Agenda item

The Committee considered

·  The report of the Development Manager on applications for planning permission

·  An Update Report by the Development Manager on Item 1, a copy of which is attached as Appendix 1 to these Minutes

·  Oral statements by members of the public etc on Items 1 and 2, a copy of the List being attached as Appendix 2 to these Minutes

RESOLVED that, in accordance with their delegated powers, the applications be determined as set out in the Decisions List attached as Appendix 3 to these Minutes

Item 1 Private Garden at Lark Place, Upper Bristol Road, Lower Weston, Bath – Erection of a pair of 2 storey semi-detached 3 bedroom dwellings and a terrace of 3 two storey 3 bedroom dwellings, including access, parking for 5 cars, cycle storage and amenity provision – The Case Officer reported on this application and his recommendation to (A) authorise the Planning and Environmental Law Manager to enter into a S106 Agreement to secure contributions relating to Education, Open Space and Recreational Facilities, and Transport; and (B) subject to the prior completion of the S106 Agreement, authorise the Development Manager to Permit subject to conditions (or such Conditions as she may determine). The Update Report referred to further objections received from local residents and the Allotments Association, receipt of a Petition, comments by the applicant’s Solicitor and comments by the Building Regulations Section. He recommended further Conditions to be imposed relating to reinstatement of the perimeter boundary wall and works being undertaken in accordance with the approved plans.

The public speakers made their statements against and in favour of the proposal which was followed by a statement by the Ward Councillor Andy Furse against the proposal.

Councillor Doug Nicol opened the debate and considered that the application should be refused on the grounds of loss of allotment land. Councillor Les Kew stated that this was not allotments but private land which would remain derelict if not developed. He considered that this was a good development of 5 houses and therefore moved the Officer recommendation to Delegate to Permit with the S106 Agreement and the conditions recommended. He continued by saying that his only concern was the car parking issue on Upper Bristol Road but felt that this could be overcome by parking provision in adjoining roads and therefore moved that Condition 5 be amended to include the provision of alternative parking in adjoining roads. In response to Members' queries, the Officers gave advice on Policy CF8 regarding protection of allotments which it was considered did not apply and designation of the land in the Local Plan which Officers considered was not allotment land. Councillor Eleanor Jackson referred to the national standards for allotments and queried the value of 5 allotments against 5 houses. She considered that 5 houses were a better use of the land and therefore seconded the motion to Delegate to Permit.

Members debated the motion. A Member expressed dismay that Policy CF8 did not seem to apply but felt that the community value should be taken into account. There was still some concern about on street parking provision with the loss of spaces in order to obtain access to the site. Councillor Manda Rigby felt that housing was a better use of the land and moved an amendment in order for further work to be undertaken in consultation with Officers regarding parking on the highway. The amendment was not seconded. It was noted that this would probably require the application to be deferred.

After a short discussion, the motion was put to the vote. Voting: 9 in favour and 2 against with 2 abstentions. Motion carried.

Item 2 Oldfield School, Kelston Road, Newbridge, Bath – Relocation of existing temporary classroom building within the school campus, erection of new single storey Drama Block on the current site, reintroduction of grassed area and removal of existing lighting columns to current temporary car park at rear of site – The Case Officer reported on this application and her recommendation to Permit with conditions. She referred to the Update Report with further Conditions being recommended and to further details having been received regarding a sedum roof, landscaping and building heights.

The public speaker made a statement against the application.

Councillor Caroline Roberts opened the debate as the Ward Member and considered that this was overdevelopment which was too close to the boundary with the adjoining resident. The Case Officer responded to Councillor Les Kew’s queries regarding a gap in the boundary hedge and landscaping. He felt that semi-mature trees should be included if possible. Councillor Eleanor Jackson stated that the Site Visit was very beneficial and considered that the proposal was satisfactory and therefore moved the Officer recommendation to Permit with conditions. She felt that a Master Plan should be provided by the School which perhaps the Ward Member could pursue. The Chair agreed that such a Plan should be provided and referred to incremental development over the years and the greater intake of children from South Gloucestershire and Bristol since becoming a Co-Educational School a couple of years ago. Councillor Liz Hardman seconded the motion to Permit with conditions with adequate landscaping being provided.

Members debated the motion. The Chair had a concern regarding the height of the building and felt that some clarity was required. The Team Leader – Development Management stated that a condition could be imposed regarding the agreement of ground levels and this was accepted by the mover and seconder.

The motion was then put to the vote and was carried, 8 voting in favour and 4 against with 1 abstention.

(Note: Following this decision at 3.05pm, there was a 10 minute natural break)