Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Peter Burgess, Cllr Andrea Davies, Cllr Ray Radford, Cllr G Westcott and Cllr J Wright.

The Chair explained that to help with any questions that members of the public may have the Committee would go straight to Item Agenda 4 this evening.

To discuss the Conservation Area Consultation for the GWC and for the Committee to submit representations.

The Director of Place and Economy thanked all of the Grand Western Canal (GWC) Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) Members and members of the public for attending this evening.  He explained that the purpose of this evening was to explain why the GWC consultation was taking place and the steps that would follow after the consultation had been completed.   He hoped this meeting would support a discussion and assist the Committee in making a representation to the consultation.

The following was outlined:-

·         The consultation would run for a period of 8 weeks until 16^th September 2024.

·         It was a consultation – no decisions had yet been made and all responses were welcome.

·         A large number of people had attended the Open Event today and all comments captured would be reflected upon.

·         The consultation process related to the proposed changes to the canal conservation area boundary and its Management Plan.

·         It did not relate to the Tidcombe Hall Planning Application.  This was a stand-alone item.

·         The reason why the consultation was taking place now was because all conservation areas had to be periodically reviewed and Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) were under an obligation to review conservation areas.

·         The canal was identified as it was one of the most significant areas in Mid Devon and it was deemed important to prioritise this first.

·         It was the intention that this would be a positive step in terms of safeguarding and protecting the canal and its setting.

·         Conservation areas were areas with a special character or quality which should be preserved or enhanced.  The special architectural and historical nature of the area derived from the cumulative impact of groups of buildings and spaces rather than due to a singular outstanding building.

·         It did not mean that no change or development could take place but where change did occur it must be appropriate for the context and setting of the area.

·         For questions raised regarding the benefits of renewing the conservation areas – firstly it was to ensure that conservation areas were protected and it ensured that the value of conservations areas was understood and demonstrable.  Secondly it was to ensure that they were robust and at less of risk of being challenged.  The Council needed up-to-date, current, robust conservation areas to help support the Local Planning Authority (LPA) in its own decision making.

·         There were other material considerations that officers and planners would have to bear in mind that may come forward.  Formal boundaries could change but setting was still key and an important consideration.

He also reminded members to provide as much information and supporting evidence as possible to make maximum use of the consultation process in supporting comments made.

Cllr S Keable, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration informed the Committee of the following:-

This was the first review in 30-years for a document which guidance now suggested should be reconsidered every 5 years.  The Council were compelled to take account the legislative changes introduced last year through the National  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

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

The following pubic questions were received:-

Barbara Downes – question submitted in advance of the meeting so a reply could be given at the meeting.

The Appraisal should be carried out every 5 years – how has this been

Missed?

With regard to Snakes Wood it is so beautiful and heavy with trees, birds, bats, deer and wildlife.  It is such a magical place.  If this was to be removed from the conservation area it would be a disaster.  People come again and again to go on the horse drawn barge and when they reach this bit it’s very magical and we would not want this to be altered.

Answer from Forward Planning Team Leader

The Grand Western Canal conservation area was designated in 1994 and had not been reviewed since. This was 30 years ago and was a significant period of time in which there had been many changes within in close proximity and affecting its wider setting – including the development of the Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension.

Legislation[1] requires that from time to time to review the designation of conservation areas. Historic England’s advice[2] was that reviews should be undertaken every five years.

There was a need to safeguard the value of the conservation area through making sure the designation continues to be robust for planning purposes. The extent of the conservation area should include features that were of special architectural or historic

Goff Welchman – question not submitted in advance so a written reply to be sent within 10 working days and published on the website.

Last Thursday evening I went for one of my usual runs long the tow path of our canal.  The sun shone on the fields and trees, a heron flew across my path and a duck with her ducklings swam to the south bank to get out of our way.  A Kingfisher kept his beady eye on me from across the water and although I saw no water voles that evening they have recently been spotted by other runners and walkers.

Firstly I find it highly suspicious that the Council officers who of course benefit from increased populations and budgets as far as their careers are concerned are suddenly now attacking the conservation area just as the 5 year housing land supply is up for discussion.  I believe that any reduction in this conservation area will create open season for housing development not just the Tidcombe Hall application but for housing all along the south bank of the canal from Tidcombe to Crownhill.  Horrendous – that would certainly kill off the canal barge company

The Council have declared a climate emergency and should protect as much green space as possible, especially trees.

The Head of the National Canal and River Trust has confirmed the storms this winter caused millions of pounds worth of damage with towpaths washed away, land slips and burst culverts.

Therefore if this Council erodes this conservation area leading to a concreting over of the south  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

Members to consider whether to approve the minutes as a correct record of the meeting held on 4^th March 2024.

The minutes from the meeting held on 4^th March 2024, having been previously circulated, were approved as a correct record.

To agree the date of the next meeting scheduled as 1^st October 2024.

The date of the next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday 1^st October where the Committee hoped to receive an update on water transfer.