Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor Sally Davis be elected as Chairman of the Committee

The Chairman will ask the Committee Administrator to draw attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out under Note 7

The Senior Democratic Services Officer drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out on the Agenda

A Vice Chairman was not required

Apologies were received from Councillors Paul Crossley and Bryan Organ whose respective substitutes were Councillors Neil Butters and Brian Simmons

At this point in the meeting, declarations of interest are received from Members on 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 Officeror a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

There was none

There was none

(1)  At the time of publication, no items had been submitted.

(2)  To note that, regarding planning applications to be considered, members of the public who have given notice to the Committee Administrator will be able to make a statement to the Committee immediately before their respective applications are considered. There will be a time limit of 3 minutes for each proposal, ie 3 minutes for the Parish and Town Councils, 3 minutes for the objectors to the proposal and 3 minutes for the applicant, agent and supporters. This allows a maximum of 9 minutes per proposal.

The Committee noted that there were a number of people wishing to make statements on planning applications and that they would be able to do so when reaching their respective items in Report 10

There was none

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 29th April 2015

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 29^th April 2015 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman

The Committee considered

·  The report of the Group Manager – Development Management on two applications for planning permission

·  An Update Report by the Group Manager on these applications, a copy of the Report being attached as Appendix 1 to the Minutes

·  Oral statements by members of the public etc. on these applications, 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 Site of demolished canal cottages, Tow Path, Kennet and Avon Canal, Bathwick, Bath – Erection of two storey dwelling with single storey annexe on site of demolished canal cottage row and outbuildings – The Case Officer reported on this application and her recommendation to refuse permission. She summarised a recent e-mail from the Agent sent to Members regarding a response to the Officer’s report. The Update Report provided further information submitted by the applicant’s agent.

The public speakers made their statements against and in favour of the proposal.

Councillor Jasper Becker (Ward Member on the Committee) stated that he supported the principle of development of the site. This was an interesting design although other designs could be considered. Councillor Les Kew agreed with the Officer’s recommendation and considered that the proposal would not preserve or enhance the Conservation Area – it was an innovative design but in the wrong location. He therefore moved that the application be refused as per the Officer recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councillor Rob Appleyard who considered that the design was not pleasing and that the site was inappropriate.

Members debated the motion. The access to the site by disabled people and emergency vehicles was queried to which the Group Manager responded to the effect that provision was available for such access. After a brief discussion, the motion was put to the vote and was carried, 9 voting in favour and 1 against.

Item 2 Parcel 2900, Greenhouse Lane, Nempnett Thrubwell – Installation of a solar park with an output of approximately 4.76MW on land associated with Howgrove Farm – The Case Officer reported on the application and his recommendation to grant permission subject to conditions. He referred to some of the conditions that would need to be amended. The Update Report referred to further conditions to be added. An objection had been received from Winford Parish Council as it was close to their Parish boundary. He stated that there was a target of 110MW for renewable energy (Policy CP3 of the Core Strategy).

The public speakers made their statements against and in favour of the development.

Councillor Les Kew read out the comments of the Ward Councillor Vic Pritchard who was unable to attend the meeting and who considered that the application should be refused. Councillor Kew then made his own comments on the proposal. He considered that the proposed use of this green field site was wrong and would mean the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To note the report

The Group Manager – Development Management took Members through this report highlighting the progress since the last report and the planned improvements for the coming year.

Members asked questions about various aspects of the report to which the Group Manager responded. Councillor Neil Butters requested that the Development Management Team be congratulated on the high quality of work undertaken over the last year which was seconded by Councillor Rob Appleyard. Councillor Les Kew also congratulated the Divisional Director of Planning on the work undertaken in the first year since her appointment including the appointment of other officers in the Team and the good customer satisfaction that had been achieved. There was, however, still some room for improvement. Councillor Eleanor Jackson considered that the Officers be congratulated on the diligence exercised by officers on enforcement matters.

The Committee endorsed the sentiments expressed by Members and noted the report.

To note the report

Councillor Les Kew queried why so many applications on agricultural barns seemed to be refused. The Group Manager – Development Management responded referring to the National Planning Policy Guidance which he would forward to Councillor Kew.

The report was noted.