Agenda and minutes

Members of the Committee and Officers present introduced themselves to all those who were present during the meeting.

Apologies had been received from Councillor Taylor. Councillor Metcalfe MBE confirmed that he was acting as substitute for Councillor Taylor.

Councillor Lamb declared that to avoid any bias or any appearance of bias on item 87 The Tiled House, Chesterfield Road that she would not take part in the debate or vote and leave the room when it is being discussed. This is because she lives close to the application site and has friends and neighbours who could be affected.

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 February 2022 were submitted and approved as a correct record, and the Chair was authorised to sign them.

The Chairman to notify the Committee of any items of urgent business to be added to the agenda.

There were no urgent items.  An officer addendum, however, was circulated to the Committee prior to the start of the meeting, updating the main reports on the agenda with any late information (a copy of which was published on the Council’s website).

The business of the meeting was reordered from the agenda.  Item 8, The Tiled House, Chesterfield Road was considered prior to item 7, The Moorings, 25 St. Johns Road.

Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 4no. bedroom single storey detached dwelling - MEADS

Having made a declaration , Councillor Jane Lamb was absent from the room during discussion and voting of this item.

The Senior Specialist Advisor (Planning) presented the report and advised of a correction at paragraph 10.3 of the report (Approved Plans). He informed the Committee that the Council did not have a duty to reconsult on the application which had been reduced in scale.

The Committee was advised by way of an Addendum of an error on the Officer’s committee report which should have read ID: 211032.  In addition, 13 further representations had been received, comments had been received from the Council’s Specialist Advisor (Ecology and Biodiversity), a condition at paragraph 10.15 of the report (Bat Boxes) had been omitted, and two additional conditions were recommended under Ecology and Lighting. 

The Chair exercised his discretion in allowing additional speakers to speak for and against the application, whilst giving equal speaking time to both sides to ensure natural justice.

Mr Bob Lindsey (Neighbour) addressed the Committee in objection to the application. Mr Dennis Scard (Chair of Meads Community Association) spoke in objection to the application and requested it be deferred for further dialogue.  Mr Chris Barker (Agent) spoke in support of the application. Mr Damian Timlin (Applicant) also spoke in support of the application.

The Committee discussed the proposal and was of a mixed opinion.  Some Members raised concerns regarding the height and dominance of the boundary wall and its impact in the Meads Conservation Area and on the neighbouring property. They felt it was a potential overdevelopment of the plot and the boundary wall needed a different covering treatment.  Other Members supported the design, landscaping, solar panels, heating and single level eco=living.

It was asked if the application could be deferred to re-consider the boundary wall and its materials or landscaping. The Senior Specialist Advisor (Planning) advised that the external materials were controlled by condition and could be scrutinised.

Councillor Murray proposed a motion to approve the application in line with the officer’s recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Vaughan and was carried. 

RESOLVED: by (4 votes to 2 against and 1 abstention) that Planning permission be approved subject to the conditions set out in the officer’s report.

Installation of antennas and ancillary development - MEADS

The Senior Specialist Advisor (Planning) presented the report. 

The Committee was advised by way of an Addendum that there were no further updates following completion of the officer’s report.

Mr Norman Gillan (Agent) addressed the Committee in support of the application.

Members sought clarification on the number of additional telecommunications units  that could be installed.  The Specialist Advisor (Planning) advised that there was no defined cap and providers were encouraged to share facilities.  

Councillor Miah proposed a motion to approve the application in line with the officer’s recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Vaughan and was carried. 

RESOLVED: (Unanimously) that Planning permission be approved subject to the conditions set out in the officer’s report.

200968 - Demolition of existing Nursing Home and erection of 9no houses (2no x 3bed and 7no x 4bed) and 3no 1bed flats (12no residential units in total)  

200983 - AMENDED DESCRIPTION - Demolition of existing Nursing Home and erection of 6no houses (1no x 3bed and 5no x 4bed) and 6no 2bed flats (12no residential units in total) - OLD TOWN   

The Senior Specialist Advisor (Planning) presented the report.  The Committee was reminded that the application was brought back to the Planning Committee following deferral at the September meeting to address the revised plans received.

The Committee was advised by way of an Addendum that there were no further updates following completion of the officer’s report.

Mr Robert Strange (Neighbour) spoke in objection to the application.

The Committee raised concerns regarding the overdevelopment of the site.

Application 200968 - Councillor Diplock proposed a motion to refuse the application in line with the officer’s recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Vaughan and was carried. 

RESOLVED: (unanimously) that Planning permission be refused subject to the conditions set out in the officer’s report.

Application 200983 - Councillor Diplock proposed a motion to refuse the application in line with the officer’s recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Vaughan and was carried. 

RESOLVED: (unanimously) that Planning permission be refused subject to the conditions set out in the officer’s report.

External alterations to existing cladding, balconies, windows and doors to improve fire safety – UPPERTON

The Senior Specialist Advisor (Planning) presented the report.

The Committee was advised by way of an Addendum that there were no further updates following completion of the officer’s report.

Councillor Murray proposed a motion to approve the application in line with the officer’s recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Miah and was carried. 

RESOLVED: (unanimously) that Planning permission be approved subject to the conditions set out in the officer’s report.

To note the next meeting of the Planning Committee is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, 19 April 2022.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Planning Committee was scheduled to commence at 6:00pm on Tuesday, 19 April 2022.