6 JUNE 2013
Minutes of a meeting of the DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE held in the Council Chamber,
Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer at 9.30 am when there were present:
Councillors
Mrs S A Arnold (Chairman)
Mrs L M Brettle
Mrs A R Green
Mrs P Grove-Jones
P W High
J H Perry-Warnes
R Shepherd
Mrs V Uprichard
J A Wyatt
N Dixon – substitute for Miss B Palmer
N Smith – substitute for B Smith
R Stevens – substitute for R Reynolds
Mrs H P Eales – The Runtons Ward
Ms V R Gay - North Walsham West Ward
Mrs A M Moore - North Walsham West Ward
B J Hannah - observer
Officers
Mr S Oxenham – Head of Development Management
Mr R Howe – Planning Legal Manager
Mr G Linder – Senior Planning Officer
Miss J Medler – Senior Planning Officer
(6)
D-DAY ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE
At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor P W Moore reminded the Committee that
this day was the 69th anniversary of D-Day and paid tribute to those who had taken
part, many of whom had lost their lives in doing so. Members, Officers and the public
stood in silent tribute.
(7)
RETIREMENT OF HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT
The Chairman presented a retirement gift and cards to Mr Steve Oxenham, Head of
Development Management, who would be retiring shortly. She paid tribute to his
exemplary service and thanked him for the support and advice he had given to
Members.
Councillor P W High led a round of applause for Mr Oxenham.
Mr Oxenham responded, thanking the Committee Members for their kindness and
wishing them well for the future.
(8)
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND DETAILS OF SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M J M Baker, Miss B Palmer,
B Smith and R Reynolds. There were three substitute Members in attendance.
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6 June 2013
(9)
MINUTES
The Minutes of meetings of the Committee held on 9 May 2013 were approved as
correct records and signed by the Chairman.
(10)
ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
The Chairman stated that there were no items of urgent business which she wished
to bring before the Committee.
(11)
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillors L M Brettle, P W High, J H Perry-Warnes and R Shepherd declared
interests, the details of which are given under the minute of the items concerned.
(12)
THE GRAHAM ALLEN AWARD FOR CONSERVATION AND DESIGN
The Committee considered item 1 of the Officers’ reports regarding the
establishment of a Judging Panel for this year’s Graham Allen Award for
Conservation and Design and seeking agreement on the proposed dates for the
judging and presentation of the awards.
The Chairman considered that the judging of the entries should be open to all
Members of the Committee. The Planning Legal Manager undertook to check the
Constitution to ensure that this would be possible.
RESOLVED
1.
That the Judging Panel for the 2013 Graham Allen Award for
Conservation and Design comprises the membership of the
Development Committee, subject to confirmation that this is legally
possible, and the Cabinet Member for Planning and Mr Edward Allen.
2.
That judging of the entries takes place on 2 August 2013, with the
presentation of the Awards on 26 September 2013.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Where appropriate the Planning Officers expanded on the planning applications;
updated the meeting on outstanding consultations, letters/petitions received objecting
to, or supporting the proposals; referred to any views of local Members and
answered Members’ questions.
Background papers, including correspondence, petitions, consultation documents,
letters of objection and those in support of planning applications were available for
inspection at the meeting.
Having regard to the above information and the report of the Head of Development
Management, the Committee reached the decisions as set out below.
Applications approved include a standard time limit condition as condition number 1
unless otherwise stated.
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6 June 2013
(13)
ALDBOROUGH - PF/13/0135 - Erection of two-storey and single-storey side
extension; Greenside, The Green for Mr P Clark
The Committee considered item 2 of the Officers’ reports.
Public Speakers
Mrs R Elliott (Aldborough Parish Council)
Mr P Clark (supporting)
Councillor N Smith, the local Member, considered that it was difficult to assess the
impact of the development without seeing it.
At the request of the Chairman, the Senior Planning Officer summarised
representations which had been received on behalf of the owner of Fox Cottage.
