Land South Of Chescombe Lane Winterborne Whitechurch

1. 1.The proposed scheme by virtue of its layout, size and scale and design fails to respect the local context and rural character. The layout, size and scale of the buildings, combined with choice of architecture and design do not reflect the local vernacular and would have a detrimental effect on the sensitive location on the rural edge of Winterborne Whitechurch. The proposal is therefore contrary Policy 24 of the North Dorset Local Plan Part 1, and the NPPF National Decision-Making Policy DP3. This also results in a development that has adverse effects that outweigh the benefits of the scheme, thus conflicting with the Framework's National Decision-Making Policy S5.
2. 2.The proposed development is considered to fail to make effective use of the site. The site includes 5 dwellings spread across the width of the approx. 1.2 hectares site, within large plots, with gardens extending to the southern boundary of the site. The proposed development is therefore in conflict with the NPPF's National Decision-Making Policies L1 and L3, and subsequently policy S5.
3. 3.The proposed development, due to its layout, size and scale and design, is considered to result in a degree of harm to the setting of Grade II listed Shepherds Close and setting of Winterborne Whitechurch Conservation Area. Although this harm is limited, it is considered to further add to the adverse effects of the proposed development. The proposed development therefore fails to comply with Policy 5 of the North Dorset Local Plan Part 1, and NPPF National Decision-Making Policy HE6 and HE9 and subsequently Policy S5.
4. 4.The erection of 5 dwellings, of a form incongruous with the prevailing character, due to their size and scale and design features, in a linear and largely uniform style layout, within the rural setting, would result in harm to the setting of the Dorset National Landscape, through the erosion of the open and rural nature of the existing site. The proposal is therefore in conflict with Policy 4 of the North Dorset Local Plan Part 1, and NPPF National Decision-Making Policy N4, and subsequently S5.
5. 5.The Council's Tree Officer considered the submitted Arboricultural Impact Assessment & Method Statement to be inaccurate in its appraisal of the trees on the Northern boundary of the site. These trees are covered by a provisional Tree Preservation Order. Owing to the considered inaccuracies of the report, the Council therefore cannot be assured that the trees will be retained and protected during and after the development. Therefore, the proposal is considered to be in conflict with Policy 24 of the North Dorset Local Plan Part 1, and NPPF National Decision-Making Policy N2 and Policy N3.
6. 6.The proposed plans do not indicate there will be a sufficient access that would allow for two vehicles to pass on entry to and exit from the site. This is therefore likely to lead to vehicles stopping on the adjacent Chescombe Lane, obstructing the free flow of traffic and potentially leading to reduced highway safety. Therefore, the proposals are contrary to NPPF National Decision-Making Policy TR6.

From the council's decision notice.

Application type

Full Planning Application

Scale / size

Small

Parish

Winterborne Whitechurch

Date validated

21 January 2026

Agent address

Unit 5 Designer House Sandford Lane Wareham BH20 4DY

Documents

44