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 proposing a suspended floor so as to provide protection for the root protection area of the walnut tree within the rear garden of the property have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Once approved the development shall be undertaken in accordance with the approved details.
ii) Prior notice of not less than 3 working days shall be given in writing to the Local Planning Authority of the date and time of any excavation works to construct the extension so that the Tree Officer may be present during those works. No such excavation works shall take place without prior notice in accordance with the requirements of this condition.
(Proposed by Cllr P J Heal and seconded by Cllr J M Downes)
Notes:
(i) Mr Fanning (Agent) spoke;
(ii) Mr Dennis spoke on behalf of the objectors;
(iii) Cllr Warren spoke on behalf of Willand Parish Council;
(iv) Cllr Mrs G Doe spoke as Ward Member;
(v) Statements by Cllrs R J Chesterton and R Evans (Ward Members) were considered;
(vi) A proposal to refuse the application was not supported.
(c) No 2 on the Plans List (15/01086/FULL – erection of petrol filling station including sales (200sqm shop), dispensing forecourt and canopy, underground tanks and associated pipework, air/water machine, parking, floodlights, service yard area and new surface finished, removal of existing pumps and relocation of car sales - Willand Service Centre, Willand).
The Area Planning Officer outlined the contents of the report by way of presentation identifying the location plan, the existing site layout and the proposed expansion of the petrol station, the existing and proposed accesses and photographs from various aspects of the site. She addressed the issues that had arisen in public question time stating that the movement of heavy good vehicles had been discussed with the applicant and the Highway Authority (consultation response 30 September 2015) and were addressed through conditions. With regard to issues of noise and opening hours, the Environmental Health Service had not considered that the relocation of the filling station would have any additional impact on local residents. She also addressed issues of building outside the settlement limit explaining the change in Government policy following the introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework which was in favour of sustainable development and encouraged the expansion of existing businesses in rural areas.
Discussion took place with regard to:
· The fact that there had not been opening restrictions on the previous site
· The possible impact on the neighbouring properties
· The National Planning Policy Framework and building in the open countryside
RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions as recommended by the Head of Planning and Regeneration with the removal of Condition 3 (as this duplicated another condition) and the deletion of reference to Policy COR 17 in the reasons for approval.
(Proposed by Cllr P J Heal and seconded by Cllr F W Letch)
Notes:
(i) Cllr R J Dolley declared a personal interest as he had worked with other businesses on the site;
(ii) Mr Sheppard spoke on behalf on the applicant;
(iii) Mr Hoare spoke as an objector;
(iv) Cllr Warren spoke on behalf of Willand Parish Council;
(v) Cllr Mrs G Doe spoke as Ward Member;
(vi) A proposal to defer the application to consider highway issues was not supported;
(vii) Cllr R J Dolley requested that his abstention from voting be recorded.
(d) No 3 on the Plans List (15/01234/FULL – erection of a dwelling, Exe Valley Practice, 3 Coach Road, Silverton)
The Principal Planning Officer outlined the contents of the report by way of presentation highlighting the site location plan, the neighbouring properties, the proposed floor plan, elevational drawings, proposed materials, 3 D visualisations of the front and rear view of the development and photographs from various aspects of the site. He stated that concerns regarding parking issues had been addressed and the Highway Authority had been consulted.
In answer to the questions posed in public question time, the Head of Planning and Regeneration stated that the original condition would be overridden by the granting of the consent; the parking issues had been explained and that whilst the surgery was proposed for closure the application for the dwelling had been considered in co-existence with it.
The Chairman indicated that he had received a message from the Ward Member (who had an interest in the application) stating that the adjacent Ward Member who had called in the application was unable to attend and therefore requested that the item be deferred or that a site visit take place. He stated that this was a decision for the committee.
Consideration was given to the objector’s concern regarding the impact of the development on neighbouring properties.
RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions as recommended by the Head of Planning and Regeneration.
(Proposed by Cllr P J Heal and seconded by Cllr R J Dolley)
Notes:
(i) Mrs Rice spoke in objection to the application;
(ii) The following late information was reported: 16th October 2015 - The Parish Council recommends refusal of the above application as it feels the proposed works are an overdevelopment of the site.
Supporting documents: