3 JANUARY 2008
Minutes of a meeting of the DEVELOPMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE (WEST) held in the
Council Chamber, Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer at 9.30 am when there were present::
Councillors
H C Cordeaux (Chairman)
J A Wyatt (Vice-Chairman)
P Bevan Jones
Mrs A R Green
P W High
S C Mears
T H Moore
J H Perry-Warnes
J D Savory
Mrs A C Sweeney
M J M Baker - Holt Ward
Mrs L M Brettle - Glaven Valley Ward
B J Hannah - Sheringham North Ward
Officers
Mr S Oxenham - Head of Planning and Building Control
Mr R Howe - Planning Legal and Enforcement Manager
Mr G Linder - Senior Planning Officer (West)
Mr G Lyon - Senior Planning Officer (West)
Miss K Witton - Landscape Officer
(215) APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND DETAILS OF SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS
There were no apologies for absence or substitute Members in attendance.
(216) MINUTES
Councillor T H Moore stated that the name of a supporting spokesperson under
Minute (190) of 22 November 2007 was incorrect, and should read ‘Rev Alan Bell’.
Subject to the above, the Minutes of meetings of the Committee held on 22
November and 6 December 2007 were approved as a correct record and signed by
the Chairman.
(217) ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
The Chairman stated that there were no items of urgent business which he wished to
bring before the Committee.
(218) DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor M J M Baker declared interests, the details of which are given under the
minute of the item concerned.
Development Control Committee (West)
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3 January 2008
(219) HOLT - 200510518 – Change of use of land to car and coach park, formation of
access and erection of toilet block; land adjacent to Thornage Road for Mr G F
Chapman
Councillor M J M Baker declared a personal interest in this application as he had
business interests in the town.
The Committee considered item 1 of the officers’ reports recommending that
Members of both the East and West Development Control Committees visit the site
prior to consideration of the application at a subsequent a meeting of the Combined
Development Control Committee.
Councillor M J M Baker considered that this application should be determined at this
meeting.
It was proposed by Councillor P W High, seconded by Councillor P Bevan Jones and
RESOLVED
That a site inspection be arranged for Members of the combined
Development Control Committee and that the local Members and
Chairman of the Town Council be invited to attend.
(220) Validation procedures for the new standard national planning application
forms – adoption of a list of local requirements for North Norfolk District
Council
The Committee considered item 2 of the officers’ reports explaining the introduction
of the new standard planning application forms and seeking agreement, for
consultation purposes, on a local list of validation requirements applicable to North
Norfolk.
Members requested that the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and Norfolk Coast Partnership be
consulted on this matter.
Councillor S C Mears asked if the requirements could include the quality of plans and
information to be provided with a planning application.
The Head of Planning and Building Control stated that this point could be reinforced
at the Agents’ meeting on 22 January. Applicants could not be compelled to engage
a professional agent. Anyone could submit a planning application provided that the
necessary information was provided.
The Chairman requested that street scenes be required to be submitted.
The Head of Planning and Building Control explained that the Local Planning
Authority would be able to insist on the submission of a street scene in appropriate
cases as it was covered by the national requirements.
In response to a question by Councillor P Bevan Jones, the Head of Planning and
Building Control explained that the list did not include a requirement for a sustainable
construction checklist or energy consumption report. However, representations were
being made to the Government on this matter. It appeared that it would be possible
to request the information but a planning application could not be invalidated if it was
not supplied.
Development Control Committee (West)
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3 January 2008
It was proposed by Councillor T H Moore, duly seconded and
RESOLVED unanimously
That the requirements referred to in Appendix 1 to the report be agreed
as forming this Council’s list of local requirements for consultation
purposes and that consultation is undertaken in accordance with the
arrangements referred to in the report, subject to Norfolk Wildlife Trust
and Norfolk Coast Partnership being added to the list of consultees.
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.
(221) BLAKENEY - 20071556 - Erection of first floor extension to annexe; Rodmell
Westgate Street for Prof N Affara
The Committee considered item 3 of the officers’ reports.
The Senior Planning Officer read to the Committee a letter that had been received
from the applicant.
Councillor Mrs L M Brettle, the local Member, noted the Parish Council’s objections.
She considered that any problems that could arise in respect of the access would
inconvenience the applicant rather than the village. She supported this application.
