Agenda item

The Committee considered

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

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

·  Oral statements by members of the public etc on Items 1-3, a copy of which List is 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 at Appendix 4 to these Minutes

Item 1 Former Cadbury’s Factory, Cross Lane, Keynsham – Hybrid planning application for mixed use development (including part demolition of existing buildings) comprising:

(A) Outline application for up to 430 dwellings, 60 bed care home (C2), primary school (D1), local centre to include crèche and medical facility (D1) and retail (A1, A3, A4 and A5), café/restaurant (A3) and associated roads, infrastructure (including flood protection measures), landscaping, new wildlife areas, open space and cycle/foot ways. All matters except access reserved.

(B) Detailed application for the erection of 157 dwellings, change of use of Block A for up to 113 apartments, highway works at Somerdale Road/Station Road,, social and sports provision (new Fry Club), new sports pitches, relocation of groundsman’s hut, alterations to factory buildings B and C for employment use (B1), leisure (D2) and retail (A3, A4 and A5), including use of existing basements for car parking and associated surface level parking, access roads, landscaping and associated infrastructure, engineering works to Chandos Road and associated landscaping, extension to Station overspill car park, surface water attenuation pond and outfall to the River Avon

The Case Officer reported on these applications and his recommendations to (A) authorise the Planning and Environmental Law Manager to secure an Agreement under S106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to secure various provisions; and (B) authorise the Development Manager of Planning and Transport Development to Permit subject to conditions. He referred to the Update Report which gave details of further comments received from local residents, Keynsham Town Council and various other consultees.

The public speakers made their statements against and in favour of the proposals. This was followed by a statement by the Ward Councillor Brian Simmonds who expressed concern about the proposals primarily with highways/access.

Councillor Bryan Organ opened the debate. He supported the proposals which he felt were good for Keynsham and therefore moved the Officer recommendations. He continued by saying that the existing road network had coped with traffic for a number of years. However, with other major development coming on stream, he felt that an Officer should be appointed to oversee development/highways in and around Keynsham – a 10 year Plan would also be helpful. The motion was seconded by Councillor Martin Veal who considered that the need for a 2^nd access road had not been proven. However, an Integrated Transport Scheme was required in view of the major developments in the town which would need to be approved before final phases of development were completed.

Members debated the motion. Various issues were discussed including the road access or lack of a 2^nd access, the pedestrian crossing, employment including the occupation of part of the site by a large drinks distribution company, the possibility of a better train timetable, loss of sports pitches, the current High Street shops. The Team Leader – Development Management clarified that the application was for B1 employment use, namely, offices and light industrial use. The Case Officer responded to some of the issues. He said that the single access was shown to work and that safeguarding the 2^nd access was not part of the proposals. A Member hoped that 35% affordable housing could be achieved.

After a full discussion, the Chair summed up the debate and then put the motion to the vote which was carried unanimously.

Item 2 Elm Tree Inn, Wells Road, Westfield, Radstock – Construction of 14 new dwellings comprising 3 three bedroom houses, 7 two bedroom houses, 2 two bedroom apartments and 2 one bedroom apartments – 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 100% affordable housing; and (B) subject to the prior completion of the S106 Agreement, authorise the Development Manager of Planning and Transport Development to Permit subject to conditions (or such Conditions as she may determine).

The public speaker made a statement in favour of the proposal.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson supported the proposal. There were various facilities in the vicinity which would obviate the need for contributions under a S106 Agreement. The re-siting of the bus stop was a good measure. She therefore moved the Officer recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Liz Hardman. The Chair put the motion to the vote which was carried unanimously.

Item 3 No 16 Southstoke Road, Combe Down, Bath – First floor extension over existing property resulting in 2 storey dwelling. Two storey rear extension and 2 single storey side extensions – The case Officer reported on this application and her recommendation to Permit with conditions.

The public speakers made their statements against and in favour of the application. This was followed by statements by the Ward Councillors Cherry Beath and Roger Symonds who were against the proposal.

Councillor Les Kew felt that it would be beneficial to have a Site Visit to view the site in the context of its surroundings. He therefore moved that it be deferred accordingly. Councillor Liz Hardman seconded the motion as it was important to assess the proposal in the light of the group value of adjoining buildings.

The motion was put to the vote and was carried, 8 voting in favour and 3 against with 2 abstentions.