Agenda and minutes

The Democratic Services Officer read out the emergency evacuation procedure.

A Vice Chairman was not required on this occasion.

Apologies were received from Councillor David Veale and Councillor Vic Pritchard took his place as a substitute member.

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.

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 May 2016 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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 Items 1 and 5, attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes.

·  Oral statements by members of the public and representatives. on Items 1-5, 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: 16/01310/FUL

Site Location: Street Record, Abbey Church Yard, City Centre, Bath -

Temporary change of use of the site as a temporary Christmas Market for 25 days from 24 November 2016 to 18 December 2016 inclusive, including 173 retail chalets, 6 catering units and 4 mobile catering units

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation to grant planning permission.

The registered speakers made statements for and against the application.

Councillor Peter Turner, the local ward member, spoke against the application.

Councillors asked questions for clarification to which the Case Officer responded.  In response to a question from Councillor Roberts officers confirmed that if the application was permitted, this would be for one year only and the applicants would have to submit a further application next year.

Councillor Appleyard stated that he supported the Christmas Market in principle but had some concerns as it created a block in the middle of the city centre.  He felt that the market should be aimed more at families and hoped that the organisers would review arrangements to include more facilities for younger people.  He hoped that local traders would be able to work with the market organisers to address their concerns about the effect of the market on independent traders.

Councillor Kew felt that he was unable to support the extension to the market.  The time extension would lead to the market continuing until very close to Christmas and could adversely affect local traders.  It would not necessarily lead to an increase in visitor numbers.

Councillor Jackson expressed concerns regarding the proposed 10am start time on a Sunday.  This could be an issue for people attending church services and an 11am start would be preferable.

Councillor Pritchard stated that an extension of the market may dilute its effect and could be intrusive to local residents.

Councillor Organ supported the market but did not support the request for an extra week.  He felt that the 18 December date was too close to Christmas.

Councillor Crossley supported the application.  He stated that the market was very successful and was good for the city.  The market secured business and trade although there were some knock-on effects and the organisers should be asked to address these.  Councillor Crossley moved the officer’s recommendation to permit planning permission.  This was seconded by Councillor Roberts.

The motion was put to the vote and was LOST by 2 votes for and 8 votes against.

Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

The Committee considered the appeals report and noted that only one appeal had been allowed.  The Committee praised officers for the work they had undertaken to achieve this.  Officers were also congratulated for the commendations they had received regarding the Burger and Lobster restaurant development in Bath.