Agenda item

The Committee considered

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

·  Oral statements by members of the public etc, the Speakers List being attached as Appendix 1 to these Minutes

·  An Update Report by the Development Manager on Item Nos 6 and 7, which report is attached as Appendix 3 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 4 to these Minutes.

Items 1-3 Horseworld, Staunton Lane, Whitchurch – (1) Hybrid planning application for enabling residential development of up to 125 dwellings and associated demolition, highways infrastructure and landscaping works. The Outline component comprises 118 dwellings including associated demolition, highways infrastructure and landscaping works; and the Detailed component comprises the redevelopment of 6 curtilage listed dwellings including associated demolition, highways infrastructure and landscaping works adjacent to the Grade II listed Staunton Manor Farmhouse; (2) erection of new visitor centre for the Horseworld Charity including associated highways infrastructure, parking provision and landscaping; and (3) conversion of curtilage listed building including selective demolition, extensions, internal and external works – These applications were withdrawn from the Agenda and were not discussed.

Item 4 Agricultural Haulage Building and Yard, Pinkers Farm, Middle Street, East Harptree – Erection of 8 houses and 4 workshops and provision of a new access road (Resubmission) – 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 various provisions relating to Education, Open Space and Recreational Facilities, Transport, Off-Site Drainage, and Affordable Housing; and (B) subject to the prior completion of the above Agreement, authorise the Development Manager to grant permission subject to conditions (or such conditions as she may determine). He stated that the Policy quoted on page 116 of the Report should refer to Policy HG8.

The public speakers made their statements against and in favour of the proposal. The Ward Councillor Tim Warren made a statement and considered that the application should be deferred for a Site Visit.

It was moved by Councillor Les Kew to defer for a Site Visit to view the site in the context of its surroundings and assess the access road. The motion was seconded by Councillor Liz Hardman.

Members debated the motion. A Member considered that information should be provided at the next meeting as regards the issues of a Grampian condition being imposed in relation to the slurry pit, and also the feasibility of workshops being provided.

The motion was put to the vote and was carried, 11 voting in favour and 0 against with 1 abstention.

(Note: Councillor Doug Nicol left the meeting at this point and did not return)

Item 5 No 56 Stonehouse Lane, Combe Down, Bath – Erection of 3 dwellings with 2 garages and amendments to existing access drive – The Case Officer reported on this application and her recommendation to grant permission subject to conditions.

The public speakers made their statements against and in favour of the proposal. The Ward Councillor Cherry Beath made a statement and felt that the application should be refused.

The use of materials was discussed. Councillor Eleanor Jackson moved the Officer recommendation to grant permission with conditions on the basis that the materials and colour of render were covered by condition. It was pointed out by Officers that the recommended Condition 2 would cover this aspect. The motion was seconded by Councillor Les Kew.

Members debated the motion. Some concern was expressed regarding the design, possible overlooking at Plot 3 and the scale of the development.

The motion was put to the vote. Voting: 7 in favour and 4 against. Motion carried.

Item 6 No 63 Warminster Road, Bath – Erection of replacement dwelling following demolition of existing dwelling (Revised proposal) – The Case Officer reported on this application and his recommendation to grant permission subject to conditions. The Update Report recommended an additional condition relating to bats.

The public speakers made their statements against and in favour of the proposal.

On the basis that he considered that the replacement building was of poor design quality, it was moved by Councillor Bryan Organ to refuse permission which was seconded by Councillor Vic Pritchard.

Members debated the motion. The quality of the design was discussed and a few Members were disappointed with the windows in the roof. The bay windows at first floor level were also criticised. However, a number of Members considered that the individual design did not warrant refusal.

On the basis of the debate, Councillor Bryan Organ withdrew his original motion and moved that the application be deferred for negotiations regarding the proposed design and a revised application be resubmitted to the Committee. This was seconded by Councillor Les Kew. The Team Leader – Development Management considered that it was likely that the revised application would be submitted to the meeting in December. The Chair summed up the debate.

The motion was put to the vote and was carried, 6 voting in favour and 5 against.

(Note: After this Item at 4.05pm, the meeting adjourned for 5 minutes for a natural break)

Item 7 Beechen Cliff School, Kipling Avenue, Bear Flat  - Variation of Condition 5 of application ref 11/00573/VAR (Variation of Condition 3 of application ref 10/00540/FUL in order to substitute submitted sports lighting report/assessment with a new lighting proposal (Provision of a synthetic pitch to replace existing sports pitch and an additional 5-a-side synthetic sports pitch, both with sports fencing and lighting) – The Case Officer reported on this application and his recommendation to grant permission subject to conditions. The Update Report recommended an additional condition relating to submission of a comprehensive management plan. The Officer summarised further representations that had been received and informed the meeting of technical issues including measuring light spill and some projections based on calculations.

The public speakers made their statements against and in favour of the proposal. The Ward Councillor Ben Stevens made a statement expressing some concerns about the application which was followed by a statement by Councillor David Bellotti, Ward Member for Lyncombe (the adjoining Ward) commenting positively on various aspects of the proposal.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson opened the debate. She considered that there was a need for these facilities for the school and the wider community. It was important that a Management Plan was included as a condition as recommended in the Update Report. She therefore moved approval of the Officer recommendation to grant permission with conditions. The motion was seconded by Councillor Les Kew who felt that this was an important community facility and should be supported.

Members debated the motion. Councillor Ian Gilchrist (the Ward Member on the Committee) considered that there would be a greater impact on local residents and the application should be refused. A Member referred to monies being provided for improved facilities at Odd Down. Another Member felt that the facilities for young people were good but the light pollution was disappointing. It was suggested that a site visit could be helpful to assess the effect of the lighting at night. Another Member disagreed as floodlighting was already provided and this proposal was just seeking to extend the hours to 9pm. A Member was reassured by the conditions for a 6 month assessment and a Management Plan. There was a full debate with some differences of opinion being expressed regarding the impact of the proposal. The Team Leader – Development Management gave advice regarding the recommended Condition 5 which related to an assessment of the lighting after 6 months operation.

The motion was put to the vote. Voting: 6 in favour and 4 against with 1 abstention. Motion carried.

Item 8 Forge Cottage, 7 High Street, Wellow – Replacement of a single storey flat roofed extension to Forge Cottage with a two storey extension, elevational alterations and associated works – The Case Officer reported on this application and her recommendation to grant permission subject to conditions.

Councillor Vic Pritchard moved the Officer recommendation to grant permission with conditions which was seconded by Councillor Les Kew.

The motion was put to the vote which was carried unanimously.

Item 9 Park House, Station Road, Keynsham – Erection of conservatory – The Case Officer reported on this application and her recommendation to grant permission subject to conditions.

Councillor Bryan Organ moved the Officer recommendation to grant permission with conditions which was seconded by Councillor Les Kew.

The motion was put to the vote and was carried unanimously.