A PARISH councillor has questioned the commitment of Dorset Council to its recent climate emergency declaration after having to make a 66-mile round trip to discuss a planning application in her parish.

Controversial plans to redevelop a former primary school site in West Lulworth were considered by the council’s eastern area planning committee at its Wednesday meeting in Verwood.

Sarah Jackson, who attended the meeting on behalf of the village’s parish council, criticised the choice of venue just weeks after the council vowed to tackle climate change.

“I’m not thrilled that I have had to make a 66-mile round trip to get here,” she said.

“It goes directly against your climate emergency declaration – it’s no small trip.”

In a statement, Dorset Council said the system of having three area committees rather than one overarching planning committee was established to avoid the public having to travel to Dorchester.

“The aim is to hold the area planning committee meetings within the area they serve, however this is not always possible due to the large planning areas,” it said.

“When choosing venues, access, facilities and IT requirements also need to be taken into account.

“Dorset Council is exploring other options for remote access to meetings and any changes to the way in which committee meetings are delivered will be shared, once approved, in due course.”

The council declared a climate emergency at its first-ever meeting in May saying it had “an obligation to demonstrate leadership” in reducing its impact.