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 David Veale.

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 Matthew Davies declared a non-pecuniary interest in planning application number 17/03603/FUL – 9 Partis Way, Lower Weston, Bath – as the applicants’ children attend the same school as his children.  Councillor Davies stated that he would speak and vote on 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 18 October 2017.

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 October 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. 17/03041/FUL

Site Location: 28 Meadlands, Corston, BA2 9AS – Erection of single storey rear extension

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

The registered speakers spoke for and against the application.

In response to a question the Case Officer confirmed that the extension would be at the same floor level as the existing property.

Councillor Kew stated that he understood the concern of the neighbours regarding potential loss of light but, on balance, felt that this would be negligible.  He then moved the officer recommendation to permit the application.  This was seconded by Councillor Organ.

The motion was then put to the vote and it was RESOLVED by 7 votes in favour, 1 vote against and 1 abstention to PERMIT the application subject to the conditions set out in the report.

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, 3, 4 and 6 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. 17/03774/OUT

Site Location: 34-35 Lower Bristol Road, Westmoreland, Bath, BA2 3AZ – Outline application for the erection of two buildings to provide residential accommodation for students (up to 204 bedrooms) with ancillary accommodation and facilities and external courtyards, alterations to existing pedestrian and vehicular access, and associated infrastructure following demolition of existing building.  Access, appearance, layout and scale to be determined and landscaping reserved.

The Case Officer reported on the application and his recommendation to permit.  He gave the following updates:

·  An additional objection had been received stating that only minimal changes had been made to the original application and urging the Committee to view the site rather than relying on computer images.

·  The Senior Conservation Officer had raised no objection to the application noting that there had been some refinements to the original design.  It was felt that the World Heritage site would not be affected by this development.

·  Where the report referred to the “Local Plan” this should now be replaced with the words “Placemaking Plan”.

The registered speakers spoke for and against the application.

Cllr Becker, local ward member, stated that the changes made by the applicant did not address the concerns the Committee had raised when it previously considered this proposal.  If this area were to be redeveloped then it should be made as attractive as possible.  He felt that the Committee should reject this design as the building was ugly and did not enhance the area.  Cllr Becker also expressed concern about the massing and quality of architecture and noted that the building was tall and would be very prominent in this central location.  He then moved that permission be refused but there was no seconder.

In response to a question the Case Officer confirmed that the cycle parking area was large enough to provide spaces for 50 bicycles.

Councillor Appleyard noted the changes that the applicant had made to the original design and felt that the issues previously raised by the Committee had been addressed.  In particular the lighter brickwork would improve the appearance of the building.  He then moved that permission be granted.

Councillor Crossley seconded the motion to permit.  He had supported the previous application and felt that the design reflected the industrial heritage of this area of the city.  The site was sustainable due to its location in the city centre and being on a bus route.  He stated that the provision of purpose built student accommodation would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

The Committee considered the quarterly performance report for the period July to September 2017.

Members asked a number of questions regarding the performance statistics to which the Team Manager, Development Management responded as follows:

·  Targets are reviewed regularly with an aim to continuing performance improvement.

·  No specific reason had been identified for the dip in performance from January to March.

·  Members noted that there had been a 29% increase in appeal numbers.  It was confirmed that managers regularly analyse the performance data to identify any trends.

·  Officers would provide a response to Councillor Appleyard’s question regarding the closure of enforcement cases.

Councillor Crossley stated that local members could assist in identifying HMOs in their areas to ensure that these are registered appropriately.

Councillor Kew noted the high number of enforcement cases and queried whether there were adequate numbers of Enforcement Officers to deal with such a high caseload. He stressed the importance of effective enforcement.

RESOLVED to NOTE the report.

The Committee is asked to note the report

The Committee considered the appeals report.

RESOLVED to NOTE the report.