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 Jasper Becker

Cllr Caroline Roberts – substitute Cllr Ian Gilchrist

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 Matthew Davies declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in planning application number 18/05203/VAR – Richmond Lodge, Weston Lane, Lower Weston, Bath, BA1 4AB as he was the applicant.  Cllr Davies stated that he would leave the meeting when this item was discussed.

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 16 January 2019.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 January 2019 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Committee considered:

·  A report by the Head of Planning on various planning applications.

·  An update report by the Head of Planning on items 1 and 3 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. 18/03674/FUL

Site Location: Lake View, Stoke Hill, Chew Stoke – Change of use from existing garage with office above into holiday let accommodation

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

The agent spoke in favour of the application.

A statement from Cllr Liz Richardson, local ward member, in favour of the application was read out at the meeting.  Cllr Richardson referred to a recent planning application for The Byre House, Knowle Hill, Chew Magna which also revolved around Policy RE6 and was allowed on appeal by the Planning Inspector.  She also stated that the application had been supported by the Parish Council who was keen to support the development of small scale tourist accommodation within the Parish.

The Case Officer and Team Manager, Development Management, then responded to questions as follows:

·  Policy RE6 of the Placemaking Plan related to the re-use of rural buildings.  This proposal was seen to be contrary to policy as the building was isolated from public services and community facilities and unrelated to an established group of buildings.  He explained that the term “group” was not specifically defined within the Placemaking Plan. 

·  The 1km distance to local facilities was not considered to be sustainable as the footpath link was poor.

·  The property currently had a “home office” set up so this would not result in losing any commercial office accommodation.

·  This application had originally been scheduled to be considered at the December meeting of the Committee but had subsequently been withdrawn from the agenda because it was considered that it complied with policy RE6 of the Placemaking Plan.  However, when officers then reviewed the application in more detail they felt that the application was still contrary to policy due to the site’s remoteness from services and it did not relate to an established group of buildings.

·  It was possible that permitted development rights would allow for another garage to be built on the site without requiring planning permission.

·  The issue of recreational benefit should be given little weight as no supporting information had been provided by the applicant.

Cllr Kew stated that the structures could be considered as an “established group of buildings” and noted that this was a matter of opinion as there was no clear definition in the planning policy documents.  He also pointed out that water and electricity facilities were already available on the site.

Cllr Appleyard stated that the policy was unclear on the issue of what actually constituted a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 107.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

The Committee considered a report setting out the quarterly performance statistics from October to December 2018.

The Team Manager, Development Management, advised the Committee that future reports would show the actual number of planning applications in time as well as the percentage figures.

The Committee was pleased to note the excellent performance with regard to planning appeals.

The Team Manager, Development Management, explained that, although the number of Enforcement Notices issued appeared to be low (4 notices between October and December 2018), officers did their best to resolve issues by negotiation with Notices being issued as a last resort. 

RESOLVED: To note the report.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

The Committee considered the appeals report.

RESOLVED:  To notethe report.