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.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Paul Crossley and Cllr Alex Beaumont was in attendance as a substitute for items 1 and 2 on the main plans list.

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 Eleanor Jackson declared an interest in application (1) 23/02448/FUL - The Oval Office, Cobblers Way, Westfield, Radstock (item 1 under the main applications list) as a member of Westfield Parish Council directly affected by the application and confirmed that she would address the committee as ward member and then withdraw from the meeting and not participate in the debate or vote.

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 17 January 2024 as a correct record for signing by the Chair.

It was moved by Cllr Eleanor Jackson seconded by Cllr Tim Warren and:

RESOLVED  that the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 17 January 2024 be confirmed as a correct record for signing by the Chair.

There are no site visit applications.

There were no site visit applications for consideration.

The following items will be considered at 11am:

1.  23/02448/FUL - The Oval Office, Cobblers Way, Westfield, Radstock

2.  22/05081/FUL - 53 Rockliffe Road, Bathwick, Bath

The following items will be considered at 2pm:

3.  23/00537/FUL - 14 Woodland Grove, Claverton Down, Bath

4.  23/04756/FUL - 109 Hurn Lane, Keynsham

The Committee considered:

A report by the Head of Planning on the application under the main applications list.

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)  23/02448/FUL - The Oval Office, Cobblers Way, Westfield, Radstock

The Planning Case Officer introduced the report which considered an application for the conversion of an office building into 9 2-bed apartments.  She outlined the history of the site to confirm that the original planning permission for the site restricted the change of use to residential but a subsequent variation of condition application to remove this restriction had been approved and therefore there was no longer a condition restricting permitted development rights in relation to change of use to residential. 

She confirmed the officer’s recommendation that permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The following public representations were received:

1.  Jack Broadway, applicant speaking in support of the application.

Cllr Eleanor Jackson declared an interest and withdrew from the Committee and made the following points as local ward member.

1.  There had been no response from Westfield Parish Council due to the fact that the Parish Council was an existing tenant of the building and therefore it was not appropriate for the Parish Council to comment on the application. 

2.  In view of the position of the Parish Council, it was important for the decision to be determined by the Committee so allow for transparency and accountability. 

3.  The change of use of the building from office space to residential would have an impact on the amenity of local residents as there would be an increase in noise during the evening. 

4.  The loss of office space was regrettable as 60% of local residents commuted to work outside the area and there was a need for local employment opportunities.

5.  Ecological concerns such as light spillage also needed to be considered. 

In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed:

1.  A full application had been submitted rather than prior approval due to the requirement for the proposed erection of a bin and cycle store which fell outside of the provisions of the General Permitted Development Order.

2.  An economic assessment had been carried out as part of the previous variation of condition application.  Robust marketing information was submitted at that time and the variation was approved. The site did not fall within the criteria for strong economic reasons listed within Policy ED1B of the Local Plan Partial Update.

3.  The site was outside the housing development boundary, and this had not been changed in the Local Plan Partial Update.  The site had Prior approval for the change of use and this was a fallback position which was given weight in the assessment.

4.  The issue of alternative accommodation for current tenants was not a material consideration.

5.  A bat survey had been undertaken and no further report was required.

6.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

In response to a question about the split decision in relation to application 21/00291/UNAUTH - Roman City Guest House, 18 Raby Place, Bathwick, the Deputy Planning Officer undertook to report back following consultation with the Enforcement Team.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.