It was proposed by Councillor J D Savory, duly seconded and
RESOLVED unanimously
That this application be approved in accordance with
recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control.
the
(222) BRISTON - 20071520 - Conversion and extension of garage to provide one and
a half storey living accommodation and double garage; Acorn Lodge Macks
Loke for Dr and Mrs Brueggemann
The Head of Planning and Building Control stated that he knew the applicants but
they had not spoken to him in respect of this application.
The Committee considered item 4 of the officers’ reports.
Development Control Committee (West)
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3 January 2008
The Senior Planning Officer reported that the neighbour had withdrawn his objection.
Councillor J A Wyatt, the local Member, considered that the proposed extension
would be too close to the neighbouring dwelling.
The Senior Planning Officer stated that the applicants had been requested to
consider amending the roof of the proposed extension to reduce the impact on the
neighbour. The applicants had expressed a preference for the submitted design but
had indicated that they would be willing to consider amending the roof design if the
Committee requested them to do so.
It was proposed by Councillor J A Wyatt, seconded by Councillor P Bevan Jones and
RESOLVED unanimously
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.
(223) FAKENHAM - 20071589 - Erection of two semi-detached single-storey
dwellings; land at 9 The Drift for London and Norfolk Developments Ltd
The Committee considered item 5 of the officers’ reports.
The Senior Planning Officer read to the Committee the comments of Councillor Mrs
G M Lisher, a local Member, who was concerned regarding further damage to the
surface of the unmade part of The Drift and had requested a site inspection.
Councillor S C Mears stated that the site was well bordered by trees. He considered
that the additional dwellings would have little impact on The Drift bearing in mind the
recent development on the opposite side of The Drift and the surfacing of part of the
road.
Councillor J A Wyatt asked if it would be possible to seek a contribution towards
surfacing of the remaining section of The Drift.
The Head of Planning and Building Control advised the Committee that a contribution
could not be sought under this application as it was a reserved matters application
only.
In answer to a question the Senior Planning Officer explained that when permission
was given for the development on the opposite side of The Drift it was agreed that
the developer would surface a section of The Drift and provide a contribution towards
the surfacing of the remaining section.
It was proposed by Councillor S C Mears, seconded by Councillor J A Wyatt and
RESOLVED unanimously
That this application be approved in accordance with
recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control.
Development Control Committee (West)
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the
3 January 2008
(224) FAKENHAM - 20071590 - Demolition of dwelling and erection of two semidetached dwellings; land at 9 The Drift for London and Norfolk Developments
Ltd
The Committee considered item 6 of the officers’ reports.
The Senior Planning Officer reported that the comments of Councillor Mrs G M
Lisher, the local Member, on application 20071589 above also applied to this
application.
Councillor S C Mears stated that he was surprised that the remaining section of The
Drift had not been surfaced. He supported this application.
Councillor J H Perry-Warnes asked if it would be possible to secure a contribution
towards surfacing the remaining section. The Head of Planning and Building Control
requested delegated authority to approve this application subject to exploring a
possible mechanism to secure a contribution towards surfacing of the remaining
section of The Drift.
It was proposed by Councillor S C Mears, duly seconded and
RESOLVED unanimously
That the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to
approve this application subject to investigating an appropriate
mechanism to secure a contribution towards surfacing of the remaining
section of The Drift, and subject to the imposition of appropriate
conditions.
(225) HIGH KELLING - 20070888 - Erection of two-storey dwelling; land at Far End
Vale Road for Mr and Mrs G Rudd
Councillor H C Cordeaux vacated the Chair during consideration of this application to
allow him to speak from the floor as local Member.
Councillor J A Wyatt (Vice-Chairman) in the Chair.
The Committee considered item 7 of the officers’ reports.
Public Speaker
Mr Bedford (High Kelling Parish Council)
The Senior Planning Officer reported that an amended plan had been received in
respect of the access, turning area and tree protection measures. The Building
Control Manager was satisfied that, given the proximity of Warren Close, it would be
possible for a fire appliance to attend the property in the event of a fire. The
Landscape Officer had no objection to this application, subject to the imposition of
conditions.
