Agenda and minutes

The Democratic Services Officer will draw attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

The Democratic Services Officer read out the emergency evacuation procedure.

There were no apologies for absence or substitutions.

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 4.4 Appendix 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.

In relation to item 1 under the main applications list, 22/00881/OUT - Parcel 9176, Langley's Lane, Paulton, Cllr Shaun Hughes stated that he owned an industrial unit on the existing development but had no interest in relation to the application.

Cllr Shaun Hughes declared that he had already stated his objection to the associated Mendip housing application relating to 21/02973/OUT Parcel 3589, Silver Street, Midsomer Norton (item 2 under the main applications list) and would not participate in the debate or vote, but he would address the Committee as adjacent ward member.

There was no urgent business.

To note that, regarding planning applications to be considered, members of the public who have given the requisite notice to Democratic Services will be able to make a statement to the Committee immediately before their respective applications are considered. There will be a time limit of 3 minutes for each proposal, i.e., 3 minutes for the Parish and Town Councils, 3 minutes for the objectors to the proposal and 3 minutes for the applicant, agent and supporters. This allows a maximum of 9 minutes per proposal.

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 8 March 2023 as a correct record for signing by the Chair.

It was moved by Cllr Eleanor Jackson, seconded by Cllr Brian Simmons and:

RESOLVED  that the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 8 March 2023 be confirmed as a correct record for signing by the Chair.

There are no site visit applications for consideration.

There were no site visit applications for consideration.

The following items will be considered at 11am:

1.  22/00881/OUT - Parcel 9176, Langley's Lane, Paulton,

Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset

2.  21/02973/OUT - Parcel 3589, Silver Street, Midsomer

Norton, Bath and North East Somerset

The following items will be considered at 2pm:

3.  22/04787/FUL - Parcel 2065, Meadgate East, Camerton, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

4.  23/00260/FUL - Heighgrove Barn, Scumbrum Lane, High Littleton, Bristol, Bath And North East Somerset

The Committee considered:

A report by the Head of Planning on various planning applications under the main applications list and an update report in relation to items (1), (2) and (3).

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 Main decisions list attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes.

(1)  22/00881/OUT - Parcel 9176, Langley's Lane, Paulton,

The Case Officer introduced the report which considered an outline planning application (with all matters reserved, except for access) for small scale industrial units with associated works and access from existing Old Mills development.

In relation to the highway mitigations and contribution from the developer, she clarified that:

1.  A Local Development Order (LDO) put forward by the Council proposed modifications to the Thicketmead Roundabout and surrounding road network.

2.  A contribution was being sought from the developer to support these works.

3.  If the LDO did not come forward there would be sufficient capital from the contribution to undertake highway works to Thicketmead to mitigate the traffic impact of this development.

The Case Officer confirmed her recommendation that officers be delegated to permit the application subject to:

1.  A Section 106 agreement being agreed to secure the necessary highway works and contributions and a contribution towards Targeted Training and Recruitment.

2.  The conditions set out in the report.

The following public representations were received:

1.  Chris Dance, agent, speaking in support of the application.

Cllr Liz Hardman, Ward Member was unable to attend, and a statement was read out on her behalf which raised the following points:

1.  She objected to the application.  She acknowledged that the land had been classified for business use but was disappointed with that decision as the land was greenfield.

2.  She did not believe the highways measures would be sufficient to mitigate the extra traffic generated especially in the context of the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone (SVEZ).

3.  Cycling to work was not deliverable due to poor cycle routes.

4.  Some units in Phase 1 were still empty which demonstrated that phase 2 was not needed.

In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed:

1.  In relation to the impact on residents of Springfield Buildings, this could be addressed by conditions at the reserved matters stage when there was more information available about the scale, layout and design of the site.

2.  The impact of both the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone and this proposal had been considered in highways modelling and this proposal had also been considered separately in the event of the SVEZ not coming forward.  The project team for the LDO had confirmed that the roundabout works would be delivered withing a reasonable timeframe.

3.  Highways modelling had considered data from 2019, 2021 and projected growth data for 2026.  The national transport database was used to compare with similar sites in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

The Committee considered the appeals report.

Cllr Lucy Hodge referred to appeal that was upheld in relation to the installation of solar PV panels and ground source heat pump pipe work at Watery Lane, Burnett and the weight given to renewable energy by the Inspector.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.