Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence and notices of appointment of substitute.

Apologies were received from the following:-

·         Cllr F Letch with Cllr S Robinson substituting.

·         Cllr N Letch with Cllr J Lock substituting.

·         Cllr M Farrell

·         Cllr R Gilmour

To receive any questions relating to items on the agenda from members of the public and replies thereto.

Note:   A maximum of 30 minutes is allowed for this item.

Gerald Conyngham referred to Application 23/00924/FULL

On the 22nd of September 2022 88% of voters voted in favour of the Crediton Neighbourhood Plan at a referendum which means it carries full weight for guiding planning applications submitted to the council and forms part of the statutory development plan for the Crediton area.

The plan has a key objective on sustainability 'To reduce environmental degradaon and mitigate the effects of climate change'.  McDonalds promotes the consumption of beef which is responsible for 14% of carbon emissions. Also despite what McDonalds say, independent research shows that some beef supplied to them comes from illegally cleared Amazon rain forests, so they are colluding in rainforest clearance.  Another objective is 'to improve the quality and quantity of sustainable transport'. By making it a drive in facility McDonalds will be encouraging the use of cars thus increasing carbon emissions in the area. On Design, the NP says:  'New developments should be locally distinctive'.  In  no way will this happen since McDonalds have a standard approach with the use of the Big M to all new developments.  Another objective is' to buy food that is grown locally'   . McDonalds source their food centrally.

Given all these ways in which this application goes against the statutory development plan for Crediton, will the committee please reject it?

Giles Fawsett referred to Application 23/00924/FULL

McDonalds, with two drive throughs and located right on the very edge of our town, would be an environmental disaster. Firstly, our government, secondly our county council, thirdly our district council and fourthly our town council have all declared a climate emergency.

These food outlets ought to be in the centre of town where people can and should walk.

Allow me to quote you from your Crediton Masterplan that your council has just completed. Page 23 “In recent years Government policy has strengthened its position on the importance of walking and cycling in positively addressing health and wellbeing, congestion, air quality and climate change.”

So how is this drive though McDonalds compatible with this government policy?

Secondly, what does our Devon County Council say? Its draft vision was issued in August 2023. Again it’s about reducing the need to travel, enhancing and protecting our health and wellbeing and “Promoting the ’20-minute neighbourhood’”

So how is this drive though McDonalds compatible with this county council policy?

So thirdly Mid Devon District Council. Your first masterplan objective, yes top of the list. Page 34 “1. Support redevelopment that maximises economic benefit within the town centre.” So why will you allow a Drive though McDonalds that isn’t in the town centre?

The Crediton Masterplan page 39 refers to “the need to tackle the climate crisis by changing the ways in which we travel.” Top of the transport hierarchy is walking.

So why are you allowing a drive though McDonald’s that is going to be driven to?

In addition, Mid Devon District Council Air Quality Action Plan concluded “that there were unacceptable levels of air pollution in parts  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

To record any interests on agenda matters.

Members were reminded of the need to declare any personal or pecuniary interests where appropriate.  The following Declarations of Interest were made:-

·       Cllr M Jenkins referred to Application 23/00924/FULL – he had received numerous amounts of correspondence and had started a campaign long before he was a Member of the Council.  He confirmed that this had no impact on his outlook today and would listen to all relevant sides and vote accordingly.

·       Cllr S Clist referred to Application 23/01532/FULL and confirmed that he had an Interest as it was his portfolio area but had not had any discussions with officers.

·       Cllr S Clist referred to Application 23/00924/FULL and confirmed that he had received correspondence.

·       Cllr G Cochran referred to Application 23/00924/FULL and explained that he was a member of the Town Planning Committee.

·       Cllr B Holdman referred to Application 23/00924/FULL and confirmed that he had received correspondence.

·       Gllr G Duchesne referred to Application 23/00924/FULL and confirmed that she had received emails and a telephone call.

To consider whether to approve the minutes as a correct record of the meeting held on 22 November 2023.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 22 November 2023 were agreed as a true record and duly signed by the Chairman.

         To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make. 

The Chair announced the following:-

·       He reminded all Members of the Committee and Officers to address the Chair when they wished to speak.

·       He reminded Members of the meetings taking place on:-

18^th January briefing for the Culm Garden Village/Cullompton Infrastructure.

