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.

Cllr Ruth Malloy was substituting for Cllr Toby Simon.

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.

Cllr Fiona Gourley declared an interest in item (1) 22/02169/EOUT – Parcel 4234, Combe Hay Lane, Combe Hay, Bath as she had already commented on the application and would stand down from the Committee during consideration of the item and speak as ward member.

Cllr Paul Crossley declared a minor interest in item (1) 22/02169/EOUT – Parcel 4234, Combe Hay Lane, Combe Hay, Bath as a Council representative on Cotswolds AONB Conservation Board but confirmed that this would not prejudice him in considering this item and he had not prejudged the application.

Cllr Paul Crossley declared an interest in item (6) 23/02731/FUL 1 Drake Avenue, Combe Down, Bath as he had a relative who lived near the application site and withdrew from the meeting during this item.

Cllr Duncan Hounsell declared an interest in item (7) 23/03159/FUL Rockside, Mead Lane, Saltford, Bristol as he would be speaking on behalf of the applicants as ward member. He confirmed that he would withdraw from the meeting during the debate on the item and that Cllr Ian Halsall would take the Chair.

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.

In relation to the planning application 22/02169/EOUT – Parcel 4234, Combe Hay Lane, Combe Hay, Bath, the Chair has agreed to extend the time limit for speakers to reflect the number of planning issues involved.  In relation to this application, the time limit will be:

3 minutes for Combe Hay Parish Council

3 minutes for South Stoke Parish Council

6 minutes for objectors

6 minutes for supporters

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 18 October 2023 as a correct record for signing by the Chair.

It was moved by Cllr Eleanor Jackson, seconded by Cllr Paul Crossley and:

RESOLVED  that the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 18 October 2023 be confirmed as a correct record for signing by the Chair.

The following application will be considered in the morning session starting at 11am:

1.  22/02169/EOUT - Parcel 4234, Combe Hay Lane, Combe Hay, Bath

The following applications will be considered in the afternoon session starting at 2pm:

2.  23/00660/FUL - Proximity House, Pixash Business Centre, Pixash

Lane, Keynsham

3.  23/01692/LBA - Bloomfield House, 146 Bloomfield Road, Bloomfield, Bath

4.  23/01693/FUL - Bloomfield House, 146 Bloomfield Road, Bloomfield, Bath

5.  22/04109/FUL - Elm Grove Farm, Lower Road, Hinton

Blewett, Bristol

6.  23/02731/FUL - 1 Drake Avenue, Combe Down, Bath

7.  23/03159/FUL - Rockside, Mead Lane, Saltford, Bristol

8.  22/04565/FUL - The Old Post Office, Tucking Mill Lane, Midford, Bath

9.  23/02958/VAR - Waterworks Cottage, Charlcombe Way, Fairfield Park, Bath

10.23/02496/FUL - 9 St Ann's Way, Bathwick, Bath,

The Committee considered:

A report and update report by the Head of Planning on various planning applications under the main applications list.

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)  22/02169/EOUT – Parcel 4234, Combe Hay Lane, Combe Hay, Bath

The Planning Case Officer introduced the report which considered a hybrid application as follows:

1.  an outline application for Phases 3 and 4 for up to 290 dwellings; landscaping; drainage; open space; allotments; footpaths and emergency access; all matters reserved, except access from Combe Hay Lane via the approved Phase 1 spine road.

2.  Detailed application for the continuation of the spine road (from Phase 1), to and through Sulis Manor and associated works comprising: the demolition of existing dilapidated buildings and tree removal; drainage; landscaping; lighting; boundary treatment; and the erection of 4 x Bat Night Roosts; to enable construction of the spine road; with the ecologic mitigation on Derrymans and the field known as 30Acres.

He confirmed the recommendation that officers be delegated to permit the application subject to:

(1)  Authorising the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to enter into a Section 106 Agreement to cover the heads of terms detailed within the report.

(2)  the conditions set out in the report (or such conditions as may be appropriate).

He drew attention to a number of issues raised by objectors and responded as follows:

1.  Number of dwellings for both phases was 461 which was higher than the 300 allocation – the figure of 300 in the Core Strategy was not a cap, the number could be greater if the placemaking principles of the allocation could be met.

2.  The Masterplan was not comprehensive – the masterplan did cover the full extent of the allocation with sufficient level of detail of what is proposed.

3.  The allocation was for mixed use and the application was for residential - the requirement for mixed and community use covered the whole allocation and there were other uses outside of this application.  The application also included allotments and community squares.

4.  Highways impact had not been properly assessed – traffic surveys and modelling had been undertaken and the highways team were satisfied with the process and conclusions. 

5.  Loss of trees due to the spine road – there would be a loss of 69 trees and this was regrettable.  Other options to access the site were not considered to be viable.  The impact on trees was minimalised and there would be replacement planting.

6.  AONB exceptional circumstances were not met – officers considered there to be exceptional circumstances due to the housing need.

7.  Brownfield sites should be used for development before greenfield sites – there was no requirement to deliver on brownfield sites first, both greenfield and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

The Committee considered the appeals report.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.