It was proposed by Councillor N Smith, seconded by Councillor R Shepherd and
RESOLVED
That consideration of this application be deferred to allow an inspection
of the site by the Committee and that the local Member and Chairman of
the Parish Council be invited to attend.
(14)
BODHAM - PF/13/0099 - Installation of sheet piling and stop log weir; Selbrigg
Pond for Mr Feilden
Councillor Mrs L M Brettle declared a personal interest in this application as she was
a member of the River Glaven Conservation Group and had discussed the matter
with Dr Ian Shepherd, who was also a member of the Group. The Planning Legal
Manager advised that ordinary membership of the group was a non-prejudicial
interest.
Councillor J H Perry-Warnes declared a personal interest in this application as he
had met the applicant on a number of occasions.
Councillor R Shepherd declared a personal interest in this application as the agent
was a friend. He would speak but not vote on the matter.
The Committee considered item 3 of the Officers’ reports.
Public Speaker
Dr J Tosney (supporting)
The Senior Planning Officer reported that Hempstead Parish Council supported the
application. She read to the Committee the comments of the River Glaven
Conservation Group in support of the application.
The Planning Legal Manager reported that Councillor R J Wright, who had called in
the application, had spoken to him regarding this matter. His main concern related to
diversion of the River Glaven to its original route through the pond. This was not
supported by Officers or ecology bodies. Diversion of the river was not part of this
application and a decision could not be made which suggested it.
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6 June 2013
Councillor J H Perry-Warnes, the local Member, referred to the amount of support for
this application. He proposed approval of this application in accordance with the
Officer’s recommendation, which was seconded by Councillor R Shepherd.
RESOLVED unanimously
That this application be approved in accordance
recommendation of the Head of Development Management.
(15)
with
the
EDGEFIELD - PF/13/0262 - Erection of bus shelter; Edgefield Village Hall, The
Green for Edgefield Parish Council
The Committee considered item 4 of the Officers’ reports.
Public Speaker
Mrs E Cletheroe (supporting)
Councillor J H Perry-Warnes, the local Member, referred to the objection which had
been raised. However, this application was supported by the Parish Council and
local children. He proposed approval of this application, which was seconded by
Councillor Mrs V Uprichard.
Councillor P W High stated that he had attended Parish Council meetings on behalf
of the local Member and was surprised at the number of objections which had been
received.
RESOLVED unanimously
That this application be approved.
(16)
FAKENHAM - PF/13/0349 - Erection of single-storey dwelling; Plot 1, Knoll
Gardens, Sculthorpe Road for Hall and Woodcraft Construction Ltd
The Committee considered item 5 of the Officers’ reports.
Public Speaker
Mr I Ponton (objecting)
The Senior Planning Officer reported that a revised Arboricultural Implications
Assessment and methodology statement had been received. The Landscape Officer
was now satisfied with the relationship of the building with the trees and method of
construction.
The Senior Planning Officer recommended approval of this application subject to the
imposition of appropriate conditions.
In answer to a question by Councillor J A Wyatt, the Senior Planning Officer updated
the Committee on the progress of the development on the other plots. He suggested
that permitted development rights be removed in order to address the concerns
raised by the objecting spokesman regarding development creep.
Councillor J A Wyatt proposed approval of this application subject to appropriate
conditions, to include removal of permitted development rights.
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6 June 2013
In answer to a question by Councillor R Shepherd, the Senior Planning Officer
explained the arrangements for the disposal of surface water and sewage.
With regard to impact on the neighbour’s amenity, the Senior Planning Officer
explained that there would be some impact but it was a question of whether or not
the Committee considered it would be sufficiently damaging to refuse this application.
Councillor P W High referred to previous concerns raised by the Highway Authority
regarding access onto Sculthorpe Road.
The Senior Planning Officer stated that the Highway Authority had raised no
objection to this application.
