Agenda and minutes

To be informed of the appointment of any substitute members for the meeting.

There were no substitutions.

You are invited to declare any registerable and/or non-registerable interests in matters appearing on the agenda, and the nature of that interest.

You are also requested to complete the Declarations of Interests card available at the meeting and return it to the Democratic Services Officer before leaving the meeting.

You are also invited to disclose any dispensation from the requirement to declare any registerable and/or non-registerable interests that have been granted to you in respect of any matters appearing on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest or dispensations reported.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 4 June 2024

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 4 June 2024 be confirmed and signed by the Chair.

To receive the attached guidance to members in determining planning applications and to give consideration to the planning applications listed in the following agenda items.

The Committee received guidance in relation to the principles of decision making when determining planning applications and then gave consideration to the planning applications listed in the following minutes.

To determine a full planning application from Abby Court Developments Ltd for the demolition of existing buildings and construction of a 3 storey building containing 12no. apartments and associated parking and landscaping (revised plans received 18.06.2024).

The Committee considered a report, together with two addenda circulated prior to the meeting, from planning officers, in relation to a full planning application for the demolition of existing buildings and construction of a 3 storey building containing 12no. apartments and associated parking and landscaping.

It was also advised that two further representations had been received, from existing objectors reiterating their concerns and that s106 payments should not override planning considerations.

A planning officer presented details of the application with the aid of maps, plans and photographs.

In accordance with the Committee’s speaking rights scheme, Councillor John O’Shea spoke at the meeting in objection to the application.  His representations are summarised as:

·       Car parking issues already exist in this area and the development will add to parking pressures.  There is also no visitor parking provision

·       The proposal of 12 units is an overdevelopment of the site

·       Neighbouring residents have a right to light and privacy and the proposed development will have a detrimental impact on neighbouring properties due to overlooking and loss of light

·       The appearance of the proposed development is out of keeping with the area and will have a negative impact on the character and appearance of the local area

There were no questions put to Councillor O’Shea.

Mr Bolam, on behalf of himself and other local residents, spoke in objection to the application.   Mr Bolam’s representations are summarised as:

·       Whilst it is recognised that there are targets for the provision of housing, the impact of the development on residents should be recognised as this is an overdevelopment of a site in a densely populated residential area.

·       Residents have the right to privacy and there will be overlooking from the numerous windows proposed in the development.  This had not been the case from the existing commercial building

·       Residents disagree with the officer assessment of the development as it will impact on upon residential amenity in terms of privacy.

·       The development is not set back from the pavement and there is minimal landscaping which is out of character for properties in this area

·       The revised design is out of keeping with the area

·       The height of the proposed development will block light to surrounding properties

·       The proposed parking does not comply with parking standards and there is no provision for disabled parking

·       The concerns of residents and their quality of life should be considered and the scheme should be rejected

There were no questions put to Mr Bolam.

Mr Puttick of RPN Planning Ltd, on behalf of the applicant, was permitted to address the Committee in support of the application.  Mr Puttick’s representations are summarised as:

·       A greater supply of new homes is needed across the borough

·       The development will regenerate a vacant brownfield site which is close to local amenities

·       The proposed development is sustainable, which local and national policies would support

·       The applicant has taken the concerns of residents seriously

·       The development has been reduced from 16 to 12 units and concerns regarding privacy and overbearing have  ...  view the full minutes text for item PC14/24

To determine a full major planning application from Farmfoods Ltd for the erection of new food store and associated external works (additional information received 31.5.2024)

The Committee considered a report from planning officers in relation to a full planning application for the erection of a new food store and associated works.

A planning officer presented details of the application with the aid of various maps, plans and photographs.

Members of the public had registered their intention to speak at the Committee in objection to the application but did not attend the meeting.  The applicant did not attend the meeting.

Members of the Committee asked questions of officers and made comments.  In doing so the Committee gave consideration to:

·       Impact on residential amenity

·       the principle of the development

·       impact on existing town centres

·       loss of open space

·       highway safety

Based upon the considerations of the committee the Chair proposed acceptance of the officers recommendation.  On being put to the vote, 5 members voted for the recommendation with 0 votes against.

RESOLVED –

a)   That the Committee be minded to grant the application; and

b)   The Director of Regeneration and Economic Development be authorised to issue a notice of grant of planning permission subject to:

i)                the conditions set out in the planning officers report and addendum;

ii)              the addition, omission or amendment of any other conditions considered necessary by the Director of Regeneration and Economic Development; and, 

iii)       completion of a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to secure a financial contribution for the following:

-Ecology and BNG contribution of £21, 360.00 towards off-site habitat creation.

-Employment and training contribution is required to deliver employability interventions to upskill local residents to take advantage of apprenticeships/job opportunities. This contribution will be 0.5% of the capital cost.

 And

a)   The Committee authorises the Director of Law and Governance and the Director of Regeneration and Economic Development to undertake all necessary procedures (Section 278 Agreement) to secure:

-       Zebra crossing on West Farm Avenue

(Reasons for the decision:  the Committee concluded that, having regard to the relevant policies contained with the Council’s Local Plan and National Planning Policy Framework, the proposed development was acceptable in terms of the principle of development and its impact on amenity, impact on town centres, loss of open space and local highway network).