Agenda item

To consider the planning applications contained in the list.

 

Update:  WITHDRAWN FROM THE AGENDA:-

Plans List 1

Planning Application No. 24/00285/FULL

Erection of 7 workshops (Use Class B2) and cafe to serve development (Use Class E) following demolition of general industrial buildings at Stag and Squire, Shadow Pond, Stoodleigh.

The Committee considered the applications in the *Plans List.

 

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

 

a)    24/00695/TPO - Application to monolith 1 Beech tree by 4-6m in height from ground level protected by Tree Preservation Order 80/00003/TPO at Land at NGR 294630 113109, Longdrag Hill, Tiverton.

 

It was noted by the Officer in her update to Members that the description should read “to 4-6m” rather than “by 4-6m”. 

 

The Planning Officer outlined the contents of the report by way of a presentation and highlighted the following:-

 

·         The Application was to monolith 1 Beech tree to 4-6 metres in height from ground level which was protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

·         The tree was sited close to adjoining residential properties and had been identified as having a large area of decay on the northern aspect and multiple weak primary limb attachments. 

·         The structural condition was classified as poor which posed a risk to neighbouring residents and properties.

·         The main issues raised were loss of a tree subject to a TPO; visual amenity impact; environmental impacts; and Tiverton Town Council considered the proposed works to the protected tree to be too excessive.

·         Justification for the works included the extent of the decay and the poor structural condition; public safety concerns; monolithing process was the best industry practice; and it retained a valuable habitat resource.

 

Discussion took place regarding:-

 

·         Whether when a mature tree was removed if a mature tree could be planted in its place.  It was explained that a replacement tree would have to be planted within 10 metres of the original tree and this may cause problems for residents.   The replacement tree would be a copper beech tree.

·         The value of keeping the monolith due to the conservational value and supported a wide range of species.

·         Would the monolith be monitored to check the condition and safety? It was explained that inspections would take place.

 

It was therefore AGREED to grant consent.

 

(Proposed by Cllr S Clist and seconded by G Duchesne)

 

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

 

b)    24/00507/FULL - Demolition of existing garages and erection of 3 affordable dwellings and associated parking, landscaping and other minor associated works at Garages and Forecourt, Churchill Drive, Crediton.

 

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

 

·         The Application was for the demolition of existing garages and the erection of 3 affordable dwellings and associated car parking and landscaping.

·         The site was located inside the settlement limits of Crediton and approximately 200m away from the town centre boundary to the south east.

·         The site currently comprised of 13 garages with the ground levels falling from north to south.

·         There was a prominent tree to the north of the site within close proximity to the garage block.

·         The application was within a flood zone 1 which was the lowest level of flooding outside of a landscape designation and South West Water had raised no objections.

·         The main issues raised were the principle of development/planning policy; highways and highway safety; design of development and impact on the landscape; living conditions of the nearby residential properties; green infrastructure and public open space; drainage and flood risk; climate change; and ecology and biodiversity net gain.

·         The proposal was for 3 social affordable units made up of 3 one bed units and all units would be built in compliance with the national space standards.

·         The 2 existing green spaces and all existing trees would be retained.

·         The general character would be single storey dwellings, primarily brick walls and rendered.

·         The units would be triple glazed with solar panels on the roof slope of the building.

·         Pedestrians would have level pedestrian access from the road to the units.

·         There would be a proposed Biodiversity Net Gain of 25.96%.

 

Discussion took place regarding:-

 

·         The size of the back gardens.  It was explained that the garden sizes were considered to be acceptable in these circumstances being only one bed units.

·         Whether there would be sufficient parking.  The Area Team Leader explained that there would be adequate parking and Highways had raised no objections.

 

It was therefore RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

 

 (Proposed by Cllr B Holdman and seconded by Cllr S Robinson)

 

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

 

Notes:-

     

(i)            Elizabeth Lawrence spoke on behalf of the Applicant.

(ii)          Cllr F Letch spoke as the Ward Member

 

c)    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) at Land at NGR 300681 107829 (East of Wells Park), Cullompton, Devon.

 

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

 

·         The Application was for the installation of ground mounted solar PV panels to generate 5MW, comprising photovoltaic panels and associated infrastructure and works.

·         The site comprised of 6.3ha of agricultural land on the north side of Little Toms and was situated to the north west of the Cullompton northern extension.

·         The main issues raised included the principle of development; visual impacts, including heritage impact; loss of agricultural land; access and highway safety; flood risk and drainage; residential amenity; ecology and biodiversity net gain; environmental impact assessment.

·         The site of the solar farm was within existing fields, hedges and tree boundaries with one large tree to the north to be avoided.

·         There was existing vehicular access to the site which would be retained and widened by 6.9m by removing hedgerows.

·         All other trees and hedges would remain.

·         There would be a Biodiversity Net Gain of 88.82% in habitat and 14.77% in hedgerow units.

 

Discussion took place regarding:-

 

·         Traffic road safety and the accumulative traffic movement.

·         Whether the widened entrance, once constructed would have fencing or a hedgebank reinstated.  This would be looked into.

 

It was therefore RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

 

 (Proposed by Cllr G Duchesne and seconded by Cllr S Robinson)

 

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

 

Notes:-

     

(iii)         Charlotte Peacock spoke on behalf of the Applicant.