Agenda and minutes

The Chair introduced members of the Committee via roll call, and those officers present during the remote meeting.

An apology for absence had been received from Councillor Md. Harun Miah. Councillor Amanda Morris declared that she was acting as substitute for Councillor Miah for the duration of the remote meeting.

Councillor Barry Taylor declared a Personal Interest in minute 7, Waterfront Car Park,as his boat was moored at the harbour.

Councillor Murray declared a Prejudicial Interest in minute 8, 68 Southern Road, as he was pre-determined.

The minutes of the meeting held on 25 February 2020 were submitted and approved as a correct record, and the Chair was authorised to sign them.

The Chair to notify the Committee of any items of urgent business to be added to the agenda.  These are items which the Chair has determined should be considered as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances as defined in Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

In addition, a supplement report will be published to the Council’s website and sent to Members in advance of the meeting to provide any updated information relating to the reports on the agenda.

There were none.

Planning permission the erection of three storey modular office building (Use Class B1) – RATTON.   

The Committee was advised by way of an addendum report, of two conditions to the resolution, should the application be approved.

Members welcomed the proposal to provide additional office space, but were disappointed at the loss of social facilities for staff. 

Councillor Taylor proposed a motion to approve the application. This was seconded by Councillor Metcalfe MBE, and was carried.   

RESOLVED (Unanimous): That permission be approved, subject to a S106 legal agreement to cover the payment of the monitoring fees pursuant to the Local Labour Agreement as conditioned, and the remaining conditions set out in the report and the Addendum.

Planning permission for the change of use to include seasonal use of the car park for boat storage and extension of car park to provide 60 additional spaces and associated landscaping works (amended description)       – SOVEREIGN.

In discussing the application, the Committee was of a mixed opinion, some welcomed the application whilst others raised concern at the loss of biodiversity and the potential for boat repairs to be undertaken in close proximity to a residential area thereby creating noise, disturbance and dust.

Members were assured that any commercial boat repairs would require a new application and their request to maintain biodiversity would be relayed to the applicant.

Councillor Diplock proposed a motion to approve the application. This was seconded by Councillor Morris.

RESOLVED (by 5 votes to 2 against, and 1 abstention): That permission be approved as set out in the report.

Having declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 8, Councillor Murray left the meeting and did not take part in the consideration, discussion and voting thereon.  The Vice Chair, Councillor Diplock took the role of Chair for the remainder of the meeting.

Planning permission for the erection of three bedroom dwellinghouse - HAMPDEN PARK.

A written representation against the proposal was read aloud by the Interim Head of Planning on behalf of Mrs Dadswell (neighbour) for the neighbourhood. The speech raised a number of safety issues.

In discussing the application, Members arrived at differing views, some welcomed the additional housing whilst other members felt the proposal did not promote the health and safety of community and that the dormer may create overlooking.  

A member raised concern at the lack of parking and requested the application be deferred for a site visit.  The Lawyer advised the Committee that procedurally the officer’s recommendation must be voted on first before a new motion was tabled, this approach was supported by the Interim Head of Planning.

Officers advised that the principle of residential use had previously been accepted; the dwelling would not create significant additional demand on street parking and that the application was acceptable in terms of highway safety.

Councillor Vaughan proposed a motion to approve the application in line with the officer’s recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Maxted.  Councillor Metcalfe requested that there be a named vote and this was approved.

RESOLVED (By 4 votes to 3 against) (For: Councillors Maxted, Morris, Vaughan and Diplock.  Against:  Councillors Lamb, Metcalfe MBE and Taylor): That permission be approved as set out in the report and subject to an additional condition referred to in paragraph 8.6.3 of the officer’s report, to ensure no enclosures or other structures that might otherwise be afforded by permitted development legislation could be erected to impact on the visibility splay.

To note that the next meeting of the Planning Committee which is scheduled to commence at 6:00pm on Tuesday, 25 August 2020 will take place in a virtual capacity, via Microsoft Teams, and in accordance with section 78 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 and section 13 of the related regulations.

Resolved:

That the next meeting of the Planning Applications Committee which is scheduled to commence at 6:00pm on Tuesday, 25 August 2020 in a virtual capacity, via Microsoft Teams, and in accordance with section 78 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 and section 13 of the related regulations, be noted.