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 Rob Appleyard - substitute Cllr 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.

Cllr David Veale declared an interest in application number 17/00299/OUT – Land between Homelands and 10 Camerton Hill, Camerton - as he is a Camerton School governor and the school is adjacent to the site.  He remained in the meeting but took no part in the debate and did not vote.

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 31 May 2017.

The minutes of the meeting held on 31 May 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) 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. 17/01208/FUL

Site Location: Avonlea House, Station Road, Freshford, Bath – Erection of single storey side extension

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

The registered speaker spoke against the application.

Cllr Butters noted that the Parish Council had objected to the application.  He then asked a question regarding building up to the boundary of the property and the Case Officer explained that this was permissible and that there was no encroachment onto the neighbouring property.

Officers explained that the issue of maintenance within the void area between the fence and the wall was not a planning consideration.

Cllr Roberts stated that the extension would be overbearing and would have an adverse effect on the neighbouring property.  She felt that a volume increase of 28% was too large.  She then moved that the application be refused due to the overbearing nature of the extension, the adverse impact on the neighbouring property and the adverse impact upon the character of the Conservation Area.  This was seconded by Cllr Butters.

Cllr Jackson supported the motion stating that the general layout including the courtyard garden should be preserved within the Conservation Area.  She also felt that a flat roof was out of keeping with the area.  There would be loss of amenity to the neighbouring property.

Cllr Kew did not feel that this application would have a great impact, particularly if the floor level was reduced so that the roof would not be higher than the existing.

Members discussed the floor level, suggesting that it would be better if it were lower, which would reduce the impact and suggested adding a condition to that effect. The Team Manager – Development Management explained that the Committee had to consider the application before it and that if members wished the floor level to be lowered then they should defer the application to enable officers to discuss this further with the applicant.

The motion was then put to the vote and it was   RESOLVED by 6 votes in favour and 4 votes against to REFUSE the application due to the overbearing nature of the extension, the adverse impact on the neighbouring property and the adverse impact upon the character of the Conservation Area.

Item No. 2

Application No. 17/00299/OUT

Site Location: Land between Homelands and 10 Camerton Hill, Camerton, Bath – Outline planning application for the erection of 1 single storey dwelling (Resubmission)

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

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. 17/01453/FUL

Site Location: Parcel 5400, Fosseway South, Midsomer Norton – Erection of 20 dwellings, associated infrastructure, vehicular access points from existing estate road network, parking and landscaping

The Case Officer reported on the application and his recommendation for approval.

The registered speaker spoke for the application.

Cllr Jackson explained that Westfield Parish Council had objected to this application with the main objection being road safety.  If the application were approved then the Parish Council would like a contribution from the developer towards the provision of a crossing and road safety measures.  She also felt that the design of the houses were out of keeping with the area as they were three storey.  More modest homes were needed in this area.  It was unfortunate that no care home provider could be found for the site. 

Councillor Crossley pointed out that a large site was usually required to ensure the viability of a care home development.  He felt that the application was suitable for the area and moved that the Committee delegate to permit the application.  This was seconded by Councillor Kew.

The Highways Officer explained that this proposal would generate less traffic than the previous one.  She also pointed out that a developer contribution of £87k had already been made towards the provision of a toucan crossing in this area. 

The motion was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED unanimously to DELEGATE TO PERMIT the application subject to the conditions set out in the report and the prior completion of a Section 106 Agreement to secure the matters set out in the officer’s report.

Item No. 2

Application No. 17/00847/RES

Site Location: Land at Rear of 161 to 171 Englishcombe Lane, Southdown, Bath – Approval of reserved matters in relation to outline application 16/01018/OUT (Erection of a maximum of 8 dwellings at Land to Rear of 1610171 Englishcombe Lane) regarding scale, layout, appearance and landscaping of the site

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation for approval.  She informed the Committee that since the agenda was published there had been one further objection relating to access, the increase in traffic, overlooking and being detrimental to the World Heritage Site.  She informed the Committee that officers suggested that members could include an additional condition to prevent the flat roofs being used as terraces.

The registered speakers spoke for and against the application.

Cllr Dine Romero spoke against the application on behalf of the local ward member, Cllr Will Sandry.

In response to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

The Committee considered the appeals report.

RESOLVED to NOTE the report.