Venue: Town Hall
Contact: Sally Gabriel Member Services Officer
Link: audio recording
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APOLOGIES AND SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS To receive any apologies for absence and notices of appointment of substitute.
Minutes: Apologies were received from Cllrs Mrs H Bainbridge and Mrs F J Colthorpe.
In the absence of the Chairman, Cllr D J Knowles (Vice Chairman) took the Chair and invited a Member of the Committee to be his Vice Chairman for the meeting.
RESOLVED that Cllr J M Downes take the place of the Vice Chairman for the meeting.
(Proposed by Cllr P J Heal and seconded by Cllr F W Letch)
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PUBLIC QUESTION TIME 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.
Minutes:
Mrs Rice referring to Item 3 on the Plans List (Coach Road, Silverton) stated that when the original consent was given for the doctors surgery the following condition was applied limiting the use of the site as a doctors surgery, I assume this condition still applies?
The site drawings do not show the extension is this an oversight?
Regarding parking, there will be a reduction in parking, this will mean more cars in Coach Road where there are already parking issues.
Mr Holmes referring to item 2 on the Plans List (Willand Service Station)
In their reply of 28 July 2015, the Highway Authority requested that the site should demonstrate the swept path of an articulated vehicle on entry and exit from both directions.
It has not been demonstrated that the swept path analysis of an articulated vehicle leaving the site to travel towards Cullompton would achieve this manoeuvre without mounting the grass verge opposite or blocking the carriageway.
What proposals are there if this manoeuvre does not prove possible as it would seem a fundamental question that has not been addressed in the Road Safety Audit, revised plans or officers report?
Mr Grantham referring to item 1 on the plans list (Portway Gardens) asked if the committee members knew exactly what they are being asked to approve?
This is asked as the officers report does not include any drawing numbers which will appear as part of the decision notice.
It is considered extremely relevant when in particular one is referring to the current hardstanding parking area at the front of the property. Hardstanding along the front of the house was included in the last committee approval but all of the current hardstanding in front of the proposed extension has been laid in contravention of the approval as has part of the protective rail fence. In spite of representation from the Parish Council this unapproved area has not been noticeably addressed by planning officers.
The officer in his report to Committee states on the bottom of page 13 and I quote "although there are a couple of outstanding issues on the wider site being currently investigated by your Enforcement Officers these issues do not have any impact on the proposed scheme presented to you for consideration although it is noted that one of the outstanding issues relates to an additional area of vehicle hardstanding within the curtilage of 4 Portway Gardens. This hardstanding is not shown on the submitted drawings and its retention is not sought through this application". Is this not a contradiction of fact and may we show that the last statement is incorrect?
On Page 15 of the report the officer states "The majority of issues raised by Willand Parish Council relate to the siting, building and inclusion of additional hardstanding. This had been removed from the application and is not to be considered as part of this application". This is not correct as reading of the Parish Council submission will show a number ... view the full minutes text for item 62. |
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MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING (00-17-58) PDF 327 KB To receive the minutes of the previous meeting (attached).
Minutes: Subject to an amendment to Minute 55 (Enforcement List) to include in the notes that Cllrs R J Dolley and J L Smith requested that their vote against the decision be recorded, the minutes of the meeting held on 23 September were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
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CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS (00-19-29) To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes: The Chairman had no announcements to make. |
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DEFERRALS FROM THE PLANS LIST To report any items appearing in the Plans List which have been deferred.
Minutes: There were no deferrals from the Plans List. |
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THE PLANS LIST (00-23-20) PDF 448 KB To consider the planning applications contained in the list.
Minutes:
The Committee considered the applications in the plans list *.
Note: *List previously circulated; copy attached to the signed Minutes.
(a) Applications dealt with without debate.
In accordance with its agreed procedure the Committee identified those applications contained in the Plans List which could be dealt with without debate.
RESOLVED that the following applications be determined or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the various recommendations contained in the list namely:
(i) No 4 on the Plans List (15/01438/FULL – installation of 150KW ground mounted solar panels – land at NGR 280054 113389 (Woodford Farm, Witheridge)be approved subject to conditions as recommended by the Head of Planning and Regeneration.
(Proposed by the Chairman)
Notes:
(i) Cllr P J Heal declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest as he had had business dealings with the applicant and therefore left the meeting whilst the decision was taken; (ii) Cllr J M Downes requested that his vote against the decision be recorded; (iii) Cllr R J Dolley requested that his abstention from voting be recorded;
(iv) The following late information was available on the update sheet: Two further representations have been received:
19th October 2015 Morchard Bishop Parish Council: no comments. Cruwys Morchard Parish Council: no objections.
The additional representations do not raise any further issues to be considered in determining the application.
