19 JUNE 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)
Mrs P Bevan Jones
B Cabbell Manners
Mrs A R Green
P W High
S C Mears
T H Moore
J H Perry-Warnes
J D Savory
Mrs A C Sweeney
Mrs J Trett - substitute for J A Wyatt
M J M Baker - Holt Ward
Mrs L M Brettle - Glaven Valley Ward
R Combe - Astley Ward
Ms V R Gay - observer
Officers
Mr S Oxenham - Head of Planning and Building Control
Mr J Chinnery - Locum Solicitor
Mr P Godwin - Conservation, Design and Landscape Manager
Mr G Linder - Senior Planning Officer (West)
Mr G Lyon - Senior Planning Officer (West)
Mrs C Batchelar - Conservation and Design Officer
(58)
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND DETAILS OF SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS
An apology for absence was received from Councillor J A Wyatt. One substitute
Member attended the meeting as shown above.
(59)
APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIRMAN FOR THE MEETING
The Chairman stated that he wished to vacate the Chair during consideration of an
item on the agenda and proposed that Councillor T H Moore be appointed as ViceChairman for the meeting, which was seconded.
RESOLVED
That Councillor T H Moore be appointed as Vice-Chairman for the
meeting.
(60)
MINUTES
The Minutes of a meeting of the Committee held on 22 May 2008 were approved as
a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
(61)
ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
The Chairman stated that there were no items of urgent business which he wished to
bring before the Committee.
Development Control Committee (West)
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19 June 2008
(62)
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillors H C Cordeaux and Mrs J Trett declared interests, the details of which are
given under the minute of the item concerned.
(63)
MELTON CONSTABLE CONSERVATION AREA: ADOPTION OF CHARACTER
APPRAISAL AND MANAGEMENT PLANS
Agreement is sought for the adoption of the Melton Constable Conservation Area
Character Appraisal and Management Proposals (June 2008) for statutory planning
purposes and as a material consideration in the planning process.
The Conservation, Design and Landscape Manager explained that the production of
Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plans was a corporate aim
for the Council. Their purpose was to define the character of the Conservation
Areas, provide a basis for planning decisions and to take a proactive approach to the
enhancement of the Conservation Area.
The Conservation and Design Officer explained the key issues arising from the
Appraisal and the Management Proposals which resulted from it.
Councillor R Combe, the local Member, stated that the public meeting had had a
galvanising effect on the village and had helped the residents appreciate their assets,
decide what they wanted to protect and what to do about it. He thanked the
Conservation and Design Officer for her report and commended the report to the
Committee.
In response to a question the Conservation, Design and Landscape Manager stated
that there would need to be dialogue between the Council and local residents and the
Parish Council with regard to improvement proposals. Budget bids would be made at
the appropriate time to assist with enhancement schemes. Guidelines would need to
be drawn up as to acceptable works to private property, for example, front enclosures
and doors.
Councillor H C Cordeaux was concerned at the amount of on-street parking within
the Conservation Area. The Conservation, Design and Landscape Manager stated
that the Council would be looking to work with the Highway Authority to improve
traffic flow in the village in a way that did not detract from the Conservation Area.
Councillor J H Perry-Warnes referred to a proposed development close to the
Conservation Area and asked if the Character Appraisal and Management Plan could
be used to influence the design of the scheme. The Head of Planning and Building
Control stated that once the Plan was adopted it could be used to influence how
schemes came forward.
The Committee thanked the Conservation and Design Officer for her excellent work.
RESOLVED unanimously
1.
That ‘Melton Constable Conservation Area: Character Appraisal &
Management Proposals’ (June 2008) be formally adopted by the Council
for statutory planning purposes and as such be a ‘material
consideration’ in the planning process.
Development Control Committee (West)
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19 June 2008
2.
That the proposed boundary changes as recommended in the draft
Appraisal document be adopted and publicised in accordance with the
Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
3.
That further reports be brought before the Committee relating to
specific proposals contained in the above document, eg introduction of
Article 4(2) directions.
4.
That Officers prepare improvement programmes in respect of the above
as appropriate and seek budgetary provision for their implementation.
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.
(64)
CLEY-NEXT-THE-SEA - 20080256 - Demolition of summerhouse and erection of
replacement detached single-storey residential annexe (retrospective); Umgeni
Coast Road for Lady B Rathcavan
Councillor H C Cordeaux vacated the Chair to allow him to speak from the floor as
local Member.
Councillor T H Moore (Vice-Chairman) in the Chair.
The Committee considered item 2 of the officer’s report.