In response to policy issues that had been raised by the Parish Council, the Senior
Planning Officer explained that Policy 20 of the Local Plan, in respect of the Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty, had not been saved and that the guidance in PPS7 was
now relevant. It was considered that this application would not have an impact on
the AONB. Policy 4 in respect of Selected Small Villages remained in force. The site
was within a residential area and officers considered that the proposal was
acceptable.
Development Control Committee (West)
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3 January 2008
The Senior Planning Officer requested delegated authority to approve this application
subject to no new planning objections from High Kelling Parish Council and subject to
the imposition of appropriate conditions.
Councillor H C Cordeaux, the local Member, referred to the trees on the site. He
considered that the driveway should be extended closer to the dwelling as there was
no parking for visitors and he considered that people would drive over the grass to
park closer to the dwelling. He asked if it would be possible to create a bank to
prevent access onto Vale Road.
The Senior Planning Officer explained that it a bank were created it would force the
occupiers of the existing dwelling to use Vale Road, whereas they currently had a
choice.
In response to a further request to stop all access onto Vale Road, the Head of
Planning and Building Control explained that it would require the consent of the
landowner who had already stated that he was unwilling to give up his rights.
The Landscape Officer stated that the value of the trees to be lost had been
considered in relation to other trees on the site.
Councillor J D Savory asked if it would be possible to require replacement planting in
respect of the trees to be lost.
The Landscape Officer stated that she had suggested a landscaping condition.
There was scope for additional planting of evergreen species which would improve
the area.
Councillor P Bevan Jones considered that careful thought should be given to the
extension of the driveway to avoid the loss of any further trees and that it should be
included in the planning permission.
The Senior Planning Officer stated that clarification of the driveway details could be
sought together with the proposed landscaping.
It was proposed by Councillor J H Perry-Warnes, seconded by Councillor P W High
and
RESOLVED by 8 votes to 0 with 1 abstention
That the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to
approve this application subject to no objections from High Kelling
Parish Council, further discussion with the applicant concerning the
extension of the driveway and creation of a parking area, subject to
further consultation with the Landscape Officer, and subject to the
imposition of appropriate conditions to include removal of permitted
development rights for hardstandings in the garden area.
Development Control Committee (West)
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3 January 2008
(226) HIGH KELLING - 20070889 - Erection of single-storey dwelling; land at Far End
Vale Road for Mr and Mrs G Rudd
Councillor H C Cordeaux vacated the Chair during consideration of this application to
allow him to speak from the floor as local Member.
Councillor J A Wyatt (Vice-Chairman) in the Chair.
The Committee considered item 8 of the officers’ reports.
Public Speaker
Mr Bedford (High Kelling Parish Council)
The Senior Planning Officer reported that the issues in respect of the access were
still to be considered by the applicant. The comments of the Parish Council on the
amended plan were awaited. He requested delegated authority to approve this
application subject to no new planning grounds of objection from the Parish Council,
resolution of the access issues, reconsultation with the Highway Authority and
subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions.
In response to comments made by Mr Bedford, the Head of Planning and Building
Control explained that whilst it was not the usual practice to do so, it would be
possible in this case to impose conditions in respect of access for construction
vehicles to prevent them from using Vale Road.
Councillor H C Cordeaux, the local Member, considered that this was a particularly
beautiful area and the development would be intrusive even though there would be
no building on the open land area. However, he referred to recent applications which
had been approved elsewhere and considered that it would be difficult to refuse this
application. He stated that the surfacing material for the driveway was important and
requested that it be curved rather than following a straight line. He requested that
the access be angled to encourage traffic leaving the site to turn left.
The Landscape Officer considered that it would be possible to realign the driveway
and access without the loss of further trees.
The Head of Planning and Building Control stated that the Parish Council would be
reconsulted on the further amendments.
The Planning Legal and Enforcement Manager stated that, in his opinion, there were
no Human Rights issues that would prevent delegated approval of this application.
It was proposed by Councillor J H Perry-Warnes, seconded by Councillor P W High
and
RESOLVED by 6 votes to 0 with 3 abstentions
That the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to
approve this application subject to no new grounds of objection from
the Parish Council, resolution of the access issues, reconsultation with
the Highway Authority and the Parish Council and subject to the
imposition of appropriate conditions to include routing of construction
traffic.