(b) No 1 on the Plans List ((15/00968/FULL, erection of a single storey extension, 4 Portway Gardens, Willand Old Village, Willand)
The Head of Planning and Regeneration outlined the contents of the report by way of presentation highlighting the block plan, which identified the walnut tree with a tree preservation order in addition to the large oak tree, she outlined the single storey extension, the proposed elevations and materials to be used to match the existing property, the spread of the root protection areas of the walnut tree and photographs from various aspects of the site which considered the location of the proposed extension with regard to the streetscene.
In answer to the questions posed in public question time, the Head of Planning and Regeneration stated that the foundation design had been controlled; the only issue before committee today was the application for a side extension, this did not include the driveway, the hardstanding or the fencing.
Consideration was given to the history of the various applications on the site, the impact of the proposed extension on the trees, the live enforcement issues, the possibility of the Tree Officer being present whilst any excavations took place to try to protect the root protections area of the walnut tree, possible overdevelopment of the site, the position of the walnut tree and its proximity to the fence and street scene issues.
RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions as recommended by the Head of Planning and Regeneration with an amendment to Condition 3 to state: i) No development shall begin until specific details of the method of constructing the foundations for the extension and ... view the full minutes text for item 66. |
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THE DELEGATED LIST (2-11-26) PDF 247 KB To be noted.
Minutes: The Committee NOTED the decisions contained in the Delegated List *.
Note: *List previously circulated; copy attached to signed Minutes.
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MAJOR APPLICATIONS WITH NO DECISION (2-12-00) PDF 20 KB List attached for consideration of major applications and potential site visits.
Minutes: The Committee had before it, and NOTED, a list * of major applications with no decision.
It was AGREED that:
Application:15/01571/MFUL – Menchine Farm be brought before the Committee and that a site visit take place prior to determination.
Application 15/01511/MFUL – Broadpath, Burlescombe, be brought before the Committee and that a site visit take place prior to determination if recommended for approval.
Note: * List previously circulated; copy attached to the Minutes.
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APPEAL DECISIONS (2-13-42) PDF 11 KB To receive for information a list of recent appeal decisions.
Minutes: The Committee had before it and NOTED a list of appeal decisions * providing information on the outcome of recent planning appeals.
Note: * List previously circulated; copy attached to signed Minutes.
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To consider a report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration regarding this application. Minutes: The Committee had before it a * report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration regarding the above application.
She outlined the contents of the report by way of presentation highlighting the original Kingfisher Reach development and the proposed access points to the development before Members. She identified the proposed layout, the footpath links and vehicular access, the attenuation ponds, the network of paths and bridges, the community building, the areas for children’s play, the affordable housing plots throughout the site, the proposed street scene, proposed elevations of the apartment block, the range of material and photographs from various aspects of the site. She explained the control of surface water and the maintenance of the open spaces and the change in Government policy with regard to affordable housing and the impact of this on the viability of affordable housing on the site.
Consideration was given to:
· The concerns of the Town Council with regard to parking issues, traffic generation, play areas and adequacy of access. · Following a previous presentation to Members, the applicant had responded to the Committee’s concerns regarding the apartment blocks, bin storage and bus stops. · Access points to the proposed development. · Drainage concerns and the maintenance of the attenuation ponds. · Traffic issues in the town and the increase of vehicular movement. · A possible roundabout at the Kingfisher Reach/Tiverton Road junction. · The reduction of affordable housing on the site. · Visual impact of the 3 storey buildings.
RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions and an informative note as recommended by the Head of Planning and Regeneration.
(Proposed by Cllr R L Stanley and seconded by Cllr P J Heal)
Notes:
(i) Cllrs P J Heal and R L Stanley declared personal interest as Chairman of the Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development and Cabinet Member for Housing respectively;
(ii) Cllr R J Dolley declared a personal interest as a member of the Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development;
(iii) Cllr D J Knowles made a declaration in accordance with the Protocol of Good Practice for Councillors dealing in planning matters as he had received correspondence regarding the application;
(iv) Mr Mantell (Agent) spoke;
(v) Mrs Morris (Cullompton Town Clerk) spoke;
(vi) Cllr Mrs A R Berry spoke as Ward Member;
(vii) Cllrs K I Busch, R J Dolley and J L Smith requested that their votes against the decision be recorded;
(viii) The following late information was reported:
16th October 2015
Revised tracking plans have been provided following the comments of the Highway Authority. The Highway Authority has confirmed that it is content that the issues raised in their earlier comments have now been addressed.
Revised landscaping plans have been received which address the issues raised by the Police Architectural Liaison Officer.
