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

There were none.

Disclosure by councillors of personal interests in matters on the agenda, the nature of any interest and whether the councillor regards the interest as prejudicial under the terms of the Code of Conduct.

There were none.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the previous meeting held on 17 February 2021 (attached herewith).

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 February 2021 were submitted and approved, and the Chair was authorised to sign them as a correct record.

To receive petitions from councillors or members of the public in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13 (Page D9 of the Constitution).

There were none.

To deal with written questions from members pursuant to Council Procedure Rule 12.3 (page D8 of the Constitution).

There were none.

Written representations against the proposal were read aloud by the Committee Officer on behalf of Karen Pettitt (Neighbour) and John Brookbanks (Neighbour). Written representations for the proposal were read aloud by the Committee Officer on behalf of Jennifer Foreman (Agent) and Mr and Mrs Penaluna (Applicants). A written representation was read aloud by the Committee Officer on behalf of Councillor Sean MacLeod in his capacity as the Lewes District Ward Councillor.

Resolved:

That planning application LW/20/0659 for the demolition of existing double garage and erection of 1x two-bedroom dwelling with associated landscaping, off road car parking and cycle parking be refused for the following reason:

1.    It is considered that the proposed development by virtue of its scale, dominance and overdevelopment of the site, would result in a loss of daylight and sunlight to the adjacent residential gardens to the north; detrimentally impacting on the occupiers’ amenity, contrary to Policies DM25 and DM30 of the Lewes District Plan Part 2.

(Councillor Jones was not present for the full duration of this item. He therefore did not take part in the consideration, discussion or voting thereon.)

A written representation received from Geoff Johnson on behalf of Seaford Town Council was read aloud by the Committee Officer. Written representations against the proposal were read aloud by the Committee Officer on behalf of Marie Hart (on behalf of residents of Hardwicke House), Roger Murphy (on behalf of local residents) and Lorraine Barrett (Neighbour). A written representation for the proposal was read aloud by the Committee Officer on behalf of Keith Blackburn (Chairman of the Seaford Community Partnership).

Resolved:

That planning application LW/20/0166 (part-retrospective application) for the erection of 8 non-habitable beach huts and 3 toilets (in situ April-September inclusive); and the retention of 4 concession huts (1 permanent, 3 in situ April - September inclusive at the Esplanade, Seaford be approved, subject to the conditions set out in the report and supplementary report, and the amendment of condition 1 to restrict times of use to 08.00 to 22.00.

A written representation for the proposal was read aloud by the Committee Officer on behalf of Leighton Rowe of Lewes District Council (Applicant).

Resolved:

That planning application LW/20/0880 for demolition of existing vacant garages and construction of one wheelchair accessible, five-bedroom bungalow with associated hardstanding and soft landscaping be approved, subject to the conditions set out in the report.

Written representations for the proposal were read aloud by the Committee Officer on behalf of Hannah McLaughlin (Agent) and Tim Bullen (Applicant).

Resolved:

That planning application LW/20/0417 for Variation of condition 1 (Landscaping), 4 (Number of Pitches), 5 (Car Parking) and 7 (Approved Plans) as attached to planning permission LW/11/1500 (incorporating subsequent amendments approved under LW/12/0917 and LW/13/0636) to allow for increase in number of pitches to 21 (including an additional 3 camping pods), additional car parking and landscaping/ecological enhancements be approved, subject to the conditions set out in the report.

Resolved:

That planning application LW/20/0494 for demolition of existing dwelling and replacement with 2 no. semi-detached dwellings be approved, subject to the conditions set out in the report.

Report of Head of Planning

The Committee received a report which presented the details of the proposed Planning Enforcement Policy as set out in Appendix 1.

The Head of Planning presented the report. He explained that the purpose of the proposed Planning Enforcement Policy was to ensure that Councillors, Officers, external agencies and members of the public were aware of the Council’s proactive approach to its planning enforcement responsibilities.

The Committee queried whether the words ‘protected species’ could be added to paragraph 6.3 of the proposed policy, as set out in Appendix 1.

The Council’s Solicitor explained the amendment to include the words ‘protected species’, could be referenced within the proposed Planning Enforcement Policy, but that as protected species were protected by other legislation, she advised that action may involve appropriate referrals being made to bodies such as the  police, rather than action being taken by the Council itself.

The Committee expressed its gratitude to the new Specialist Advisor (Planning Enforcement) and the Planning department for all of their hard work in respect of planning enforcement issues.

Resolved:

1.    That the contents of the report be noted; and

2.    That Cabinet be recommended to approve the new Planning Enforcement Policy as set out in Appendix 1, subject to the addition of the words ‘protected species’ to paragraph 6.3 of the new policy.

To note that the next meeting of the Planning Applications Committee which is scheduled to commence at 4:00pm on Wednesday, 31 March 2021, 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 it be noted that the next meeting of the Planning Applications Committee is scheduled to commence at 4:00pm on Wednesday, 31 March 2021, 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.