillor for the area [name withheld] supported the SANG but had concerns about the highway safety of pedestrians crossing the A352. This concern was echoed by the other representations received. CPRE oppose this application. They are of the view that the proposed SANG would compound damage to the countryside’s bio-diversity value in this location.”

“Location: Land South of A352 (Wareham Road) Binnegar, East Stoke Purbeck Description: Use of land as Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) with associated access, landscaping, infrastructure and alterations to road.”

“SANG with associated access, landscaping, infrastructure and alterations to road which accords with Dorset Heathlands Planning Framework SPD (2020-2025) and having regard to this Officer’s report and recommendation.”

“No development shall take place until a management plan relating to the proposed SANG has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The submitted scheme shall set out specific habitat management and enhancement measures; frequency and nature of SANG maintenance measures including timetables; means by which the SANG will be advertised; and the means by which the SANG management strategies can be adapted over time.”

“Before any development or construction work begins, a pre-commencement meeting shall be held on site and attended by the developers appointed arboricultural consultant, the site manager/foreman and a representative from the Local Planning Authority (LPA) to discuss details of the working procedures and confirm that all tree protection measures have been installed in accordance with the approved tree protection plan.”