7^th February informal Planning Committee

To report any items withdrawn from the agenda.

Application 23/01533/FULL - Erection of first floor infill extension to provide 1 flat at Dwelling Block, 1 - 11 Wingfield Close, Tiverton was withdrawn from the Agenda.

To consider the planning applications contained in the list.

The Committee considered the applications on the *Plans List.

Note: *List previously circulated and attached to the minutes

a.     23/01532/FULL - Erection of 2 dwellings at 1 Honiton Road, Cullompton, Devon.

There being no discussion on this item it was RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

(Moved by the Chairman)

Reason for the Decision – as set out in the report.

b.     23/00924/FULL - Erection of restaurant with drive-thru facility, car parking, landscaping and associated works at Land at NGR 284600 099535, Joseph Locke Way, Crediton.

The Area Team Leader outlined the contents of the report by way of a presentation and highlighted the following:-

·       The proposal was for a McDonald’s restaurant and drive thru with landscaping and parking.

·       The site was allocated under Policy CRE10 which was an allocation for commercial development.

·       The site was accessed from a shared access road with Mole Avon Country Stores to the south.

·       Main issues raised included impact on the town centre, climate change, transport, flooding, ecology and living conditions of nearby residents.

·       This application would bring a vacant site into active use and would create up to 120 jobs for local people.

·       S106 monies would be put back into the town centre with contributions of £15,000 towards the Shopfront Enhancement Scheme.

·       A financial contribution of £35,281 would be allocated and spent towards measures necessary to assist with the flow of traffic through the Western Gateway, St Lawrence Green and the High Street in Crediton.  This would include for the provision of two additional electric vehicle charging points above the two required by Policy making four in total to address air quality within Crediton Air Quality Management Area.

·       Funding of £5,000 was proposed to provide a cycle/footway to the junction.

·       Concerns raised initially by the Lead Local Flood Authority had been addressed with final details being worked upon.

·       A condition was recommended to approve the final brick detail, in order that it would not detract from the red brick used at Wellparks or the Red Deer Public House nearby.

·       The Public Health Department had viewed reports and plans for noise and lighting and had agreed to the conditions recommended.

·       Devon Garden Trust had raised no objections and further comments made by the Council’s Conservation Officer, a 12m high totem pole sign originally proposed, had been reduced to 6m in height.

In response to public questions the Area Team Leader answered as follows:-

Gerald Conyngham

Q. Given all these ways in which this application goes against the statutory development plan for Crediton, will the committee please reject it?

A. The question enquires how the development would comply with policies within the Crediton Neighbourhood Plan (NP). The relevant policies in the NP have been noted within the report and the case made as to why the development is considered to accord with these. In terms of 'new developments should be locally distinctive', it was noted in the presentation that the design was amended in light of concerns with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

To receive a list of major applications and potential site visits.

The Committee had before it and NOTED a list* of major applications with no decision.

The Committee agreed that:-

(i)            Application 23/01796/MARM, Reserved matters for the erection of commercial units on Plots 7 and 8 following Outline approval 20/01409/MOUT to remain as delegated.

(ii)           Application 23/00129/MFUL, Erection of 13 affordable dwellings following demolition of 4 existing dwellings and garage blocks with associated parking, landscaping and works to remain as determined by Committee.

(iii)          Application 23/01870/MOUT, Hybrid application for a change of use of land to allow the siting of up to 25 safari tents and cabins; conversion of existing barns to provide space for administration, grounds keeping, housekeeping facilities and visitors reception; demolition of existing barn and construction of wellness centre; improvements to existing vehicular accesses and the provision of car parking, the creation of track ways and associated access and landscaping works (outline, all matters reserved) and Full application for change of use of land to allow the siting of 10 safari tents, extension to existing marquee, creation of vehicular access ways, the construction of 24 car parking spaces and natural swimming pool and associated landscaping to be determined by Committee.

(iv)          Application 23/01838/MFUL, Installation of ground mounted solar PV panels to generate up to 5MW, comprising photovoltaic panels and associated infrastructure and works (Site Area 6.30ha) to remain as delegated.

Note *List previously circulated and attached to the minutes.

To receive a list of recent appeal decisions.

The Committee had before it, and NOTED, a *list of appeal decisions.

Note: *List previously circulated and attached to the minutes.