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 Lucy Hodge – substitute Cllr Ruth Malloy.

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 Vic Clarke declared a non-pecuniary interest in application no. 19/00783/FUL – Tennis Court Farm, Wells Road, Hallatrow.  Cllr Clarke was a friend of the agent and stated that he would not speak or vote on this item and would leave the meeting when it 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.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 5 June 2019.

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 June 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 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 Committee’s 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. 19/00902/LBA

Site Location: 11 Quarry Vale, Combe Down, Bath, BA2 5JZ – Internal and external alterations to include installation of 1^st to 2^nd floor staircase.  Installation of two conservation roof windows on rear roof slope.  Board up roof void over joists.  Install plaster board under rafters with skim finish.  Convert bathroom to bedroom.

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation for refusal.

The applicant spoke in favour of the application.

In response to a question the Case Officer explained that the purpose of the proposed roof lights was to light a bedroom.  She confirmed that there was one roof light in a similar property at the other end of the terrace.  She also stated that the relocation of the bathroom would have a negative impact on the listed cottage.

Cllr Craig felt that the impact on the property would be minimal and that the proposals would improve the dwelling.

Cllr Jackson agreed with the Case Officer’s assessment regarding the harm to a heritage asset.  She moved the officer recommendation for refusal.  The motion was not seconded.

Cllr Hounsell noted that the alcoves would still be visible following the completion of the works.

Cllr Craig moved that the Committee delegate to permit the application as, on balance, the improvements to the family home would not cause harm to the property.  Cllr Hounsell seconded the motion.

In response to a question the Team Manager, Development Management, explained that personal circumstances were rarely a material planning consideration.

Cllr Davis understood the reasons for the application but felt that the Committee should consider the potential harm to a heritage asset.

The motion was put to the vote and there were 5 votes in favour and 5 votes against.  The Chair then used his casting vote in favour of the motion.  It was therefore RESOLVED to DELEGATE TO PERMIT the application subject to conditions.

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 4 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 4 to these minutes.

Item Nos. 1 and 2

Application Nos. 17/01542/FUL and 17/01543/LBA

Site Location: Cedar Park Care Centre, 27-28 Oldfield Road, Oldfield Park, Bath – Erection of replacement two storey block and additional two storey extensions to the south and east with retained buildings to be refurbished and augmented following demolition of existing central link building.  Internal and external alterations to erect one replacement two storey block and 2 additional two storey extensions to the south and east with retained buildings to be refurbished and augmented following demolition of existing central link building.

The Case Officer reported on the applications and her recommendations for refusal.  She informed the Committee that two further objections had been received regarding overdevelopment of the site and landscaping.  She also explained that the plans for the care home to specialise in services for residents with dementia would not require an application for change of use.

A solicitor spoke on behalf of local residents against the applications.

The applicant and agent spoke in favour of the applications.

Cllr Shaun Stephenson-McGall spoke against the applications.  He stated that there had been little dialogue between Cedar Care and local residents.  He pointed out that the proposals would create an oversupply of beds and also highlighted the adverse effect on neighbouring properties.  Whilst he recognised the need for care home facilities he felt that the applications represented overdevelopment, would be detrimental to the local area and would be contrary to policy.

The Case Officer then responded to questions as follows:

·  The replacement link and extension would be overly dominant.

·  There would be a parking shortfall of 19 spaces according to the requirements set out in the Placemaking Plan. 

Cllr Jackson moved the officer recommendations for refusal (for both applications), in particular, due to the bulk and scale of the proposal.

Cllr Davis did not feel that these applications represented the right option for providing additional care home spaces due to issues of landscaping and mass.

Cllr Rigby agreed with the reasons for refusal set out in the officer reports.  She was concerned at the potential damage to a listed building and, in particular, to the entrance hall.  She then seconded the motion (in respect of both applications).

The motion was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED:

(a)  By 9 votes in favour and 1 abstention to REFUSE planning permission for the reasons set out in the report.

(b)  Unanimously to REFUSE listed building consent for the reasons set out in the report.

(Note: Cllr  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

The Committee considered the appeals report and congratulated officers on the positive performance at appeal.

RESOLVED to NOTEthe report.

The Chair explained that he would be unable to attend the next meeting and proposed that Cllr Davis chair the meeting in his absence.  This was seconded by Cllr Jackson.

RESOLVED: To agree that Cllr Sally Davis be elected chair for the next Planning Committee meeting to be held on 31 July 2019.