Agenda and minutes

The Senior Democratic Services Officer read out the procedure

A Vice Chairman was not required

There was an apology for absence from Councillor Paul Crossley whose substitute was Councillor Ian Gilchrist

At this point in the meeting, declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number and site in which they have an interest to declare

(b) The nature of their interest

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or other interest (as defined in Part 2, A and B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officer before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

There was none

There were no items of urgent business. However, the Chairman informed the meeting that the item at Horseworld, Staunton Lane, Whitchurch (Item 9, Report 9) had been withdrawn from the Agenda.

The Senior Democratic Services Officer informed the meeting that (1) there were no speakers on items other than planning applications; and (2) there were members of the public etc. wishing to make statements on planning applications who would be able to do so when reaching their respective items in Report 9.

There was none

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 21^st October 2015

The Minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 21^st October 2015 were approved as a correct record and were signed by the Chairman

The Committee considered

·  A report by the Group Manager – Development Management on various applications for planning permission etc.

·  An Update Report by the Group Manager on Item Nos. 1, 3 and 9, a copy of which is attached as Appendix 1 to these Minutes

·  Oral statements by members of the public etc. on Item Nos. 1, 2 and 4-9, a copy of the Speakers List being attached as Appendix 2 to these Minutes

RESOLVED that, in accordance with their delegated powers, the applications be determined as set out in the Decisions List attached as Appendix 3 to these Minutes.

Item 1 Proposed development site, Roseberry Road, Twerton, Bath – Mixed use regeneration comprising the erection of 6 buildings to accommodate up to 175 flats, flexible business employment floor space (Use Class B1) (up to 4,500 sq m gross), local needs shopping (up to 1,350 sq m gross), together with all associated development including demolition of existing buildings, site remediation, construction of new access roads and riverside walkway/cycle path, landscaping and tree planting – The Case Officer reported on this application and her recommendation to (A) authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to enter into a S106 Agreement to secure the terms outlined in the report; and (B) subject to the prior completion of the Agreement, authorise the Group Manager to grant permission subject to conditions. She referred to the Update Report which recommended 2 further Conditions and a delegation to Officers to amend the wording of some Conditions. The Case Officer stated that the flexible business floor space should read 4,500 sq m (not 6,000 sq m as stated in the Report).

The public speakers made their statements against and in favour of the proposals which was followed by a statement by the Ward Councillor June Player who also spoke on behalf of the other Ward Councillor Colin Blackburn against the proposals.

Members asked questions for clarification purposes to which Officers responded.

Councillor Les Kew considered that the development on this brownfield site would improve its appearance and the access road. The density was satisfactory and it would be a mixed use providing high quality office space. He therefore moved the Officer recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Bryan Organ.

Members debated the motion. Some concerns were expressed regarding car parking, retail use, scale and design. The Group Manager – Development Management responded to these points. Some Members considered that the site had been semi-derelict for too long and that opening up the river to pedestrian access was an important factor. It was confirmed that the illustrative drawings showed access to the river and a cycle path through the site.

The Chairman summed up the debate and put the motion to Approve to the vote which was carried, 9 voting in favour and 0 against with 1 abstention.

Item 2 No 151/152 High Street, Twerton, Bath – Erection of 7 residential units following demolition of existing building (Revised proposal) – The Planning Officer reported on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

To note the report

The Committee considered the report of the Group Manager – Development Management on Planning Appeals.

Members commented on the appeal against non-determination at Romway, Wells Road, Westfield, Radstock, and some applications the subject of appeal being decided at “Chair Referral” level. The Group Manager commented on the Romway appeal explaining why an appeal had been lodged; he also stated that the designation of “Chair Referral” would be altered to either “Committee” or “Delegated” in future in this report.

The report was noted.

The Committee considered a report by the Group Manager – Development Management which provided performance information across a range of activities within the Development Management function.

The Group Manager briefly took Members through the Report and responded to some queries by Members.

The report was noted.