Agenda and minutes

The Chairman will ask the Committee Administrator to draw attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

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 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 6 June 2018.

The minutes of the meeting held on 6 June 2018 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 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. 18/01851/FUL

Site Location: Monkton Combe School Farm, Brassknocker Hill, Monkton Combe, Bath – Proposed erection of 2 dwellings following demolition of redundant agricultural buildings; alteration to existing dwelling and associated access and comprehensive landscaping

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation for refusal.  She informed members of an additional reason for refusal as follows:

“The proposed development will result in a change in character of the local area by the removal of the existing agricultural buildings and domestic encroachment in the existing rural landscape.  The proposed development will fail to conserve or enhance the character of the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  The proposed development is therefore contrary to policy NE.2 of the Bath & North East Somerset Placemaking Plan and contrary to Part 11 of the National Planning Policy Framework.”

The Chair of Monkton Combe Parish Council spoke regarding the application.

A representative of local residents spoke against the application.

The agent and applicant spoke in favour of the application.

Cllr Neil Butters, local ward member, spoke regarding the application.  He stated that although the Parish Council had voted to oppose the application, fewer than half had so voted.  He felt that the application had some merit.  He noted that the main issue for consideration was whether the very special circumstances had been met to warrant development in the Green Belt.

The Case Officer responded to questions as follows:

·  The proposal would result in a change of character to the Green Belt and would fail to enhance or conserve the area.  It would be contrary to policy.

·  The materials used would be a combination of timber cladding and Bath rubble stone.

·  The definition of a barn conversion would require a barn building to be capable of development without reconstruction.  This application had not been assessed under the policy to bring agricultural buildings back into use.

·  Any future applications to develop derelict farm buildings would be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Cllr Jackson moved the officer recommendation to refuse the application stating that she felt development in this location was not appropriate.  The site currently had open views of the countryside and any development would lead to more solid structures being in place.

Cllr Appleyard seconded the motion stating that he felt the proposal was contrary to policy.  The site consisted of agricultural land and this development was not for agricultural use.  He felt that if the application were to be approved it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

The Committee considered the appeals report.

RESOLVED to NOTEthe report.