Public Speakers
Mr Parker (objecting)
Mrs Spickernell (supporting)
Councillor Cordeaux informed the Committee that he had inadvertently stated at the
meeting in March 2008 that he had not visited the site except when accompanied by
officers. In February 2001 he had been informed that works were being carried out
to trees in the applicant’s garden. He had tried to contact the Council’s Countryside
Officer but had been unable to do so as it was a Saturday, so he had visited the site
without the invitation of the applicant. He had forgotten this incident with the passage
of time and because it had been unconnected with the summerhouse.
Councillor J H Perry-Warnes stated some time ago he had visited the applicant’s
garden at her invitation.
Development Control Committee (West)
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19 June 2008
The Senior Planning Officer summarised the points raised in ten letters of support
that had been received in respect of this application.
Councillor H C Cordeaux outlined the planning history relating to the summerhouse.
He considered that if this application were to be treated as new build the effect on the
bungalow to the south should be taken into account. He stated that if the new
building would have a seriously detrimental effect on the bungalow this application
should be refused.
Councillor Mrs P Bevan Jones stated that there were issues she wished to raise
under private business.
RESOLVED
That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press
and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of
business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt
information as defined in paragraph 5 of Part I of Schedule 12A (as
amended) to the Act.
The Officers answered Members’ questions on legal issues relating to this planning
application.
RESOLVED
That the press and public be readmitted to the meeting.
It was proposed by Councillor B Cabbell Manners, seconded by Councillor Mrs J
Trett and
RESOLVED by 8 votes to 0 with 2 abstentions
That the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised
(65)
1.
To approve this application subject to resolution of issues
relating to drainage, guttering and chimneys, the imposition of
appropriate conditions and subject to monitoring of the
development by the Enforcement Officer.
2.
To authorise the Officers to serve Enforcement and Stop Notices
if necessary.
EDGEFIELD - 20080579 - Erection of one two-storey dwelling and one singlestorey dwelling; Jordans Yard Norwich Road for Cockertons
The Committee considered item 3 of the officer’s report.
Public Speaker
Mr Nicholson (supporting)
The Senior Planning Officer reported that the Conservation, Design and Landscape
Manager (Landscape) had serious concerns in respect of the impact of the proposal
on the character of the Conservation Area, the loss of the hedge, impact on
biodiversity and habitat and possible effect of development on the trees to be
retained.
Development Control Committee (West)
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19 June 2008
The Senior Planning Officer requested delegated authority to approve this application
subject to no new grounds of objection following readvertisement and reconsultation
on the amended plan and the imposition of appropriate conditions.
It was proposed by Councillor J H Perry-Warnes, duly seconded and
RESOLVED
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.
(66)
FAKENHAM - 20080666 - Erection of 15m high wind turbine; Fakenham High
School Field Lane for Fakenham High School and College
The Committee considered item 4 of the officer’s report.
Public Speaker
Mr Plummer (supporting)
Councillor H C Cordeaux stated that he had recently visited the school but had not
discussed this application.
Councillor Mrs A C Sweeney stated that she had visited the school during the past
week but had not discussed this application.
The Senior Planning Officer reported that Councillor Mrs G M D Lisher, Member for
Lancaster South Ward, supported this application subject to no objection from
Environmental Health.
Councillor S C Mears, a local Member, supported this application.
It was proposed by Councillor B Cabbell Manners, duly seconded and
RESOLVED
That the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to
approve this application subject to no objections from outstanding
consultees, including Environmental Health, and subject to the
imposition of appropriate conditions.
(67)
FIELD DALLING - 20080695 - Demolition of outbuilding; 32 Langham Road for
Norfolk Archaeological Trust
The Committee considered item 5 of the officer’s report.
Public Speaker
Mr Smith (Field Dalling Parish Council)
The Head of Planning and Building Control informed the Committee that this
application related only to the demolition of the outbuilding. He stated that the
correct planning process had been followed in respect of the erection of a dwelling on
the adjacent land.
Development Control Committee (West)
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19 June 2008
Councillor Mrs L M Brettle, the local Member, stated that she had underestimated the
strength of the objections of the Parish Council in respect of the adjacent site and
considered that she should not express a view on this application.
It was proposed by Councillor B Cabbell Manners, seconded by Councillor Mrs J
Trett
That this application be approved in accordance with
recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control.
the
As an amendment, it was proposed by Councillor Mrs A C Sweeney, seconded by
Councillor Mrs P Bevan Jones
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.
