Agenda item

To consider the planning applications contained in the list.

The Committee considered the applications in the *Plans list.

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

a)    Application 22/00675/MARM - Reserved matters in respect of (access, appearance, landscaping, layout, scale and drainage) for spine road connecting Phase 1 to Phase 2, following Outline approval 14/00881/MOUT at Land at NGR 298065 112985 (South of Blundells Road), West Manley Lane, Tiverton.

The Area Planning Officer outlined the application by way of a presentation which highlighted the site location plan, Tiverton EUE illustrative framework plan, aerial view with the location of spine road extension, general arrangement plan, photographs of spine road and the proposed location for breach of the hedge.

In response to public questions the officer stated that the questions would be addressed as part of her presentation.

The officer explained that the application before Members did not pre determine any future applications and that the applicant had acknowledged that the road could be sacrificed if future applications required amendments. The footpath and cycle ways would be reviewed in the next phase of development. She explained that the extension to the spine road was to allow access to construction and welfare compounds, a contractor car park and material store, the location of which had been approved through the discharge of Condition 14 of application 14/00881/MOUT.

Consideration was given to:

·         Confirmation the spine road extension could be sacrificed if the next stage of development required it to be relocated

·         That the Tiverton Neighbourhood Plan, once adopted, would be considered by the developers in future applications

·         The views of the applicant who stated that the road extension required full planning permission so that a licence could be obtained to break through the hedge. The phase 2 residential application included all cycle links but the road extension was required to allow access to the site compound and offices.

It was therefore RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions as recommended by the Development Management Manager.

(Proposed by Cllr B A Moore and seconded by Cllr J M Downes)

Reason for the decision: As set out in the report

Notes:

      i.        Cllrs B Holdman and B G J Warren requested that their abstention from voting be recorded

    ii.        Mr Cattermole spoke as the applicant

b)   Application 21/01420/FULL - Erection of an agricultural building, polytunnels and raised beds, septic tank and provision of new vehicular access at Land at NGR 289870 116865, Stoodleigh Cross, Stoodleigh.

The Area Team Leader outlined the application by way of a presentation which highlighted the site location plan, aerial image, block plan, plans and elevations, access plan and photographs of the site.

The officer explained that there had been some unauthorised development of the site which included the creation of a new access point. This unauthorised access point, alongside the original lawful access to the sites have been conditioned to be removed following provision of the single access point proposed as part of this application, should planning permission be granted.

Consideration was given to:

• The Highways Authority had provided comments on 28/4/22
• The proposed agricultural building would be used for storing and washing crops and that Condition 9 stated it could only be used for agricultural use
• The applicant had provided further details of surface water run off and a septic tank
• Condition 6 provided for the existing accesses, including the unauthorised access to be closed and the applicant had indicated that the roadside bank would be replaced
• The scale of the application did not warrant a police consultation
• The views of the objector who stated that local residents were very unhappy with the site and that the applicant kept changing the application to get it approved
• The views of the Parish Council that 41 objections had been received and local residents were confused as to what was being applied for. Local residents had objected to the unauthorised removal of and ancient Devon bank and that there was no power or water on site
• The views of the Ward Member who stated there had been ad hoc changes to the application and he felt that the washroom building was too large for the operation proposed there. The site was a terrible mess and he urged Members to visit the site before making a decision
• Concerns of Members that the applicants had a history of non-compliance
• Concerns of Members that the development was not in compliance with Policy DM20 and would have an unacceptable adverse impact on the environment
• Members concerns that the operation was not viable and would cause harm to the environment

It was therefore RESOLVED that the decision be deferred for a full committee site visit to determine compliance to Policies S14 & DM20 specifically:

·         If the application preserved and enhanced the character, appearance and biodiversity whilst promoting sustainable diversification of the rural economy

·         If the application was sensitively located to limit any adverse effects on the living conditions of local residents, was well designed and respected the character and appearance of the area

(Proposed by L J Cruwys and seconded by Cllr B G J Warren)

Notes:

1. Cllr B A Moore did not speak as Ward Member as he was sitting on the Committee and assured the Committee he would act impartially
2. John Widdowson spoke as the objector
3. Cllr William Knowles spoke on behalf of Stoodleigh Parish Council
4. Cllr R Stanley spoke as the Ward Member

c)    Application 20/00273/MFUL - Erection of 9 dwellings, conversion of barns to 5 dwellings, with associated works including access improvements and landscaping (Revised Scheme) at Halberton Court Farm, High Street, Halberton

The Area Team Leader outlined the application by way of a presentation which highlighted the site location plan, aerial view, block plan, S38 layout, conceptual renders, sections, plot designs and photographs of the site.

The officer explained that the site was in a conservation area with a number of listed building adjacent but that the Conservation Officer had stated that there was a slight change to the visually important space but that the change was minimal.

Consideration was given to:

• The concerns of the Parish Council had been addressed
• The housing standards stated by the Public Health team would be addressed by Building Control and did not form part of the application
• Concerns by some Members that only 30 car parking spaces were not enough for the larger houses although they were in excess of the minimum standards required
• The views of the objector who stated that over 150 people were objecting. That there should be no development near the pond and there were concerns about water run off into the pond. That the development did not do enough to mitigate climate change
• The views of the agent who stated that the closet property was over 7 meters from the pond. That there had been lengthy pre application discussions and the application was sympathetic to the restoration of the agricultural barns. The application was Policy compliant and provided affordable housing
• A statement from the Parish Council who supported the application, contained reference to conditions which protected the path and the pond. That the public layby should be retained and any relocation of the bus shelter should be in consultation with the Parish Council
• The views of the Ward Member who was in support of the development and did not want to see a delay in the decision

It was therefore RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions and the signing of a S106 agreement as recommended by the Development Management Manager.

(Proposed by B A Moore and seconded by J M Downes

Reason for the decision: As set out in the report

Notes:

1. A proposal to defer the decision for a site visit was not supported
2. Cllr L J Cruwys requested that his abstention from voting be recorded
3. Terence Payne spoke as the objector
4. The Parish Council provided a statement which was read out by the Chairman
5. Cllr R Radford provided a statement as Ward member which was read out by the Chairman
6. Cllr Mrs C Collis left the meeting at 17.15pm and did not participate in the vote