Development Control Committee (West)
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3 January 2008
(227) HOLT - 20071748 - Erection of extension; Public Conveniences Albert Street for
North Norfolk District Council
Councillor M J M Baker, speaking as a local Member, declared an interest in this
application as he owned property adjacent to this site.
The Committee considered item 9 of the officers’ reports.
The Senior Planning Officer reported that the Town Council had no objection to this
application.
The Chairman requested that temporary toilets be provided whilst the public
conveniences were out of use.
The Senior Planning Officer stated that it would not be possible to impose a condition
to require the provision of temporary facilities but an advisory letter could be sent to
request that such facilities were provided.
Councillor M J M Baker supported the request for temporary facilities and stated that
there was under-provision of toilet facilities in Holt compared to other towns in the
District.
It was proposed by Councillor P W High, duly seconded and
RESOLVED unanimously
That this application be approved in accordance with the
recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control and that
an advisory letter be sent to the applicant requesting that temporary
toilet facilities be provided whilst the public conveniences are out of
use.
(228) SHERINGHAM - 20071180 - Erection of twenty-two flats; Central Garage 49
High Street for Mr N J Wright
The Committee considered item 10 of the officers’ reports.
The Senior Planning Officer reported that the applicant had been asked to consider
incorporating retail units into the scheme but he had requested that this application
be considered as submitted. He stated that this was a difficult application as current
Local Plan policy was permissive towards residential use on this site.
The Senior Planning Officer requested delegated authority to approve this application
subject to resolution of the contamination issue and subject to the imposition of
appropriate conditions, and suggested that a note be added to request the applicant
to reconsider possible incorporation of retail use.
Councillor B J Hannah, a local Member, stated that he initially welcomed the
development of the site but was disappointed that retail use had not been
considered. He considered there was a great deal of potential that had not been
explored, and which would benefit Sheringham Town Centre as well as the applicant.
Councillor P Bevan Jones, also a local Member, supported Councillor Hannah’s
comments. She requested deferral of this application to explore other possibilities
and to address the contamination issues.
Development Control Committee (West)
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3 January 2008
The Head of Planning and Building Control reported that Councillor Mrs H T Nelson,
Member for Sheringham South, had commented that if the land were developed for
housing the opportunity for commercial or mixed development would be lost.
Councillor S C Mears was concerned that egress from the site by the Town Clock
would be difficult. He considered that retail use would generate fewer traffic
movements. He stated that a doorway opened onto one of the access roads and
could be dangerous.
Councillor Mrs A C Sweeney referred to the lack of affordable housing in the scheme.
She had reservations with regard to possible retail as she considered that people
would not realise the shops were there.
The Head of Planning and Building Control explained that affordable housing would
not be required in a development of this scale under the current Local Plan. It would
however be a requirement under the emerging Core Strategy but this could not be
given full weight at present.
It was proposed by Councillor P Bevan Jones, seconded by Councillor J A Wyatt and
RESOLVED by 8 votes to 0 with 1 abstention
That consideration of this application be deferred to request formally
the applicant to consider the inclusion of retail units within the scheme.
(229) APPLICATIONS APPROVED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS
The Committee noted item 11 of the officers’ reports.
(230) APPLICATIONS REFUSED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS
The Committee noted item 12 of the officers’ reports.
(231) NEW APPEALS
The Committee noted item 13 of the officers’ reports.
(232) PUBLIC INQUIRIES AND INFORMAL HEARINGS - PROGRESS
The Committee noted item 14 of the officers’ reports.
(233) WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS APPEALS - PROGRESS
The Committee noted item 15 of the officers’ reports.
(234) APPEAL DECISIONS
The Committee noted item 16 of the officers’ reports.
Development Control Committee (West)
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3 January 2008
(235) QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE REPORT
Members noted the quarterly performance report which had been published in the
Members’ Bulletin (issue 431).
The Head of Planning and Building Control stated that in future the Council would not
be rewarded for good performance, but would be penalised for poor performance.
He urged the Committee to ensure that if applications were deferred there was a
good reason for doing so and to maintain the pressure to perform as well as possible.
Performance on appeals had dropped slightly but this was accounted for by only two
additional decisions which had gone against the Authority.
The meeting closed at 11.40 am.
Development Control Committee (West)
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3 January 2008