The amendment was put to the vote and declared lost by 3 votes to 6.
The original proposition for approval of this application was put to the vote, with 5
Members voting in favour and 5 against, and RESOLVED on the casting vote of the
Chairman.
(68)
HEMPSTEAD - 20080578 - Erection of a pair of semi-detached two-storey
dwellings; 1 Lodge Cottages The Street for Mr and Mrs Fell
The Committee considered item 6 of the officer’s report.
Public Speaker
Mr Cockerton (supporting)
It was proposed by Councillor J H Perry-Warnes, seconded by Councillor S C Mears
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.
As an amendment, it was proposed by Councillor B Cabbell Manners, seconded by
Councillor Mrs J Trett
That this application be approved in accordance with
recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control.
the
On being put to the vote, 5 Members voted in favour of the amendment and 5
against, and it was declared carried on the casting vote of the Chairman. On being
put as the substantive proposition it was RESOLVED by 5 votes to 3 with 2
abstentions.
Development Control Committee (West)
6
19 June 2008
(69)
HINDOLVESTON - 20080752 - Erection of single-storey garden room extension;
plot 3, 43 The Street for Mr R Eggleton
The Committee considered item 7 of the officer’s report.
Public Speaker
Mr Eggleton (supporting)
Councillor R Combe, the local Member, expressed concern at the impact on the
neighbour and the incremental increase in the size of the dwelling.
In answer to a question the Senior Planning Officer explained that the applicant
owned the hedge between the boundary fence and the neighbour’s fence and the
applicant could be requested to maintain the hedge at a certain height.
The Head of Planning and Building Control considered that there would be no impact
on the neighbour given the single-storey height of the extension.
It was proposed by Councillor S C Mears, seconded by Councillor P W High and
RESOLVED unanimously
That this application be approved.
(70)
HOLT - 20071747 - Erection of two-storey dwelling; Public Conveniences
Church Street for North Norfolk District Council
Councillor H C Cordeaux declared a personal interest in this application as he was a
member of the Public Conveniences Policy Panel which had made the decision to
close the toilets. He stated that he had an open mind on this planning application.
Councillor Mrs J Trett declared a personal interest in the application as she was a
member of the Council’s Asset Management Board. She stated that she would not
take part in the discussion or decision on this matter.
The Committee considered item 8 of the officer’s report.
Public Speakers
Mrs Corbett-Jarvis (Holt Town Council)
Mrs Bagnall-Oakeley, Mr Heathfield, Mr Copas (objecting)
The Head of Planning and Building Control informed the Committee that the purpose
of the meeting was to make a decision on this planning application. The Committee
should not discuss whether or not the toilets should be retained, the disposal of
assets or alternative schemes. The Committee should consider whether or not the
principle and the details of this particular proposal were acceptable.
Councillor P W High considered that the planning reasons for refusal that had been
put forward by the objectors were valid, and in particular the highway issues. He
proposed refusal of this application which was seconded by Councillor J H PerryWarnes.
Development Control Committee (West)
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19 June 2008
Councillor M J M Baker considered that the level of opposition to this application by
local democratically appointed bodies and individuals was relevant.
Councillor Mrs P Bevan Jones considered that the proposal would overdevelop the
site, intrude into the Conservation Area and cause potential highway danger.
Councillor B Cabbell Manners considered that the site was unsuitable for a
residential dwelling. He stated that there were no other residential dwellings in
Church Street. He did not support the demolition of the frontage wall.
Councillor J H Perry-Warnes also considered that the site was unsuitable for
residential use. He suggested that the site would be more suitable for use in
association with the adjacent library.
Councillor Mrs A C Sweeney referred to the traffic issues. She considered that the
demolition of the wall would be detrimental to the street scene.
Councillor High thanked the many members of the public who had attended the
meeting and those who had spoken on this application.
RESOLVED by 9 votes to 0 with 1 abstention
That this application be refused on grounds of unsuitability of the site
for residential development, loss of a section of the frontage wall,
detrimental impact on the Conservation Area, overdevelopment and
highway impact.
(71)
HOLT - 20080499 - Conversion and extension to provide six units of holiday
accommodation; The Tithe Barn Letheringsett Hill for Indigo Touchwood
Limited
HOLT - 20080552 - Alterations to former barn and outbuilding to form
dwellings; The Tithe Barn Letheringsett Hill for Indigo Touchwood Limited
The Committee considered items 9 and 10 of the officer’s report.
Public Speaker
Mr Van Beveren (supporting)
The Senior Planning Officer reported that Letheringsett Parish Council and the
Building Control Manager had no objection to these applications.