At the request of the Chairman, Councillor J A Wyatt agreed to include conditions
regarding soakaways in his proposition.
It was proposed by Councillor J A Wyatt, seconded by Councillor Mrs L M Brettle and
RESOLVED by 10 votes to 1 with 1 abstention
That this application be approved subject to the imposition of
appropriate conditions, to include a condition in respect of soakaways
and removal of permitted development rights.
(17)
NORTH WALSHAM - PO/12/1436 - Erection of single-storey dwelling; 18
Aylsham Road for Mr & Mrs M L Mansfield
The Committee considered item 6 of the Officers’ reports.
Public Speakers
Mr D Robertson (North Walsham Town Council)
Mrs E Spencer (objecting)
The Senior Planning Officer reported that the section of the Appraisal headed
“Impact on neighbour amenities” erroneously referred to a garage, which had been
deleted from the application.
The Senior Planning Officer read to the Committee an email from Councillor Ms V R
Gay, a local Member, who supported this application subject to there being no
garage.
Councillor Mrs A M Moore, a local Member, stated that she had called in the
application to enable the Town Council to have its say at the meeting. She stated
that two streams of one-way traffic merged at the entrance to the site. The plot was
approximately the same size as those of nearby Simpson Close and she therefore
did not consider that there would be overcrowding.
In response to a comment from Councillor R Shepherd, the Head of Development
Management stated that the new regulations did not apply in this case as this was an
application for a new dwelling, rather than an extension. The Committee had the
power to make a decision in this case.
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6 June 2013
In answer to a question by the Chairman, the Senior Planning Officer explained that
the proposed conditions specified that the dwelling would be single storey only, with
no rooms in the roof space. An additional condition could be imposed in respect of
boundary treatment.
Councillor P W High expressed concern regarding highway safety in respect of an
additional access onto a busy road.
Councillor N D Dixon expressed concerns regarding highway safety and
overdevelopment.
Councillor Mrs V Uprichard expressed surprise that the Highway Authority had not
objected to this application and considered that further consideration should be given
to this matter. She expressed concern that cars may need to reverse onto the road.
The Chairman stated that the application included a turning area.
The Head of Development Management stated that there appeared to be sufficient
room for two cars to pass at the entrance to the site.
With regard to
overdevelopment, it would be difficult to sustain an argument on this ground as the
plot size was similar to other plots along the road. It would also be difficult to justify
refusal on highway grounds in the absence of an objection from the Highway
Authority. He suggested that a site inspection might be beneficial to allow the
Highway Engineer to explain his views.
It was proposed by Councillor N D Dixon, seconded by Councillor R Stevens and
RESOLVED
That consideration of this application be deferred to allow an inspection
of the site by the Committee and that the local Members, Town Mayor
and a representative of the Highway Authority be invited to attend.
(18)
RUNTON - PF/13/0017 - Conversion of barn to ground floor agricultural storage
and sea food outlet, first floor living accommodation and erection of detached
tractor store; Brick Kiln Farm, Cromer Road, West Runton for Mr & Mrs
Matthews
Councillor P W High declared a personal, non-prejudicial interest in this application
as he knew Mr Matthews.
The Committee considered item 7 of the Officers’ reports.
Public Speakers
Mr R Creasey (Runton Parish Council)
Mrs Matthews (supporting)
Councillor Mrs H P Eales, the local Member, supported the views of the Parish
Council. She considered that the location was unsuitable for domestic development.
She considered that the proposal was contrary to a number of policies. She
considered that the building should not be converted to residential. It was on an area
of open farmland between settlements and would substantially change the visual
aspect of the area and cause light pollution. She considered that the materials used
were not as originally proposed. She requested refusal of this application and
suggested that the applicants find a more suitable use for the building.
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6 June 2013
Councillor J H Perry-Warnes stated that there were similar establishments along the
coast and there was much to commend this proposal.
