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.

There were no apologies for absence.

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 Rigby declared an interest in planning application number 19/02276/FUL – Bath City Football Club, High Street, Twerton, Bath.  Cllr Rigby is a former Chair of the football club and is also a shareholder.  Cllr Rigby stated that she would sit in the public gallery, out of sight of the Committee, while this item was discussed and would not speak or vote.

Cllrs MacFie, McCabe and Rigby declared interests in planning application numbers 20/00098/FUL and 20/00099/LBA – 31 James Street West, Bath.  The interests related to their work for the Liberal Democrat Party.  The Councillors stated that they would leave the meeting when this item was discussed and would not speak or vote.

The Monitoring Officer had granted dispensations for Cllrs Sue Craig, Lucy Hodge and Duncan Hounsell to enable them to speak and vote on the Liberal Democrat HQ planning applications – 31 James Street West, Bath.

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.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2020.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2020 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, 2, 3, 8 and 9 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.

(Note: At this point Cllr Rigby moved to the public gallery, out of sight of the Committee, having declared an interest in the following planning application).

Item No. 1

Application No. 19/02276/FUL

Site Location: Bath City Football Club, High Street, Twerton, Bath, BA2 1DB – Mixed-use redevelopment of Twerton Park and adjoining land, comprising of; replacement spectator stand, new east terrace and playing pitch (levelling with 3G surface); 12 affordable dwellings (C3 use), 33 co-living apartments (Sui Generis); 356 beds of student accommodation (Sui Generis); community function space (D1 use); gymnasium (D2 use); commercial units (A1/A2/A3/A4/A5 and AA uses); modifications to the external appearance of the existing retail and residential units (providing 6 additional apartments) between 105 and 116 High Street; associated landscaping and public realm works.

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

Three people spoke against the application including local residents and a representative from the Bath Preservation Trust.

Five people spoke in favour of the application including the agent and the applicant.

Cllr Sarah Moore, local ward member, spoke against the application.  She stated that she supported proposals to improve the local facilities, however, not in the current form.  WECA funding is already in place to improve the High Street.  The large block of purpose-built student accommodation would harm the residential amenity of the area, both for existing residents of Twerton and for students living in the block.  The effect of this on local infrastructure also caused concern as parking is already difficult in this area and the streets are particularly busy on match days.  She also had concerns about the sustainability of the shops and the installation of a 3G pitch which would have an adverse effect on local wildlife.  The impact of floodlighting until late in the evening would also adversely affect residents.  The football club needs redevelopment but not in this form.  Cllr Moore hoped that a new proposal could be put forward that works for both the football club and local residents.

The Case Officer then responded to questions as follows:

·  The proposal includes plans for undercroft parking but not underground parking.

·  Plant could be located on the lower ground floors.

·  The non en-suite student rooms would be 9sqm and the en-suite student rooms would be 12sqm.  The student accommodation would consist of cluster flats.

·  Considerations for the World Heritage Site related to its outstanding universal values; however, this site is at the bottom of a slope and would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

The Committee considered the appeals report.

RESOLVED to NOTEthe report.