Agenda and draft 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 Deborah Collins who had submitted her apologies.

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 5 - 23/02444/FUL - Hazel Elm, Old Midford Road, Midford, Bath and confirmed that she would be stepping down from the Committee during this item to speak as ward Councillor and then withdrawing from the meeting during the debate and decision.

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 of the process for public speakers to address the Committee.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 12 February 2025 as a correct record for signing by the Chair.

It was moved by Cllr Simon, seconded by Cllr Warren that the minutes be approved as a correct record subject to the description of the listed building referred to in item 4 of the main applications list - 24/04180/OUT – St Malo, First Avenue, Oldfield Park, Bath, being amended from Grade I to Grade II*;

RESOLVED  that the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 12 February 2025 be confirmed as a correct record for signing by the Chair subject to the description of the listed building referred to in item 4 of the main applications list - 24/04180/OUT – St Malo, First Avenue, Oldfield Park, Bath, being amended from Grade I to Grade II*

The following item will be considered at 11am:

(1)  24/02245/FUL - 105 Holcombe Close, Bathampton, Bath

The Committee considered:

1.  A report and update report by the Head of Planning on the application under the site visit applications list.

2.  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 application be determined as set out in the site visit applications decisions list attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes.

(1)  24/02245/FUL - 105 Holcombe Close, Bathampton, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

The Case Officer introduced the report which considered an application for the erection of a single and two storey side extension, addition of new flat

roof dormers to the existing property roof and associated external works which had been deferred from the previous meeting pending a site visit.

She confirmed the officers’ recommendation that the application be permitted subject to the conditions set out in the report

The following public representations were received:

1.  James Gibbs, local resident, objecting to the application.

2.  Neil Smith, applicant, supporting the application.

In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed:

1.  The raised decking was located outside the link element, it was a small area with steps leading to the garden. 

2.  There were similar extensions in the road, but each application should be considered on its own merits. 

3.  The proposed two-storey extension was 6m in height. 

4.  In relation to mitigation for loss of trees, Biodiversity Net Gain was not a requirement for domestic extensions. 

5.  The application site was not in a conservation area.

Cllr Shaun Hughes opened the debate and stated that although he found aspects of the application to be acceptable, he was concerned about the double extension and its impact on the neighbouring property.  He proposed that the application be refused due to the impact on the residential amenity arising from the two-storey extension which would lead to a loss of light, overshadowing and have an overbearing impact on the neighbouring property.  This was seconded by Cllr Tim Warren. 

In response to whether it would be appropriate to include an additional reason relating to overdevelopment, the Committee was advised that this was not appropriate in relation to this application. 

On voting for the motion, it was CARRIED (6 in favour, 3 against and 1 abstention).

RESOLVED that the application be refused for the following reasons:

The two-storey extension would have an impact on residential amenity resulting in a loss of light, overshadowing and an overbearing impact on the neighbouring property. 

The following items will be considered at 11am:

1.  24/01566/FUL - Parcel 7512, Fosseway, Englishcombe, Bath

The following items will be considered at 2pm:

2.  23/03975/FUL - Plots 25 And 26, The Smallholdings, Claude Avenue, Twerton, Bath

3.  24/01294/FUL - Barnlea, Withy Mills, Paulton, Bristol

4.  24/02599/FUL - Ring Of Bells, The Street, Compton Martin

5.  23/02444/FUL - Hazel Elm, Old Midford Road, Midford, Bath

6.  24/03981/FUL - Lake View, Stoke Hill, Chew Stoke, Bristol

7.  23/02711/FUL - St Anthonys, The Barton, Corston, Bath

8.  24/04018/FUL - New Leaf Farm, Mill Lane, Bathampton, Bath

9.  24/04510/LBA - 10 Berkeley Place, Walcot, Bath

The Committee considered:

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

2.  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 applications decisions list attached as Appendix 3 to these minutes.

1.  24/01566/FUL - Parcel 7512, Fosseway, Englishcombe, Bath

The Case Officer introduced the report which considered an application for the reprofiling of land for the purposes of agricultural improvement, biodiversity benefits and landscape screening.

She confirmed the officers’ recommendation that the application be permitted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

There were no public speakers in relation to the application. 

In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed:

1.  The materials were understood to be inert, but officers were recommending a condition requiring a materials method statement and management plan, as well as stringent conditions relating to contaminated land.

2.  It would not be reasonable to condition the future use of the site, but future development would be restricted by the location of the site in the green belt and close to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

3.  There had been no objection or request for a condition in relation to drainage and flooding from the Council’s drainage team when consulted on the previous similar application.

4.  The nearby Public Right of Way would be protected.

5.  In terms of a time limit for works, there would be the standard three-year condition, but there was also a live breach of condition associated with a previous application which could be actioned.

6.  The applicant would need to provide information to the Council about the annual work schedule for a 30-year period, after this time it would be possible to use the land to grow food, but this was considered to be unlikely.

7.  The site was a gateway to the World Heritage site, and the application had been assessed accordingly.

Cllr Fiona Gourley opened the debate as ward Councillor.  She stated there was a long history with issues around storage of materials and although she sympathised with the concerns of the Parish Council, she considered that officers had worked hard to find a solution. 

Cllr Tim Warren moved the officers’ recommendation to permit the application.  This was seconded by Cllr Paul Crossley.  Cllr Lucy Hodge spoke in support of the motion as the application was policy compliant.

On voting for the motion, it was CARRIED (10 in favour and 0 against).

RESOLVED that the application be permitted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

2.  23/03975/FUL - Plots 25 And 26, The Smallholdings, Claude Avenue, Twerton, Bath

The Case Officer introduced the report which considered an application for the erection of new commercial buildings.  She gave a verbal update to confirm the comments of the Vice Chair which were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

The Committee considered the appeals report.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.