Agenda item

Notification was received on 22^nd September 2011 that application no 3:

07/02424/EOUT

Purnell Property Partnership, Closed Polestar Purnell  Factory Site, Access Road To Works, Paulton, Bath and North East Somerset, BS39 7LQ

Mixed use redevelopment of former printworks comprising offices, industrial, residential, continuing care retirement community, pub/restaurant, community building, open space, associated infrastructure, landscaping and access roads

had been withdrawn and would not be considered by the Committee.

The Committee considered

·  a report by the Development Manager on various planning applications

·  an Update Report by the Development Manager on Item No 1, the Update being attached as Appendix 1 to these Minutes

·  oral statements by members of the public etc. on Item Nos. 1 and 2, the Speakers 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 Oldfield School, Kelston Road, Newbridge, Bath - Erection of a new 4 court sports hall incorporating changing rooms, car park, multi-use game area, associated external works and landscaping - The Case Officer reported on this application and her recommendation to grant permission. An Update Report comprising comments from the Landscape Architect and the Case Officer had been previously circulated. She further updated Members and recommended an additional Condition relating to levels of the site. The Chair of Governors made a statement in favour of the proposal.

Members asked questions about the materials and lighting etc. to which the Officer responded. Councillor Bryan Organ considered this to be an acceptable proposal and moved the Recommendation for permission to be granted which was seconded by Councillor Lisa Brett. Members debated the motion. The Senior Highways Development Control Engineer responded to queries regarding parking and it was confirmed that these matters would be dealt with under the Travel Plan and Operational Statement. After a brief discussion, the motion, with the additional condition, was put to the vote and was carried unanimously.

(Note: Councillor David Martin was not present for this item.)

Item 2 Filers Coaches, Wick Lane, Stanton Drew - Extend area of coach/bus stationing for an additional 10 vehicles (Resubmission) - The Case Officer reported on this application and his recommendation to Refuse permission. An Agent representing objectors stated that he had registered to speak against this application but had not been included on the list due to a breakdown in communication. The Committee decided to allow him to speak on this occasion. He therefore made a statement on behalf of objectors to the proposal which was followed by a statement by the applicants' Agent in favour.

After hearing a response to his query concerning the number of coaches that could be accommodated in the lawful part of the site. Councillor Martin Veal moved the Recommendation to Refuse permission. This was seconded by Councillor Bryan Organ.

Some Members supported the proposal as it was considered that there was little visual impact and it was a sustainable development providing jobs and transport for the local community. Other Members felt that the Green Belt policies should be adhered to due to the impact on the openness of the Green Belt. In response to a Member's query, the Senior Legal Adviser gave advice regarding the potential for a legal challenge by objectors if permission was granted. The Chair summed up the discussion supporting the Officer's recommendation to Refuse permission.

The motion was then put to the vote. Voting: 6 in favour and 5 against. Motion carried.

Item 3 Closed Polestar Purnell Factory Site, Access Road to Works, Paulton - Mixed use redevelopment of former print works comprising offices, industrial, residential, continuing care retirement community, pub/restaurant, community building, open space, associated infrastructure, landscaping and access roads - This application was withdrawn from the Agenda.