28 AUGUST 2008
Minutes of a meeting of the DEVELOPMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE (EAST) held in the
Council Chamber, Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer at 9.30 am when there were present:
Councillors
Mrs C M Wilkins (Chairman)
Mrs S A Arnold
M J M Baker
Miss P E Ford
Mrs B McGoun
B Smith
Miss L Walker
H C Cordeaux - substitute for S J Partridge
Mrs A M Tillett - substitute for P J Willcox
Ms V R Gay - North Walsham West Ward
Mrs H T Nelson - Heritage Champion
Officers:
Mr S Oxenham - Head of Planning and Building Control
Mr J Williams - Development Control Manager (East)
Mr R Howe - Planning Legal and Enforcement Manager
Mr I Thompson - Senior Planning Officer (East)
(95)
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND DETAILS OF SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M R E Birch, S J Partridge
(Vice-Chairman) and P J Willcox. There were two substitute Members in attendance
as listed above.
(96)
APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIRMAN FOR THE MEETING
The Chairman stated that she wished to vacate the Chair during consideration of two
items on the agenda and requested nominations for a Vice-Chairman for the
meeting.
It was proposed by Councillor Miss P E Ford, duly seconded and
RESOLVED
That Councillor H C Cordeaux be appointed as Vice-Chairman for the
meeting.
(97)
MINUTES
The Minutes of a meeting of the Committee held on 31 July 2008 were approved as a
correct record and signed by the Chairman.
(98)
ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
The Chairman stated that there was one item of urgent business which she wished to
bring before the Committee, relating a planning application at Cromer, reference
20080818. The reason for urgency was to agree a site inspection prior to
consideration of the application at a future meeting.
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28 August 2008
(99)
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
No interests were declared.
(100) NORTH WALSHAM CONSERVATION AREA: CHARACTER APPRAISAL AND
MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Committee considered item 1 of the officers’ reports seeking agreement for the
draft Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Proposals for North
Walsham to be approved for public consultation purposes.
Councillor Ms V R Gay, Member for North Walsham West, expressed her gratitude to
Andy Boyce who had assisted with the work, and Franziska Callaghan, the
Conservation and Design Officer, for producing a document which included many of
the issues that had been of concern for many years. She stated that an earlier
version of the document had suggested an extension of the Conservation Area to
include the Victorian and Edwardian villas on Yarmouth Road and the Memorial Park
and requested that they be reinstated in the consultation document. She added that
the Design Guide had made particular reference to the polite architecture of Victorian
and Edwardian villas.
Councillor Miss P E Ford supported Councillor Ms Gay’s comments. She requested
that the green space within the Paston College grounds be highlighted.
Members expressed concern regarding some of the shop fronts and advertisements
in the Conservation Area.
The Head of Planning and Building Control stated that replacement shop fronts
required planning permission and, where appropriate, Listed Building consent.
The Development Control Manager added that advertisements above shops often did
not require consent.
Councillor M J M Baker requested that the Enforcement Team be requested to
investigate permissions for shop fronts in the Conservation Area.
Councillor Mrs B McGoun expressed concern at the amount of white goods being
sold by Sainsburys and the impact this would have on the town centre shops.
The Planning Legal and Enforcement Manager explained that whilst he would take
on board Members’ concerns regarding advertisements, the Enforcement Team was
currently understaffed, with one member of staff currently on long-term sick leave
and other staff taking annual leave. He stated that the Team normally responded
reactively to complaints.
Councillor Ms V R Gay considered that it was important not to lose sight of the
supermarket issue in order to protect existing shops. She considered that the
shopfront issue should be investigated if possible and suggested that it might be
possible to obtain English Heritage grant funding for improvements.
Councillor Mrs H T Nelson, Heritage Champion, stated that she knew North Walsham
very well and had seen it deteriorate over the years. She stated that improvements
had been made to the churchyard but there was nowhere for people to sit and she
considered that seating should be provided. She thanked the Conservation and
Design Officer and Mr Boyce for their work.
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28 August 2008
Councillor Mrs C M Wilkins asked if a wall at Grammar School Road was listed and if
so whether there was an opportunity to show this in the document.
The Head of Planning and Building Control stated that the document would be
subject to consultation and any comments would be considered.
RESOLVED
1.
That the Draft North Walsham Character Appraisal and Management
Proposals incorporating the proposed boundary changes and Article
4(2) directions outlined in the report be approved for public consultation
purposes, subject to the inclusion of an extension of the Conservation
Area to incorporate land at the Memorial Park and the Victorian and
Edwardian villas on Yarmouth Road.
2.
That following consultation, the amended North Walsham Conservation
and Management Proposals be brought back before Committee for final
adoption.
3.