Cullompton Town Council comments received 14th October repeating objections of their response 26th June 2015. Revised / new comments received 14th October are summarised as follows:
Submitted evidence of vehicle tracking shows sufficient space for emergency and refuse collection vehicles ... view the full minutes text for item 70. |
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To consider a report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration regarding this application.
Minutes: The Committee had before it a * report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration regarding the above application.
The Area Planning Officer outlined the contents of the report by way of presentation highlighting the site location, access to the site, an aerial photograph identifying the site, the proposed layout of the panels, the panel arrangement, the location and design of the substations and proposed landscaping. She also explained the amendments from the previous application.
Photographs from various locations were presented and she explained that she felt there was no cumulative impact with regard to other sites in the neighbourhood.
Addressing the issue raised at public question time with regard to visual impact, she stated that screening could be conditioned and that the landscape plan could be enhanced.
Consideration was given to:
· The need for renewable energy and effective solar energy · The visible impact of the proposal in open countryside · The cumulative impact of the proposal · The number of solar PV farms in the area · The quality of the agricultural land
RESOLVED that members were minded to refuse the application and therefore wished to defer the decision to allow for a report to be received setting out the implications for the proposed reasons for refusal based on landscape and visual impact and cumulative impact.
(Proposed by Cllr R L Stanley and seconded by Cllr Mrs C A Collis)
Notes:
(i) Cllrs K I Busch, Mrs C Collis, R J Dolley, J M Downes, S G Flaws, P J Heal, D J Knowles, R F Radford, J L Smith, J D Squire and R L Stanley made declarations in accordance with the Protocol of Good Practice for Councillors dealing in planning matters as they had received correspondence regarding the application;
(ii) Mr Munday (Agent) spoke;
(iii) Mrs Worner spoke on behalf of the objectors;
(iv) A statement by Cllr Mrs Bainbridge (Ward Member) was considered;
(v) Cllr Mrs C A Collis spoke as one of the Ward Members;
(vi) The following late information was reported: 16th October 2015 Burlescombe Parish Council 13th October 2015 – No further comments to make beyond their original objections (contained within the Committee report under the consultations section).
Two additional letters of objection received:
· The application will have a negative effect on the local area due to the loss of agricultural land, cumulative impact and the impact on views from historic buildings; · Feel the committee report undervalues the special landscape; · The wrong scheme in the wrong place.
1 further objection summarised as follows:
· The applicant has shown scant regard for screening the site – the planting already carried out is unsuitable due to species and size: trees would need to be 20m+ to screen · Screening on the boundary of Wiseburrow Farm and Whipcott would alleviate screening issues for residents of the Whipcott area: trees would need to be 4-5m to screen · The previous application was partly refused on landscaping grounds – the current proposal is no better and should be addressed using the whole ... view the full minutes text for item 71. |
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To receive a report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration regarding whether Planning Committee wish to continue to determine all solar photovoltaic (PV) panel schemes that are ground mounted and recommended for approval, irrespective of the scale of the proposal.
Minutes: The Committee had before it a * report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration regarding consideration as to whether it wished to continue to determine all solar photovoltaic (PV) panel schemes that were ground mounted and recommended for approval, irrespective of the scale of the proposal
She outlined the contents of the report stating that at the meeting of Planning Committee on 20th February 2013 it was debated whether all future planning applications for photovoltaic (PV) panels that were ground mounted be determined by Planning Committee, rather than being considered by officers under delegated powers given to the Head of Planning and Regeneration. It was resolved that: only applications for ground mounted solar PV arrays that were recommended by Officers for approval be brought before the Committee for determination. If Officers were minded to refuse ground mounted solar PV array applications then the specific Ward Member be informed of the proposed reasons for refusal before the decision isissued.
Discussion took place as to whether domestic scale applications for photovoltaic (PV) panel schemes needed to be determined by the Committee and concerns about cumulative impact of photovoltaic panels in general.
RESOLVED that the present system be continued and that a map showing the cumulative impact of each application be supplied with each report when brought before Committee.
(Proposed by Cllr J L Smith and seconded by Cllr S G Flaws)
Note: *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.
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PLANNING PERFORMANCE QUARTER 2 2015/16 (3-49-21) PDF 126 KB To receive a report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration providing the Committee with information on the performance of Planning Services for quarter 2 within the 2015-16 financial year. Minutes: The Committee had before it and NOTED a * report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration providing it with information on the performance of Planning Services for quarter 2 within the 2015/16 financial year.
She outlined the contents of the report stating that all targets were being exceeded with the exception of majors and listed building consent. She stated that there continued to be staffing challenges which had had a knock on effect on some of the major applications and that Conservation officer time had been taken up with issues in Cullompton. She was however mindful of the need to continue to monitor performance closely especially as the Government had indicated its intention to tighten planning performance requirements.
Note: *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.
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