Agenda and minutes

The Chair will ask the Committee Administrator to draw attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out under Note 6

The Senior Democratic Services Officer read out the procedure

A Vice Chair was not required

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Les Kew and Martin Veal and their respective substitutes were Councillors Vic Pritchard and Sally Davis. An apology was also received from Councillor Neil Butters.

Members who have an interest to declare are asked to state:

(a) the Item No and site in which they have an interest; (b) the nature of the interest; and (c) whether the interest is personal or personal and prejudicial.

Any Member who is unsure about the above should seek advice from the Monitoring Officer prior to the meeting in order to expedite matters at the meeting itself.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in the planning application at Filers Coaches, Wick Lane, Stanton Wick (Item 1, Report 10) as she was acquainted with the Director of the Company but did not consider that it affected her judgement of the application and would therefore speak and vote on the matter. Councillor Nicholas Coombes declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in the application at Paulton Engine, Hanham Lane, Paulton (Item 2, Report 10) as he had previously been employed by the applicant but did not consider that it affected his judgement of the matter. He would therefore remain in the meeting and vote on the application.

There was none

The Senior Democratic Services Officer informed the meeting that there were members of the public etc wishing to make statements on the planning applications in Report 10 and that they would be able to do so when reaching those Items in that Report.

The Chair read out a Question previously submitted by Councillor Nigel Roberts relating to replacement of a wall on land at the rear of 4 Bloomfield Drive, Bath, and possible enforcement action. The Chair read out a reply on progress of this matter.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 6^th June 2012

The Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 6^th June 2012 were approved as a correct record and were signed by the Chair

The Senior Professional – Major Developments to provide an oral update

The Senior Professional – Major Development gave Members an Update on the following major developments:

·  Former Cadbury’s site, Keynsham – Taylor Wimpey were the selected developer who had submitted a Master Plan but there were archaeological concerns that needed to be addressed

·  K2, Keynsham – An application had been received for discharge of conditions and some demolition work had commenced which had raised some contamination issues

·  Bath Spa Railway Station – The vaults were being fitted out with most being let which were expected to be open in time for Christmas

·  Bath Spa University, Newton Park – Work had now commenced on the first phase of development

Members asked questions on some of the developments to which the Officer responded. At the request of a Member, he gave an update on the key elements of the development at the former Alcan Factory, Midsomer Norton.

The Senior Planning Officer gave an update on Bidwells Metals sites at Bath Old Road and Clandown as regards alleged unauthorised works being undertaken and advised that investigations were taking place.

Members noted the reports.

The Committee considered

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

·  An Update Report by the Development Manager on Item Nos. 2-5, the Report being attached as Appendix 1 to these Minutes

·  Oral statements by members of the public etc. on Item Nos. 1-5, 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 Filers Coaches, Wick Lane, Stanton Wick – Variation of Condition 4 of application WC6174/E to increase number of coaches kept on site from 12 to 20 (continued use of land as a coach depot on land at Pensford Colliery, Pensford, Bristol) – The Case Officer reported on this application and his recommendation to refuse permission. The public speakers made their statements on the application which were followed by a statement by the Ward Councillor Jeremy Sparks who spoke in support of the proposal.

Members asked questions about the proposal regarding size of coaches, routes, other sites to be considered etc. The Case Officer responded. As a result, Councillor Doug Nicol felt that there was insufficient information to make a decision. He therefore moved that the application be deferred in order to allow the applicant to provide further information regarding routes served by the depot and the need for additional coaches, the size of coaches, the benefits to the local community and the suitability of other available sites for a depot for the additional coaches. The motion was seconded by Councillor Vic Pritchard who felt that the applicants needed to be given an opportunity to show that there were very special circumstances that existed that would allow the proposed increase in use. The benefits to the community needed to be specified. Members briefly debated the motion including whether there were other possible sites that could accommodate the extra coaches. The Chair summed up the debate and stated that very special circumstances should be provided in order to allow this proposal in the Green Belt. The motion was then put to the vote. Voting: 10 in favour and 2 against. Motion carried.

Item 2 Paulton Engine, Hanham Lane, Paulton – Extension and alteration of existing 3 bed house to provide 2 further bedrooms and dining room, and demolition of 1960’s single storey extension; reconstruction of roofless outbuilding to provide garage, workshop and studio over;  erection of a pair of semi-detached 2 bed holiday cottages; repair of derelict pigsties to provide potting sheds with bat loft; rebuilding of derelict stable; roofing and repair of 2 walls as open woodshed; lean-to greenhouse to replace kennels; rubbish clearance within site; and landscape improvements – The Case Officer reported on this application and his recommendation to refuse permission. He drew Members’ attention to the Update Report which added 2 further reasons for refusal. The public speakers made their statements on the application which were followed by a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

To note the report

The Committee considered the report of the Development Manager which provided Members with performance information across a range of activities within the Development Management function for the period from 1^st January to 31^st March 2012.

Members asked questions to which the Team Leader – Development Management responded. They complimented Officers on improved performance figures. The Chair referred to the appointment of additional Officers in the Enforcement Team and thanked Development Control staff for their hard work.

The Committee noted the report.

Members noted the report