That the Enforcement Team be requested to investigate permissions
relating to shop fronts.
4.
That investigations be carried out with regard to compliance with
planning permission for the Sainsbury store.
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 Planning and
Building Control, the Committee reached the decisions as set out below.
Applications approved include a standard time limit condition as condition number 1
unless otherwise stated.
(101) NORTH WALSHAM - 20080830 - Erection of eight two-storey dwellings; land
rear of 45 Happisburgh Road for Mr M Neale
The Committee considered item 2 of the officers’ reports.
Public Speakers
Mrs Gadsden (North Walsham Town Council)
Mr Roper (objecting)
Mr Bonham (supporting)
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28 August 2008
The Senior Planning Officer reported that the Highway Authority’s comments on the
further details submitted in respect of land ownership and visibility splays were still
awaited.
Councillor Miss P E Ford, a local Member, stated that she had been approached with
regard to this application. She stated that she preferred to see open spaces between
buildings but referred to the LDF policies which supported higher densities. She
referred to concerns raised by the Town Council regarding overdevelopment and
impact on the character of the environment. She expressed concerns regarding
refuse collection.
Councillor Miss L Walker proposed refusal of this application on grounds of
unacceptable layout and effect on privacy.
Councillor M J M Baker suggested that two-storey dwellings be allowed on part of the
site which already had permission for two-storey development and the remaining part
of the site be developed with single-storey dwellings to overcome the concerns of the
neighbours. He considered that the access road should be widened.
Councillor H C Cordeaux seconded the proposal to refuse this application, subject to
the inclusion of inadequate access as a reason for refusal. Councillor Miss Walker
accepted this amendment to her proposal.
The Senior Planning Officer stated that the proposed driveway was a 4.5 metre wide
private drive. The Highway Authority had concerns regarding the visibility splay but
had not raised an objection to the driveway itself.
As an amendment, it was proposed by Councillor Miss P E Ford, seconded by
Councillor Mrs B McGoun
That consideration of this application be deferred to allow a site
inspection by the Committee and that the local Members, Town Mayor
and representative of the Highway Authority be invited to attend.
On being put to the vote, the amendment was declared carried by 5 votes to 3 and
RESOLVED on being put as the substantive proposition.
Councillor Miss Ford requested that the site be pegged out.
(102) RUNTON - 20080826 - Erection of chalet bungalow and detached garage; The
Hawthorns The Hurn West Runton for Mr I Simmons
The Committee considered item 3 of the officers’ reports.
Public Speaker
Mr Simmons (supporting)
The Committee was informed that Councillor V R Saunders, the local Member, was
on holiday and could not attend the meeting. However, he had nothing to add to the
report.
Councillor Miss P E Ford considered that the proposal was out of proportion and
would adversely affect the street scene. She proposed refusal of this application on
grounds of adverse impact and non-compliance with the Design Guide.
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28 August 2008
Councillor Mrs A M Tillett considered that approval of an application which was
contrary to the Design Guide would set a very dangerous precedent. She seconded
the proposal.
The Senior Planning Officer stated that outline planning permission had been given
for a bungalow on the site and it was inevitable that any building would occupy a
similar area to the proposed building. He explained that a slight reduction in the
Design Guide criteria had been accepted by officers given the design of the roof and
the blank wall facing the neighbour. Any development would be likely to have an
impact on the neighbouring garden.
The Development Control Manager added that in terms of distances between
windows and blank walls the Design Guide did not make a distinction between one or
two storey development.
Councillor Mrs A M Tillett suggested reorientating the building on the site.
RESOLVED by 7 votes to 0 with 1 abstention
That this application be refused on grounds that the proposal is
contrary to the Design Guide and would have an adverse impact on the
neighbour.
(103) SKEYTON - 20081047 - Erection of 4 semi-detached two-storey dwellings and 2
single-storey semi-detached dwellings; land adjacent Highview Felmingham
Road for Broadland Housing Association
The Chairman vacated the Chair during consideration of this item to speak from the
floor as local Member. Councillor H C Cordeaux (Vice-Chairman) in the Chair.
The Committee considered item 4 of the officers’ reports.
Public Speaker
Mr Walker (supporting)
The Senior Planning Officer reported that the Highway Authority had raised concerns
regarding the narrowness of the surrounding highway network and inadequate
visibility at the nearby junction. The Highway Authority was also concerned that the
location was unsustainable and residents would have to rely on private cars.
The Senior Planning Officer drew attention to the comments of the Parish Council
and Strategic Housing in support of this application on the basis of meeting a housing
need. He stated that the Committee had to balance need against conflict with the
policies in the emerging Core Strategy. However, he recommended refusal of this
application on policy grounds.
