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 Cllr Caroline Roberts – substitute Cllr Will Sandry.

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 Eleanor Jackson declared a non-pecuniary interest in planning application number 18/01744/FUL – St Hugh’s RC Church, Wells Road, Westfield – for the following reasons:

·  As a member of the Environment and Development Committee of Westfield Parish Council.

·  As a Trustee of Radstock Museum.

·  As Chair of Christians Together in Radstock and Westfield.

·  As a RADCO shareholder.

Cllr Jackson stated that she would speak on this item both on behalf of Westfield Parish Council and as local ward member but would then leave the meeting and would not take part in the debate or 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 1 August 2018.

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 August 2018 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Committee considered:

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

·  Oral statements by members of the public and representatives.  A copy of the speakers’ list is attached as Appendix 1 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 2 to these minutes.

Item No. 1

Application No. 18/01744/FUL

Site Location: St Hugh’s RC Church, Wells Road, Westfield – Conversion of former Mass Centre to provide 8 residential units with associated car parking and incidental works of demolition

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation to permit.  She explained that, if permission were granted, an additional condition would be added requiring the parking spaces associated with the proposed development to be provided in accordance with the drawings.

The agent spoke in favour of the application.

Cllr Eleanor Jackson spoke against the application on behalf of Westfield Parish Council.

Cllr Jackson then spoke as local ward member against the application.  She expressed concern that a valuable community resource would be lost if the church were to be converted to residential units.  She stated that she had tried to engage with Downside Abbey regarding the future use of the building for either community uses or as a place of worship.  She also drew attention to the number of accidents that had occurred just below St Hugh’s Church and highlighted the difficulties for vehicles exiting the site.  She stated that the ownership of the land was currently unclear and that trees as the rear of the site should be protected.

(Note:  Cllr Jackson then withdrew from the meeting having declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item).

The Case Officer responded to questions from members as follows:

·  She provided clarification on parking arrangements and layouts.

·  The site is located in a Conservation Area so the trees would have some level of protection.

·  Bicycle storage and an electric car charge point were now included within the proposal.

·  As far as she was aware there was no dispute regarding land ownership and details were in line with the land registry entry.

·  Use of the Church and the Hall had ceased in late 2015/early 2016.

Cllr Crossley stated that this was a good scheme which would provide affordable housing in 8 small units.  The road was busy but he had no specific concerns regarding highway safety.  The site had been marketed and no community use had been forthcoming.  He moved the officer recommendation to permit.

Cllr Appleyard seconded the motion noting that the application was timely and would prevent the building falling into decay.

Cllr Kew supported the proposal and noted that as this was a town centre site a higher level of density would be expected.

The motion was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED unanimously to PERMIT the application subject to the conditions set out in the report and the additional condition outlined by the Case Officer.

(Note: Cllr  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

The Committee considered the appeals report.

RESOLVED to NOTEthe report.