Agenda and minutes

The Democratic Services Officer read out the emergency evacuation procedure.

A Vice Chairman was not required on this occasion.

Apologies for absence were received from:

Cllr Paul Crossley – substitute Cllr Dine Romero

Cllr Eleanor Jackson – substitute Cllr Liz Hardman

Cllr Les Kew – substitute Cllr Patrick Anketell-Jones

Cllr David Veale – substitute Cllr Vic Pritchard

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 an 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 were no declarations of interest.

There was no urgent business.

The Democratic Services Officer informed the meeting that there were a number of people wishing to make statements on planning applications and that they would be able to do so when these items were discussed.

There were no items from Councillors or Co-Opted Members.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 28 June 2017.

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 June 2017 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Committee considered:

·  A report by the Group Manager (Development Management) on various planning applications.

·  An update report by the Group Manager (Development Management) on item no 1 attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes.

·  Oral statements by members of the public and representatives.  A copy of the speakers’ list is attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes.

RESOLVED that in accordance with the Committee’s delegated powers, the applications be determined as set out in the decisions list attached as Appendix 3 to these minutes.

Item No. 1

Application No. 16/06140/FUL

Site Location: 30 Flatwoods Road, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AQ – Erection of 2 dwellings, internal access drive and landscaping at rear of existing dwelling

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation to permit.  She informed the Committee that the applicant had submitted revised plans which reduced the height of the dwellings by 0.95m.  A further objection had also been received relating to the availability of broadband in the area.

The registered speakers spoke for and against the application.

Cllr Cherry Beath, local ward member, spoke against the application.  A statement against the application submitted by Cllr Bob Goodman, local ward member, was also read out at the meeting.

Councillor Pritchard asked a question regarding the access to the site.  The Highways Case Officer explained that both dwellings would include double garages and that the access to the dwellings complied with the required width specified by the Department of Transport.

Councillor Romero stated that the plot appeared small for the proposed development.

Councillor Hardman stated that while she had sympathy with the neighbours there was already a precedent for back garden development in the area.  She also noted that the Bath Skyline footpath route would be screened,

Councillor Organ moved that permission be granted subject to conditions.  This was seconded by Councillor Matthew Davies.

The motion was then put to the vote and it was RESOLVED by 6 votes for, 2 votes against and 1 abstention to PERMIT the application subject to the conditions set out in the report.

Item No. 2

Application No. 17/01411/FUL

Site Location: 10 Stonehouse Lane, Combe Down, Bath, BA2 5DW – Three storey side extension and garage to include demolition of existing single storey side extension, partial demolition of existing garage, minor changes to rear ground floor fenestration of existing main house and front landscaping

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation to refuse.  Since the publication of the report there had been one further objection relating to the overbearing impact of the development, overlooking, parking and not being in keeping with the character of the area received from a direct neighbour.

The registered speakers spoke in favour of the application.

Councillor Cherry Beath, local ward member, spoke against the application.  A statement in favour of the application submitted by Cllr Bob Goodman, local ward member, was also read out at the meeting.

In response to a question the Case Officer explained that the extant planning permission would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

The Committee considered:

·  A report by the Group Manager (Development Management) on various planning applications.

·  An update report by the Group Manager (Development Management) on item 1 attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes.

·  Oral statements by members of the public and representatives.  A copy of the speakers’ list is attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes.

RESOLVED that in accordance with the delegated powers, the applications be determined as set out in the decisions list attached as Appendix 4 to these minutes.

Item No. 1

Application No. 16/051219/EOUT

Site Location: Street Record, Foxhill, Combe Down, Bath - Application for outline planning permission for the redevelopment of the Foxhill Estate comprising:

·  The demolition of up to 542 dwellings;

·  The re-provision of up to 700 dwellings;

·  Demolition and re-provision of the local centre to include up to 560 sqm of A1, A3, A4 and A5 uses;

·  All associated access roads, infrastructure, landscaping, open space and cycle/footways;

(All matters reserved)

The Case Officer reported on the application and his recommendation to delegate to permit.  An illustrative masterplan was presented and the Case Officer explained that there would be up to 158 additional dwellings although there would be a net loss of 204 affordable homes.  The proposals would deliver a 30% affordable housing provision which was policy compliant.  This would be made up of a 75/25 social rent/shared ownership split.  The development would be delivered in a number of phases.

The Case Officer explained that although the net loss of affordable housing was significant an independently verified viability report had been submitted.  Officers were content that this was compliant with Policy H8.

There were a number of updates to the report as follows:

·  Correspondence had been received from Mr Mark Hepworth, the author of the “Foxhill at the Crossroads” report (2012) who had expressed concern at the use of this report to justify the proposal to demolish homes. 

·  Further advice regarding bat licences.

·  A Section 106 Agreement would require the delivery of affordable housing.

·  There were minor changes to Condition No. 30.

·  The Highways Officer had suggested some amendments to the conditions relating to garage dimensions, materials and method of construction, footways and a road condition survey.

·  There would be an additional condition relating to bus access and turning areas during construction.

The registered speakers spoke for and against the application.

Cllr Cherry Beath, local ward member, spoke against the application.  Cllr Lisa O’Brien read out a statement against the application on behalf of Cllr Bob Goodman, the local ward member.

Cllrs Lisa O’Brien, Joe Rayment and Alan Hale also spoke against the application.

Officers then responded to a number of questions from members as follows:

·  The Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process was separate from the planning process.  If CPOs were to be proposed then the Council would have to formally resolve for this to happen.  The Committee should focus on the planning issues.

·  The Mulberry Park development would deliver facilities that Foxhill residents would have access to.  As Mulberry Park was currently  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

The Committee considered the appeals report.  It was noted that the appeal relating to 10 Lymore Gardens, Twerton had been allowed and not dismissed as set out in the report.

RESOLVED to NOTE the report.