Agenda item

The Committee considered

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

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

·  Oral statements by members of the public etc. on Items Nos 1 and 2, 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 Leacroft House, Bristol Road, West Harptree – Erection of new dwellings, access, landscaping and attenuation pond and refurbishment of Leacroft House, following demolition of Leacroft Bungalow and outbuildings associated with former builder’s yard – The Case Officer reported on this application and her recommendation to (A) Authorise the Group Manager – Development Management, in consultation with the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, to enter into a S106 Agreement to provide (i) highway improvements; and (ii) affordable housing; and (B) upon completion of the Agreement, authorise the Group Manager to grant permission subject to conditions. She reported on further representations received. The Update Report provided further information on the application and recommended revised wording to Condition 19.

The public speakers made their statements against and in favour of the application which was followed by a statement by the Ward Councillor Tim Warren expressing concerns about the proposal. The Group Manager responded to a point raised regarding a tree preservation order and an error in a letter sent to residents.

Members asked questions about the application for clarification to which Officers responded. The Group Manager gave advice on the planning policies that applied to consideration of the application.

After considering the information provided, Councillor Eleanor Jackson moved the Officer recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley. Members briefly debated the motion after which it was put to the vote. Voting: 7 in favour and 1 against with 2 abstentions. Motion carried.

Item 2 Shortwood Common Cottage, Hook Lane, Hinton Blewett – Erection of two storey side and rear extension following demolition of existing kitchen and detached garages – The Planning Officer reported on this application and the recommendation to refuse permission.

The applicants’ agent made a statement in support of the proposal which was followed by a statement by the Ward Councillor Tim Warren in favour of the application.

Councillor Les Kew considered that the proposal was in keeping with other properties in the area and the development was practically using the same footprint. There was no objection from highways, and ecology officers and it was supported by the Parish Council. He could see no reason for the application to be refused and therefore moved that the recommendation be overturned and that the application be delegated to Officers to grant permission subject to appropriate conditions. The motion was seconded by Councillor Donal Hassett.

Members debated the motion and expressed arguments for and against the development. Concerns were expressed regarding the design and the loss of openness. The Group Manager stated that the test was whether the extension respected and complemented the host building and that the Officer advice was that the proposals would dominate the host building. The motion was then put to the vote. Voting: 3 in favour and 6 against. Motion lost.

Councillor Rob Appleyard therefore moved approval of the Officer recommendation to refuse permission which was seconded by Councillor Caroline Roberts. The motion was put to the vote and was carried, 6 voting in favour and 2 against with 1 abstention.

(Note: Councillor Eleanor Jackson left the meeting prior to consideration of this application due to her interest declared earlier in the meeting).