The Development Control Manager read to the Committee the comments of
Councillor E C Stockton, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing, who had expressed
concern regarding the need for housing in the Parish. He had requested that
Members consider the issues very carefully and that a site inspection be undertaken.
Councillor Mrs C M Wilkins, the local Member, stated that there were a number of
issues which needed to be addressed. Skeyton was a small, remote parish with a
village hall as its only facility. Concerns had been raised locally over the issue of
affordable housing. She requested that the bungalows be located next to existing
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28 August 2008
houses and that chimneys be incorporated into the designs. She requested a 30
mph speed limit. She proposed a site inspection and requested that a senior officer
of the Highway Authority be requested to attend. This was seconded by Councillor
Mrs A M Tillett.
Councillor Miss P E Ford considered that this application should be approved subject
to an improved design incorporating functional chimneys, landscaping and the
completion of a Section 106 agreement. She stated that the village hall was thriving,
the village was a short distance from North Walsham and on a bus route.
Councillor Mrs S A Arnold supported the officer’s recommendation.
Councillor M J M Baker expressed concern that given the location of the dwellings it
was possible that residents would be unable to afford to travel to services or work.
RESOLVED by 7 votes to 1
That consideration of this application be deferred to allow a site
inspection by the Committee and that the local Member, Chairman of the
Parish Council and a representative of the Highway Authority be invited
to attend.
(104) WORSTEAD - 20080902 - Change of use from agricultural storage to B8
(storage of haulage vehicles and trailers); Brockley Farm Station Road for Mr
W Davison
The Chairman vacated the Chair during consideration of this item to speak from the
floor as local Member. Councillor H C Cordeaux (Vice-Chairman) in the Chair.
The Committee considered item 5 of the officers’ reports.
Public Speaker
Mr Blyth (supporting)
The Senior Planning Officer reported that the Highway Authority had no objection
subject to conditions to limit the use of the site and the number of trailers to be
stored, to be personal to the applicant.
The Senior Planning Officer recommended approval subject to conditions required by
Environmental Health, landscaping and to link the site to the existing haulage
business.
Councillor Mrs C M Wilkins, the local Member, referred to ongoing issues regarding
the existing haulage yard. She considered that this proposal would have a
detrimental impact on nearby residents. She considered that the application should
be refused or that the Committee should visit the site.
The Planning Legal and Enforcement Manager referred to the site of the existing
haulage business and stated that it had not been last used as agricultural land as
suggested. The land was former railway land and had been used partly as a coal
yard and partly as a railway goods yard. Permission had been granted over 20 years
ago to use the site for storage and maintenance of agricultural vehicles. He
requested that the Committee bear these facts in mind when determining this
application. There was a misapprehension as to the amount of control the Council
had over the site. Noise could be controlled by planning condition but many of the
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28 August 2008
other issues were part of the operator’s site licence which was not controlled by this
Authority. There were enforcement issues but it was not considered appropriate to
serve a Section 215 notice to require the site to be tidied.
Councillor Mrs A M Tillett stated that there was apparently a historical use by Ross
Foods for the storage of vehicles. She considered that the Council should support
businesses with the potential to generate employment and proposed approval of this
application as recommended by the officers. This was not seconded.
It was proposed by Councillor Mrs C M Wilkins, duly seconded and
RESOLVED by 7 votes to 1
That consideration of this application be deferred to allow a site
inspection by the Committee and that the local Member and Chairman of
the Parish Council be invited to attend.
(105) APPLICATIONS APPROVED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS
The Committee noted item 6 of the officers’ reports.
(106) APPLICATIONS REFUSED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS
The Committee noted item 7 of the officers’ reports.
(107) NEW APPEALS
The Committee noted item 8 of the officers’ reports.
(108) PUBLIC INQUIRIES AND INFORMAL HEARINGS - PROGRESS
The Committee noted item 9 of the officers’ reports.
(109) WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS APPEALS - PROGRESS
The Committee noted item 10 of the officers’ reports.
(110) APPEAL DECISIONS
The Committee noted item 11 of the officers’ reports.
(111) CROMER - 20080818 - Construction of short stay facilities for gypsies and
travellers; adjacent Council Offices, Holt Road for North Norfolk District
Council
The Chairman stated that she had determined that this item be considered as a
matter of urgency pursuant to the powers vested in her by Section 100B(4)(b) of the
Local Government Act 1972.
The Development Control Manager recommended that the Committee visit the site
prior to consideration of a report at a future meeting.
It was proposed by Councillor Mrs B McGoun, seconded by Councillor Miss P E Ford
and
Development Control Committee (East)
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28 August 2008
RESOLVED
That consideration of this application be deferred to allow a site
inspection by the Committee and that the local Members and Town
Mayor be invited to attend.
The meeting closed at 12 noon.
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