Agenda and minutes

To elect a Vice-Chair of the Planning Applications Committee for the remainder of the 2021/2022 municipal year.

Resolved:

That Councillor Steve Saunders be elected Vice-Chair of the Planning Applications Committee for the remainder of the 2021/2022 municipal year.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the previous meeting held remotely on 21 April 2021 (attached herewith).

Prior to the signing of the minutes, the Chair, on behalf of the Committee, wished to thank Wave Leisure for allowing the Planning Applications Committee meeting to be held at the Lewes Leisure Centre.

The minutes of the remote meeting held on 21 April 2021 were submitted and approved, and the Chair was authorised to sign them as a correct record.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sharon Davy, Tom Jones and Christoph von Kurthy. Councillor Jim Lord declared that he was acting as substitute for Councillor Davy for the duration of the meeting.

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.

Councillors Jim and Sylvia Lord declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) in agenda item 13 (planning application LW/20/0478), as they were the Applicants.

The Chair declared a personal interest in agenda item 13 (planning application LW/20/0478), as he was a member of the Royal Society of St George, along with Applicant.

There were no urgent items. A supplementary report, 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).

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.

Agenda item 9 (planning application LW/20/0888) was taken prior to that of agenda item 8 (planning application LW/20/0895), as the item was recommended for deferral.

Agenda item 13 (planning application LW/20/0478) was taken after agenda items 14 (planning application LW/21/0237) and 15 (planning application LW/19/0589) respectively, as Councillors Jim and Sylvia Lord were the Applicants.

Resolved:

That planning application LW/20/0888 to demolish two existing buildings (former workshop and kitchen) and the erection of 6 no. semi-detached dwellings and 3 no. detached units, to all include hard and soft landscaping works and drop kerbs for driveway access. AMENDED DESCRIPTION - 1 x unit removed, be deferred to allow matters pertaining to the site area and the undeveloped part of the site to be clarified.

Mr and Mrs Fitzpatrick (Immediate Neighbours) spoke against the proposal. Chris Barker (Agent) spoke for the proposal.

The Council’s Solicitor gave advice that exceptionally, the personal circumstances of an individual may be taken into account as a material planning consideration and although the weight to be attached to a material consideration is a matter for the decision maker, the courts have provided guidance that the personal circumstances of an individual alone should not be determinative.

The Solicitor also advised the Committee of its duty under Section 149 Equality Act 2010 and that this sits alongside its duty under the planning legislation to have regard to the development plan and other material considerations in reaching a decision.

Resolved:

That planning application LW/20/0895 for demolition of existing bungalow, erection of 2 no. 3x bedroom semi-detached houses be approved, subject to the conditions set out in the report.

Peter G Neal (on behalf of Seaford Bowling Green Ltd) spoke against the proposal.

Resolved:

That planning application LW/20/0799 for the erection of 9 new dwellings and associated infrastructure be approved, subject to the conditions set out in the report and an additional condition regarding biodiversity net gain. The Committee added an informative regarding Rain Gardens.

Resolved:

That planning application LW/20/0897 for the proposed erection of a detached two-bedroom bungalow be approved, subject to the conditions set out in the report.

Mr and Mrs Bone (Applicants) spoke for the proposal.

Resolved:

That planning application LW/20/0774 for the demolition of existing house and erection of new dwelling (resubmission of planning application LW/20/0138) be approved, subject to the conditions set out in the report and supplementary report, and subject to an additional condition regarding the restriction of external lighting.

Resolved:

That planning application LW/21/0237 for the variation of condition 1 in relation to approval LW/20/0702 – to vary the approved drawings as follows: Six steel containers (increase of 1 which will be a cycle store); omitting the Geodomes and replacing with a further 8 steel containers; Temporary covered areas proposed by the newly named Welcome Hub (previously called the Information Hub); New steps over the existing wall (part of flood defences) and gate on the southwestern corner proposed for the use of clubhouse tenants to access the river; Sewage treatment plant relocated from the rear of the cafe to the end of the decking be approved, subject to the condition set out in the report and supplementary report. The Committee added an informative regarding a full mobility access ramp over the flood barrier.

Prior to the consideration and discussion of this item, the Committee adjourned for a short comfort break.

Resolved:

That the Director of Regeneration and Planning be granted delegated authority to make and confirm:

A) Diversion Order relating to part of Public Footpath 11.

B) To carry out all legal steps required to publicise and consult on the Order and,

C) Subject to no objections being received or any objection received having been withdrawn, to make and confirm the Order and to publicise it as required by the legislation.

D) To make minor modifications to the Draft Order, or to re-make and confirm the Order with minor modifications if required.

Resolved:

That planning application LW/20/0478 for the conversion of existing care home to create two semi-detached 3-bedroom houses, and a detached building consisting of 3 flats (1x 1bed, 1x 2bed and 1x 3bed) be approved, subject to the conditions set out in the report.

(Councillors Jim and Sylvia Lord declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) in this item, as they were the Applicants. They therefore left the room for the remainder of the meeting and did not take part in the consideration, discussion or voting thereon.)

(The Chair declared a personal interest in this item, as he was a member of the Royal Society of St George. He therefore took part in the consideration, discussion and voting thereon.)

To note that the next meeting of the Planning Applications Committee is scheduled to commence at 5:00pm on Wednesday, 7 July 2021.

Resolved:

That it be noted that the next meeting of the Planning Applications Committee is scheduled to commence at 5:00pm on Wednesday, 7 July 2021.