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 Matthew Davies – substitute Councillor Brian Simmons

Councillor Caroline Roberts – substitute Councillor Tim Ball

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 8 February 2017.

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 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’s 1, 3 and 4 attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes.

·  Oral statements by members of the public and representatives on items 2, 3 and 4.  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. 16/05094/FUL

Site Location: Beechen Cliff School, Kipling Avenue, Bath, BA2 4RE – Extend bank southwards using existing on site spoil heap to create wider playing field

The Case Officer reported on the application and his recommendation to permit. 

Councillor Becker, local ward member, stated that the main issue was the impact on the residents of 71 Greenway Lane.  He asked how close the playing fields would be to this property.  The Case Officer confirmed that the playing field would be approximately 8m from the boundary (at its base) at the nearest point and that the current distance was approximately 15m.  Councillor Becker then asked whether it would affect the use of the playing field if it was not extended in the corner of the plot.  The Case Officer explained that a run-off area for the pitch was required. 

Councillor Jackson asked whether anything could be done to mitigate any additional noise and to prevent rugby balls coming over onto the property.  The Case Officer explained that the proposal was unlikely to greatly increase the risk of this happening or to generate a significant level of additional noise.  The issue for the school was that the playing field did not currently meet the required standard. 

Councillor Kew stated that whilst he understood the concerns of residents no boundaries were being moved and the impact would be minimal.  He moved that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.  Councillor Appleyard seconded the motion and welcomed the development of the school as he felt, on balance, that the proposal was reasonable.

Councillor Jackson stated that she did not believe the proposal was contrary to planning law or policies.

The motion was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED by 8 votes in favour and 2 votes against to PERMIT the application subject to the conditions set out in the report.

Item No. 2

Application No. 16/04499/FUL

Site Location: 17 Station Road, Welton, Midsomer Norton, BA2 2AZ – Erection of 6 new dwellings following demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings (resubmission) – revised plan

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation to permit. 

The registered speaker spoke against the application.

Councillor Michael Evans, local ward member, spoke against the application.

Councillor Jackson felt that the Committee should not ignore the views of the Town Council and local member.  She stated that the conservation policy statement for Midsomer Norton had been in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 121.

The Committee considered:

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

·  An update report by the Group Manager (Development Management) 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. 16/05348/REG03

Site Location: Bath Quays Bridge, Green Park Road, Bath – Demolition of existing building (Boiler House) and 2 associated arches and provision of new bridge crossing of the river Avon for pedestrian and cycle use, including new public realm on the North and South river banks, landscaping, a new river wall and links to the existing highway network

Item No. 2

Application No. 16/05349/REG13

Site Location: Bath Quays Bridge, Green Park Road, Bath – Demolition of building (Boiler House) within curtilage of listed building (Newark Works and associated arch structures)

The Case Officer reported on the application and his recommendation to grant planning permission and listed building consent.  He pointed out one amendment to the report, Policy D8 – Lighting should be given significant weight rather than substantial weight.  A small exception should also be added to additional conditions 19 and 20 set out in the update report.

Councillors Andrew Furse and Christopher Pearce, local ward members, spoke regarding the application.

Councillor Becker, also a local ward member, pointed out the comments made by Bath Heritage Watchdog and the adverse impact the bridge would have on the Conservation Area.  He felt that the proposed bridge would be inappropriate and contrary to the Placemaking Plan and Council planning policies.

Councillor Jackson asked whether there would be measures in place to prevent the bridge from swaying.  The Case Officer confirmed that there would be engineering solutions to prevent this and stated that the bridge would be quite sturdy.

Councillor Organ asked whether the condition of the arches to be retained at the end of the bridge would be improved.  The Case Officer informed the Committee that the arches would be reinforced if investigations showed this to be necessary.

Councillor Crossley stated that this proposal was a move forward for this part of the city and moved that planning permission and listed building consent be granted subject to conditions.  He noted that the design was bold and different and stated that the city needed modern structures as well as historic ones.  He felt that the vista was good and that the development would link the old and new in an exciting and innovative way.  It would be important to ensure that the arches were safe and secure. 

Councillor Kew seconded the motion stating that he was very happy to see this area of the city brought back into use.

The motion was then put to the vote and it was RESOLVED by 9 votes for and 1  ...  view the full minutes text for item 122.

The Committee considered the appeals report.  The Group Manager, Development Management, explained that the appeal relating to application no. 16/04424/FUL – Parcel 5472 Cobblers Way, Westfield, Radstock – was against non-determination.  He confirmed that the Parish Council had responded within the required timescales.

RESOLVED to NOTE the report.