Agenda item

The Committee considered:

·  A report by the Group Manager (Development Management) on various planning applications.

·  An update report by the Group Manager (Development Management) on Items 1 and 2 attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes.

·  Oral statements by members of the public and representatives.  A copy of the speakers’ list is attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes.

RESOLVED that in accordance with the Committee’s delegated powers, the applications be determined as set out in the decisions list attached as Appendix 4 to these minutes.

Item No. 1

Application No: 14/05692/RES

Site Location: Parcel 0006, Maynard Terrace, Clutton

Approval of reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) with regard to outline application 12/01882/OUT for erection of 36 dwellings and associated infrastructure

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation to grant planning permission.  It was noted that the recommendation was now to permit the application as the outstanding issues have now been clarified.  There was also an amendment to condition 9 which the officer read out at the meeting.

The registered speakers made statements for and against the application.

Councillor Goodman read out a statement from Councillor Karen Warrington, the local member, objecting to the design and layout and pointing out that the majority of local residents were opposed to the development.  She requested that permission be refused.

Councillors asked questions to which the case officer responded.  It was confirmed that there were not any one bedroomed properties in the development.  Any under-occupation issues would be discussed between the BaNES housing officers and Curo.  It was noted that the hedge would form part of the landscaping of the site and would be behind the parking bays.

Councillor Crossley noted that the planning inspector had now made the decision on this site and that affordable housing was required in BaNES.  He understood that the local connection qualification for affordable housing related to the village.  He felt that the application met the relevant needs and requirements.

Councillor Crossley moved that the application be permitted subject to the conditions outlined in the officer report.  This was seconded by Councillor Roberts.

The motion was put to the vote and there were 3 votes for, 3 votes against and 1 abstention.  The Chair used her second and casting vote against the motion.  The motion was therefore LOST.

Councillor Goodman then moved that the application be deferred for further consideration and negotiations.  This was seconded by Councillor Organ.

Councillor Jackson did not believe that the materials were a major issue and felt that the site would be fairly well screened.

Councillor Roberts asked a question regarding the consequences of refusal.  Officers explained that this could lead to an appeal by the applicant.  If the Committee was minded to refuse permission then the reasons should be very clear.  It was also noted that an appeal could be lodged on the grounds of non-determination if no time extension was agreed.

Following discussion regarding the potential for further negotiations and on considering advice from officers Councillors Goodman and Organ agreed to withdraw the motion to defer.

Councillor Jackson moved to delegate to officers to permit planning permission subject to conditions to adequately control the materials used and that the proposed replacement hedgerow at the frontage of the development was introduced to a suitable height and was to be outside of the private ownership of the properties facing the hedgerow. This was seconded by Councillor Crossley.

The motion was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED unanimously to delegate authority to officers to PERMIT the application subject to conditions.

Note: Councillors Appleyard, Kew and Veale were not present for consideration of this application in view of their interests declared earlier in the meeting.

Item No. 2

Application No: 15/05759/FUL

Site Location: Court Farm, The Street, Compton Martin

Erection of 2 semi-detached dwelling houses in existing car park

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation to grant planning permission. 

The registered speakers made statements for and against the application.

Councillors asked questions to which the Case Officer responded.  It was noted that condition 9 had been amended and enhanced to address concerns raised regarding landscaping issues.

Councillor Kew supported the application as it would provide local housing in the village.

Councillor Kew moved that the application be permitted subject to conditions as set out in the officer report and condition 9 as amended.  This was seconded by Councillor Crossley.

The motion was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED unanimously to PERMIT the application subject to conditions.

Item No. 3

Application No: 16/01338/FUL

Site Location: 26 Primrose Hill, Upper Weston, Bath

Erection of two storey side extension

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation to grant planning permission.

The registered speakers made statements for and against the application.

Councillors asked questions to which the Case Officer responded.  It was confirmed that the application would lead to no loss of off street parking.

Councillor Jackson moved that the application be permitted subject to conditions as set out in the officer report.  This was seconded by Councillor Kew.

Councillors Roberts and Crossley both stated that they felt the extension was overbearing and would have a negative impact on neighbouring properties.

The motion was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED by 7 votes for and 3 votes against to PERMIT the application subject to conditions.

Item No. 4

Application No. 16/01219/FUL

Site Location: The Cottage, Pipehouse Lane, Freshford, Bath

Erection of 1 detached dwelling with access and associated works

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation to refuse planning permission.

The registered speakers made statements for and against the application.

Councillor Neil Butters, the local ward member, spoke in support of the application. 

It was noted that Freshford Parish Council had submitted a letter in support of the application.

Councillors asked questions to which the Case Officer responded.  It was confirmed that the site was within the housing development area but that the property Littlemead, on the opposite side of the road, was not.  It was also confirmed that the Committee could include conditions to control further building on the site.  Officers explained that the proposed site did not represent an “infill” site as defined by the Freshford and Limpley Stoke Neighbourhood Plan.

Councillor Kew noted that the Parish Council and local residents were supportive of the application..

Councillor Jackson stated that it was important to be consistent with applications and that she felt the location was too prominent and too elevated. 

Councillor Jackson moved that planning permission be refused for the reasons set out in the officer report.  This was seconded by Councillor Roberts.

Councillor Crossley stated that he supported the application but noted that there were some issues with neighbourhood plans which could be very complex.

Councillor Appleyard stated that the application did not constitute “infill” development.

The motion was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED by 6 votes for, 3 votes against and 1 abstention to REFUSE the application for the reasons set out in the officer report.

Item No. 5

Application No. 16/02046/FUL

Site Location: Richmond Lodge, Weston Park, Upper Weston, Bath

Erection of 1 cottage and 2 town houses following demolition of existing dwelling and 2 garages

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation to permit planning permission.

Councillor Jackson moved that planning permission be permitted subject to the conditions set out in the officer report.  This was seconded by Councillor Kew.

The motion was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED unanimously to PERMIT the application subject to conditions.

Item No. 6

Application No. 16/01221/FUL

Site Location: 15 Kenilworth Close, Keynsham

Erection of 1 two bed dwelling

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation to grant planning permission.

The registered speakers made statements for and against the application.

Councillor Organ moved that the application be permitted subject to the conditions set out in the officer report.  This was seconded by Councillor Kew.

The motion was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED by 7 votes for, 2 votes against and 1 abstention to PERMIT the application subject to conditions.

Item No. 7

Application No: 16/01046/FUL

Site Location: Rosewell, Farrington Road, Paulton

Erection of 2 storey rear extension and loft conversion (Resubmission of 15/05393/FUL)

The Case Officer reported on the application and her recommendation to grant planning permission.

The registered speaker made a statement for the application.

Councillor John Bull spoke on behalf of Councillor Liz Hardman, the local Ward member, against the application requesting that the garage be removed.

Councillors asked questions to which the Case Officer responded.  The officer confirmed that the garage had no bearing on car parking provision because there was adequate driveway parking.  It was also confirmed that the extension was completely at the rear of the property.

Councillor Kew stated that there are currently similar developments in this area and that the proposal would not greatly alter the street scene.

Councillor Kew moved to permit the application subject to the conditions set out in the officer report.  This was seconded by Councillor Crossley.

The motion was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED unanimously to PERMIT the application subject to conditions.