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.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Shelley Bromley, who was unable to attend the meeting as she was attending the AGM of the Avon Fire Authority.  Cllr Ruth Malloy attended as the substitute member.

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.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 2021.

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 2021 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The following application will be considered in the morning session (from 11am):

·  21/00435/EREG03 – Ministry of Defence Storage and Distribution Centre, Pixash Lane, Keynsham

The following applications will be considered in the afternoon session (from 2pm):

·  20/04067/FUL – Waterworks Cottage, Charlcombe Way, Fairfield Park, Bath

·  21/02044/FUL – Crewcroft Barn, Hinton Hill, Hinton Charterhouse, Bath

·  21/01646/FUL – 3 Barrow View, Timsbury Road, Farmborough, Bath

·  Tree Preservation Order 2021 – Land Adjacent to Meadow Barn, Wick Lane, Pensford

The Committee considered:

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

·  An update report by the Head of Planning 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. 21/00435/EREG03

Site Location: Ministry of Defence Storage and Distribution Centre, Pixash Lane, Keynsham – Redevelopment and consolidation of existing depot site and adjacent land with associated staff parking and access and landscaping works to include the provision of the following: (i) a public re-use and recycling centre (RRC); (ii) material recovery facility (MRF); (iii) waste transfer station (WTS); (iv) Trader (bulky waste); Trade Waste Transfer Station (TWTS); (v) vehicle fleet storage and maintenance storage; (vi) MOT centre (public); (vii) BANES Highways winter service and salt store; and ancillary offices.

This application was withdrawn from the agenda and will be considered at a future meeting.

Item No. 2

Application No. 20/04067/FUL

Site Location: Waterworks Cottage, Charlcombe Way, Fairfield Park, Bath – Extension and alteration to existing cottage and creation of two detached dwellings.

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

A local resident and a representative from the Bath Preservation Trust spoke against the application.

The agent spoke in favour of the application.

Cllr Rob Appleyard, local ward member, spoke regarding the application.  He drew attention to the large number of objections to the proposal (over 300).  He noted that, although some concerns have been dealt with, overdevelopment could still be an issue.  He also asked members to carefully consider the location of property no. 3 in the context of potential overlooking.  He also recommended the consideration of a construction management plan.

Cllr Joanna Wright, local ward member, spoke regarding the application.  She pointed out that this was a walking route and an important local site.  She drew attention to the very steep bank and the fact that the site is located on a migration route for frogs and toads.  She recommended that the committee hold a site visit before making a final decision.

Officers then responded to questions as follows:

·  Plot 2 is located to the north of the existing dwelling.  Plot 3 is a 2-storey building and would share a boundary with the gardens of the neighbouring properties.  It was not felt that this would result in a significant impact to neighbours.

·  The site is located in a built-up area which is considered to be a sustainable location.

·  There is a pond located in an adjacent field and the area is a route for migrating frogs and toads.  The Council’s ecologist has recommended conditions to mitigate the risks to the amphibians.

·  An ecological survey was undertaken on 28 April 2021.  This had identified frogs and toads in the area,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

The Committee considered a report regarding the making of a tree preservation order (TPO) which was brought to the meeting because an objection had been received from the landowners following the making of the TPO. 

A statement from Cllr Paul May, local ward member, in support of the confirmation of the TPO was read out.

Cllr Jackson stated that this was a magnificent oak tree and, as such trees are becoming increasingly rare, it should be preserved.

Cllr Crossley moved the officer recommendation to confirm the order, which was seconded by Cllr Hodge.

The motion was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED unanimously to confirm the Tree Preservation Order without modification.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

Note: At this point Cllr Paul Crossley left the meeting having declared an interest in this item due to his connections with Bath Rugby Club and having been a season ticket holder.

The Committee considered a briefing report from the Planning Enforcement Team which provided an update regarding the recent announcement from Bath Rugby that they will be breaching their planning condition pertaining to removal of the East Stand at the end of the 2020/21 premiership rugby season.

RESOLVED: To note the report.

Note:  At this point Cllr Paul Crossley returned to the meeting.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

The Committee considered the appeals report.

RESOLVED to note the report.