Silt lagoon time extension at Woodsford Quarry, Dorchester

“– Extension of the End Date for Working and Restoration 5.82 The application explains that the working the north eastern extension as an interlude to completing the existing quarry has formed part of the proposals for Woodsford Quarry and its extension in making the allocations now incorporated in the MSP, and with this the need not only to extend the end date of the main permission for the quarry (i.e. by variation of Condition No. 3 of Planning Permission Ref.”

“In relation to the receipt of silt arising from processing mineral from the north east extension Condition 9 states: “Save for the placement or deposit of any material approved under condition 5 of this planning permission and for mineral waste arising from development permitted by planning permission 1/E/2005/0742 no materials of any kind shall be imported to the application area site for the purpose of deposit as waste”.”

“There are no ecological designations within the site, although the River Frome and its banks are designated as an SSSI. The site was previously identified as a ‘preferred area’ for sand and gravel extraction in the former Dorset Minerals and Waste Local Plan (1999). There are two public footpaths crossing the site from north to south, Right of Way S60/4 and S60/6. Planning Application Ref.”

“There is a mature hedgerow to the north of the lagoon, beyond which the land drops down towards the road (the C33) leading to Woodsford Village. There is agricultural land to the east, whilst Woodsford Quarry lies to the south and south-west. Herons Grove which is deciduous native woodland, lies to the west. A Public Right of Way (Right of Way S60/6) lies to the south of the Planning Application Area.”

“Planning History 6.1 Planning Permission Ref: 1/E/2005/0742 for Woodsford Quarry, was granted to Woodsford Farms in 14 th December 2007 for the Mineral extraction and progressive restoration to agriculture and woodland including the erection of a…”

“Application Ref. 1/E/2005/0742/AuC which was for the Approval under Condition No. 4 (Adherence to approved plans and details) and No. 20 (Limitation on erection of structure, fixed plant etc) of planning permission 1/E/2005/0742 comprising layout changes and extension to the processing area, minor changes to the restoration plan for the western part of the quarry and revised scheme of phasing, was approved on 14 th May 2018. Planning Permission Ref.”

“As the recommendation is to refuse Planning Application Ref. P/FUL/2023/04753 because of the impacts in the water environment as set out above, then there cannot be considered to be any need or justification to approve Planning Application Ref. P/VOC/2023/04761 for the proposed variations of the Condition Nos. 3, 5, 7 and 9 of Planning Permission Ref. WD/D/18/002648.”

“Further, in terms of the impacts on heritage, and particularly Woodsford Castle, there cannot be considered to be any benefits to weighed in the balancing exercise required by paragraph 215 of the NPPF and Policy ENV4 of the West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland Local Plan, and consequently there is no basis upon which it can be recommended that can be approved, and accordingly it is recommended that the application be refused.”

“The proposal would result in less than substantial harm to the setting of Woodsford Castle, a Grade 1 Listed Building. In the absence of the approval of Planning Application Ref. P/FUL/2023/04753, there are no benefits to be weighed in the balancing exercise required by paragraph 215 of the NPPF, and Policy ENV4 of the West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland Local Plan, and it cannot be considered to be acceptable and in accordance with Policy DM7 of the Bournemouth, Dorset and…”

“The proposal would result in less than substantial harm to the setting of Woodsford Castle, a Grade 1 Listed Building. In the absence of the approval of Planning Application Ref. P/FUL/2023/04753, there are no benefits to be weighed in the balancing exercise required by paragraph 215 of the NPPF, and Policy ENV4 of the West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland Local Plan, and it cannot be considered to be acceptable and in accordance with Policy DM7 of the Bournemouth, Dorset and…”

“Historic England accordingly has concerns regarding the application on heritage grounds. In determining the application it advises that the Council should bear in mind the statutory duty of section 66(1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to have special regard to the desirability of preserving listed buildings or their setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which they possess.”

“Dorset Council – Public Rights of Way 8.285 No objection, subject the full width of Footpaths remaining open and available to the public, with no materials or vehicles stored on the route. Dorset Council – Conservation Officer 8.286 No objection. Dorset Council – Environmental Protection 8.287 Have advised that they have no comment on the application.”

“The item was deferred to a future meeting due to unforeseen circumstances.”