The Senior Planning Officer reported that the Highway Authority had objected to
these applications on grounds of intensification of use. The applicant had written to
the Highway Authority stating that there would be less traffic and the Highway
Authority’s further comments were awaited.
The Senior Planning Officer requested delegated authority to approve this application
subject to no adverse comments from the Highway Authority following reconsultation
on this application and subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions.
Councillor M J M Baker, a local Member, considered that the highway objection was
unsustainable.
It was proposed by Councillor P W High, seconded by Councillor T H Moore and
Development Control Committee (West)
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19 June 2008
RESOLVED unanimously
That the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to
approve these applications subject to no objection from the Highway
Authority following reconsultation and subject to the imposition of
appropriate conditions.
(72)
RAYNHAM - 20080506 - Erection of fifty-eight dwellings; RAF West Raynham
Massingham Road West Raynham for Tamarix Investments Limited
The Committee considered item 11 of the officer’s report.
The Senior Planning Officer reported that an email had been received from the
Highway Authority confirming that the applicant had demonstrated that the proposals
would not create more traffic than the previous use by the RAF. Passing places were
required on the HGV route. The Highway Authority had withdrawn its objection
subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions.
The Senior Planning Officer reported that the applicants had confirmed that the
community buildings would be open prior to development, and whilst it was hoped to
open the health centre and church at the same time, this would be dependent on the
health and church authorities.
The Senior Planning Officer requested delegated authority to approve this application
subject to no new grounds of objection from outstanding consultees and subject to
the imposition of appropriate conditions.
Councillor B Cabbell Manners stated that whilst he was in favour of this application
he would not support any further development on the site until the infrastructure was
improved. He did not consider that it was the right location for an eco-town.
The Head of Planning and Building Control stated that any further applications had to
be judged on their own merits. Any future applications would be considered under
the Core Strategy. The applicant was not proposing any further development at this
stage. However, Members’ views could be communicated to him.
Councillor Mrs A R Green asked if any tests had been carried out on the water as
anti-freeze had been used to wash down the runways. The Head of Planning and
Building Control stated that this was not a planning issue but it would be dealt with
elsewhere.
It was proposed by Councillor Mrs P Bevan Jones, duly seconded and
RESOLVED unanimously
That the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to
approve this application subject to no new grounds of objection from
outstanding consultees and subject to the imposition of appropriate
conditions.
Development Control Committee (West)
9
19 June 2008
(73)
RAYNHAM - 20080507 - Conversion of hangers to twenty loft style holiday
apartments; RAF West Raynham Massingham Road West Raynham for
Tamarix Investments Limited
The Committee considered item 12 of the officer’s report.
The Senior Planning Officer recommended approval of this application subject to the
imposition of appropriate conditions.
Councillor B Cabbell Manners expressed concern that this scheme would prevent the
buildings being used to provide employment in the future. The Head of Planning and
Building Control explained that approval of this application did not prevent alternative
schemes being put forward for the use of the hangars.
RESOLVED unanimously
That this application be approved subject to the imposition of
appropriate conditions.
(74)
RYBURGH - 20080619 - Change of use from office/storage to ten residential
dwellings, one residential flat and A1 (post office/store); The Granary Station
Road Great Ryburgh for Michael McNamara Associates
The Committee considered item 13 of the officer’s report.
Public Speakers
Mr Smith (Ryburgh Parish Council)
Mr McNamara (supporting)
The Senior Planning Officer reported that a further letter had been received from the
applicant in respect of justification for the number of market dwellings on the site.
However, it was unclear and insufficient at this stage to answer the Committee’s
questions. A letter had been received from the applicant’s agent in respect of
window to window distances. The comments of the Planning Policy Manager and
Economic and Tourism Development Manager were awaited.
The Senior Planning Officer requested delegated authority to refuse this application
subject to receiving the comments of the Economic and Tourism Development
Manager on the basis of lack of information to justify this application. He stated that
the applicant could be invited to resubmit the application if the Committee considered
that the scheme could be justified.
Councillor Mrs A R Green, the local Member, considered that the scheme would be
of benefit. She considered that taking into account the shop and flat above which
were being offered by the applicant, in addition to the affordable housing already
included in the scheme, the applicant could not be expected to offer any more. She
considered that it was a wonderful opportunity to provide a shop and homes in a
building which would otherwise become redundant. She proposed approval of this
application.
Councillor J D Savory considered that the benefits of this scheme outweighed the
disadvantages. He seconded the proposal.