Councillor Mrs A C Sweeney stated that the National Planning Policy Framework was
supportive of economic growth in rural areas. She considered that there was nothing
wrong with converting this building to living and working space. She considered that
people should be encouraged to get business moving and this proposal would also
create employment. She proposed approval of this application, which was seconded
by Councillor Mrs A R Green.
Councillor P W High stated that the building was already there and the site could be
made tidier. He supported the proposal.
Councillor Mrs L M Brettle supported refusal of this application. She considered that
it was an entirely inappropriate development. She considered that it could not be
screened, ten car parking spaces were inappropriate in the landscape and it would
effectively join together East and West Runton.
Councillor R Shepherd stated that the building had been derelict and a blot on the
landscape. He considered that the site was relatively small and the development
would not spread as the National Trust had covenants on the adjacent land. He
considered that the building was now of good quality, the design was sympathetic
and included the brick kiln. He supported this application as it would tidy the site and
create employment.
The Head of Development Management stated that this was a difficult application.
The Government had amended the legislation to allow the re-use of agricultural
buildings for business use without requiring planning permission and therefore the
applicants could implement the commercial aspect of this application without the
need for permission. However, this application included an element of residential
use for which planning permission was required and therefore planning permission
was required for the whole scheme.
Officers were concerned regarding
domestication of the area and changing the character of the landscape. He
requested authority to agree an improved landscaping scheme in the event of
approval. He also recommended that a condition be imposed requiring the
commencement of the business use prior to occupation of the residential
accommodation.
Councillor Mrs V Uprichard supported Councillor Mrs Sweeney’s proposal as the
building was in situ and would continue to spoil the landscape unless the application
were approved and conditioned to ensure that it did not. She requested that toilet
facilities for disabled people be included and that improvements be made to the
access.
The Senior Planning Officer stated that the Highway Authority would require
improvements to the access in the event of approval of this application.
Councillor N D Dixon supported the Officer’s recommendation. He considered that
commercial use was acceptable but the domestic element was inappropriate. He
proposed deferral of this application for further negotiations with the applicant. This
was not seconded.
Councillor Mrs P Grove-Jones considered that small businesses should be
encouraged.
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6 June 2013
It was proposed by Councillor Mrs A C Sweeney, seconded by Councillor Mrs A R
Green and
RESOLVED
That the Head of Development Management be authorised to approve
this application subject to negotiations with the applicants regarding
tidying up the site, landscaping, possible alterations to/removal of the
balcony and access improvements and subject to the imposition of
appropriate conditions to include commencement of the business use
prior to the first occupation of the residential accommodation.
(19)
APPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR A SITE INSPECTION
The Committee considered item 8 of the Officers’ reports.
RESOLVED
That a site inspection be arranged in respect of the following
applications and that the local Members and Town Mayor be invited to
attend:
CROMER – PF/13/0111 - Erection of thirty-five retirement apartments
with communal facilities at Former Police Station and Magistrates Court,
Holt Road for McCarthy and Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd
CROMER – PF/13/0112 - Demolition of former police station/court house
buildings at Former Police Station and Magistrates Court, Holt Road for
McCarthy and Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd
(20)
APPLICATIONS APPROVED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS
The Committee noted item 9 of the Officers’ reports.
Councillor P W High updated the Committee with regard to the Railway Tavern, Holt.
(21)
APPLICATIONS REFUSED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS
The Committee noted item 10 of the Officers’ reports.
(22)
NEW APPEALS
The Committee noted item 11 of the Officers’ reports.
(23)
PUBLIC INQUIRIES AND INFORMAL HEARINGS - PROGRESS
The Committee noted item 12 of the Officers’ reports.
(24)
WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS APPEALS - IN HAND
The Committee noted item 13 of the Officers’ reports.
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6 June 2013
(25)
APPEAL DECISIONS
The Committee noted item 14 of the Officers’ reports.
The meeting closed at 12.10 pm.
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6 June 2013