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 Councillor Paul Crossley who was substituted by Councillor Neil Butters.

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.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson stated that she thought she may know the applicant for application number 16/04549/FUL.  If this were the case (when she saw the applicant who would be speaking at this meeting) then she would leave the meeting for the consideration of this item.

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 16 November 2016.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 November 2016 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 items 1, 2, 6 and 8 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 3 to these minutes.

Item No. 1

Application No. 16/00850/OUT

Site Location: Land Parcel 7200, Bath Road, Keynsham – Residential and related development comprising approximately 250 dwellings, new Primary School with associated outdoor playing facilities, means of access thereto, associated open space, landscaping, access roads, footways/cycleways and infrastructure works (Revised Plans)

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation to delegate to permit the application.  She updated the Committee regarding an additional condition stating that no more than 250 dwellings shall be approved under the reserved matters application.  The proposed conditions would also be amended where relevant to include additional wording to allow for phasing of the development.  Additional wording would also be added to condition 9 to ensure that this was implemented in accordance with approved details under this condition.

The registered speakers spoke for and against the application.

Councillor Emma Dixon, local member for the adjoining ward, spoke against the application.

Councillor Organ, local ward member, spoke against the application.  He stated that the drainage on the site was unsatisfactory; the traffic congestion in this area was already appalling; air quality was poor; the proposal to cut the access to Teviot Road and the school site would isolate the community; although a new primary school would be built there were no additional places available in the local secondary schools.  He felt that a great deal more detailed information was required about the development, particularly regarding the highways issues.

The Group Manager (Development Management) explained that this was an outline application and that it was entirely appropriate for detail to be supplied at a later stage.  Lack of full details on an outline application would not be a valid reason for refusal.  He also clarified that the junction of the development would be a priority junction and not a signalised one.

Councillor Jackson asked what provision would be made for pedestrians and cyclists.  The Highways Officer explained that there would be a signalised pelican crossing on the East side of the junction.  Cycle links would run through the site to Teviot Road and links on the Chandag Estate would be improved in the future.  He also stated that it was likely that a large number of vehicles would choose to turn left out of the site as it would be quicker than making a right turn onto the A4.

The Case Officer explained that the site was outside of the air quality management area.  The Council’s air quality officer did not object to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

The Committee considered the appeals report.

The Group Manager (Development Management) informed the Committee that the Rough Ground and Buildings, Queen Charlton Lane appeal had been successful.  This meant that the land could now be used for residential purposes and there was no breach of planning control.  Therefore the injunction proceedings agreed at the last meeting on 16 November 2016 would now be withdrawn as officers advised they would be in the event of an allowed appeal in the November Committee report.

RESOLVED to NOTE the report.