Development Control Committee (West)
10
19 June 2008
The Head of Planning and Building Control stated that sufficient financial evidence
had not been received. He referred to other schemes for which detailed evidence
had been required and stated that in this case there was a lack of evidence to justify
a recommendation to override policy.
Councillor B Cabbell Manners considered that the way forward was to delegate
authority to approve this application subject to the receipt of the necessary
information. The Head of Planning and Building Control stated that it might be
necessary to seek professional advice on the financial information.
Councillor Mrs A R Green accepted this suggestion and withdrew her proposal.
It was proposed by Councillor B Cabbell Manners, seconded by Councillor Mrs J
Trett and
RESOLVED unanimously
That the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to
approve this application subject to receipt of satisfactory financial
justification, no objections being received from outstanding consultees
and subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions.
(75)
SHERINGHAM - 20080550 - Erection of dwelling and erection of garage and
new vehicular access to serve 23 Holt Road; The Studio 23 Holt Road for Mr
and Mrs Graham-Cameron
The Committee considered item 14 of the officer’s report.
Councillor Mrs P Bevan Jones reported that Councillor Mrs H T Nelson, a local
Member, had requested a site inspection in view of the neighbours’ objections.
It was proposed by Councillor Mrs P Bevan Jones, seconded by Councillor P W High
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.
As an amendment, it was proposed by Councillor J D Savory, seconded by
Councillor Mrs J Trett
That this application be approved in accordance with
recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control.
the
On being put to the vote, the amendment was declared carried by 6 votes to 3 and
on being put as the substantive proposition, RESOLVED by 7 votes to 1 with 1
abstention.
(76)
UPPER SHERINGHAM - 20080473 - Erection of two-storey linked dwelling and
single-storey rear extensions (including to existing dwelling); 3 Blowlands
Lane for Mr and Mrs A Smith and Mr I Ash
The Committee considered item 15 of the officer’s report.
Public Speaker
Mr Smith (supporting)
Development Control Committee (West)
11
19 June 2008
It was proposed by Councillor Mrs A C Sweeney, seconded by Councillor S C Mears
and
RESOLVED
That this application be approved subject to the imposition of
appropriate conditions.
(77)
UPPER SHERINGHAM - 20080492 - Erection of detached two-storey dwelling;
land at The Green The Street for John Ashton's Children's Settlement
The Committee considered item 16 of the officer’s report.
The Locum Solicitor advised the Committee that it had to decide whether the
application was acceptable in principle and consider the link between this application
and the public house.
Councillor Mrs A C Sweeney, the local Member, informed the Committee that the
Parish Council was unhappy about this application and considered that the Section
106 Agreement should stand. She suggested deferral of this application.
It was proposed by Councillor B Cabbell Manners, seconded by Councillor Mrs P
Bevan Jones and
RESOLVED by 9 votes to 0 with 1 abstention
That this application be refused as the redevelopment of part of the
former public house is unacceptable in the absence of a Section 106
Agreement to prevent occupation of the dwelling until a contract for
Usher’s Barn has been let.
(78)
WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA - 20080467 - Alterations to barn and removal of
condition 2 of planning permission 20021709 to enable full residential
occupancy; The Merchant House 48 High Street for Ms S Keynejad
WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA - 20080468 - Alterations to barn and dwelling to
facilitate use as two separate dwellings; The Merchant House 48 High Street
for Ms S Keynejad
The Committee considered items 17 and 18 of the officer’s report.
Public Speaker
Mr Williams (supporting)
It was proposed by Councillor Mrs J Trett, seconded by Councillor J D Savory and
RESOLVED
That consideration of this application be deferred to allow a site
inspection by the Committee and that the local Members and Chairman
of the Town Council be invited to attend.
Development Control Committee (West)
12
19 June 2008
(79)
APPLICATIONS APPROVED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS
The Committee noted item 19 of the officer’s report.
(80)
APPLICATIONS REFUSED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS
The Committee noted item 20 of the officer’s report.
(81)
NEW APPEALS
The Committee noted item 21 of the officer’s report.
(82)
PUBLIC INQUIRIES AND INFORMAL HEARINGS - PROGRESS
The Committee noted item 22 of the officer’s report.
(83)
WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS APPEALS - PROGRESS
The Committee noted item 23 of the officer’s report.
(84)
APPEAL DECISIONS
The Committee noted item 24 of the officer’s report.
The meeting closed at 1.35 pm.
Development Control Committee (West)
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19 June 2008