Agenda and minutes

To receive any announcements from the chairman, and general housekeeping matters.

The Chairman gave housekeeping announcements, outlined the procedure and explained the remit of the committee.

The agenda would be heard in the order of the speaker’s list.

There would be additional meetings of the committee on 18 February 2013, and also in March and May.

To receive notification of any matters which the chairman determines should be considered as urgent business and the special circumstances which have made the matters urgent.

None.

To record the attendance of substitute members, if any, who have been authorised to attend in accordance with the provisions of standing order 17(1), with notification having been given to the proper officer before the start of the meeting and to receive apologies for absence.

Councillor Sue Marchant sent her apologies and Councillor Tony de Vere attended as her substitute.

To adopt and sign as a correct record the minutes of the committee meeting held on 9 January 2013 (circulated separately). 

RESOLVED: to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 9 January 2013 as a correct record and to agree that the chairman sign them as such.

To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests, and other declarations, in respect of items on the agenda for this meeting.  

Declarations of pecuniary interest

None

Other declarations by councillors

Any statements and/or petitions from members of the public under standing order 33, relating to planning applications, will be made or presented at the meeting.

The speakers’ list was tabled at the meeting.

Any statements and/or petitions from the public under standing order 32 will be made or presented at the meeting.

None.

To consider any materials submitted prior to the meeting of the Committee.

Any materials submitted will be on display prior to the meeting.

None.

Change of use of land for the stationing of caravans for residential purposes for eight gypsy pitches together with the formation of additional hard standing and utility/ dayrooms ancillary to that use.

The officer presented the report on an application to change the use of the land for the stationing of caravans for residential purposes for eight gypsy pitches, together with the formation of additional hard standing and utility/dayrooms ancillary to that use. Consultations, representations, policy and guidance and planning history are detailed in the officer’s report which formed part of the agenda pack for this meeting.

Updates from the report

·       Further letter from Watchfield Parish Council, summarising their previous concerns.

·       Two further letters from objectors, raising concerns already summarised in the report.

·       Letter from Thames Valley Police, neither in support of, or objection to, the application.

·       Further letters directly to members.

Dr Sue Nodder from Watchfield Parish Council, spoke objecting to the application: they objected on highways safety grounds, and that there were inadequate facilities in the village.

Phil Young, from Longcot Parish Council and Kenton Bush, a local resident, spoke objecting to the application: they objected on highways safety grounds and that local residents had not been properly consulted.

Michael Rudd, the applicant’s barrister, spoke in favour of the application. He stated that the only upheld objection on the previous appeal on this site had been the highways safety issues and that these had now been resolved to the satisfaction of the County Highways Engineer.

Councillors Elaine Ware and Simon Howell, the ward councillors, spoke objecting to the application: they objected to the “element of risk” admitted by the County Highways engineer and felt that location was not sustainable.

The committee considered this application; the officer and the County Highways Engineer answered questions and provided clarification where appropriate.

·       Full statutory consultation had been carried out.

·       Highways were a balance of risk – risk cannot be totally eliminated, but the proposed refuge would make it acceptably easier for people to cross the road.

·       Other suggestions for crossings were made by members of the committee, but problem resolution (such as crossing) need to be proportionate and in scale with the risk and the size of the development

·       The refuge would be large enough and fit for purpose: it would be at least of the standard design (large enough for a family unit) and then enlarged as far as the given space would allow.

·       Visibility was acceptable.

·       Traffic figures were declining at the present time rather than increasing.

RESOLVED (for 11; against 3; abstentions 0)

To grant planning permission subject to the following conditions:

1.     TL1 – Time limit.

2.     List of approved plan numbers.

3.     Day room material details.

4.         Notwithstanding the current boundary treatment on the site and that shown on the submitted plans, full details of appropriate boundary treatment around each pitch and around the site perimeter of the site shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  The approved boundary treatment shall be in place prior to the occupation of the development.

5.         The development hereby permitted shall be lit by low level bollard lighting only, full details of which shall first be submitted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 170.

Outline application for the erection of a 72 bed residential care home for 4 units for staff accommodation with associated parking, landscaping and access.

The officer presented his report on an application to erect a 72 bed residential care home and 4 units for staff accommodation with associated parking, landscaping and access. Consultations, representations, policy and guidance and planning history are detailed in the officer’s report which formed part of the agenda pack for this meeting.

Updates from the report

• Three further letters of objection had been received reiterating points previously raised and mentioning a recent accident.
• A letter had been received from Nicola Blackwood MP raising issues over drainage, consultations and traffic.
• Further letters had been sent directly to members of the committee.

Harry Dickenson from Cumnor Parish Council, spoke objecting to the application. His concerns included the following:

• Light pollution, over-dominance, unneighbourly;
• Unsuitable for elderly care: topography and distance from local amenities;
• Inadequate parking, steep roads.

Simon Haigh, representing local residents, spoke objecting to the application. His concerns echoed those of the parish council and included local ecology and topography.

NikLyzba, the applicant’s agent, spoke in favour of the application.

Councillor Judy Roberts, one of the ward councillors, spoke objecting to the application. As well as raising the above concerns, she requested a full hydro-geological survey of the entire area as she was concerned about surface water flooding.

Councillor John Woodford, one of the ward councillors, spoke objecting to the application.

The committee considered this application. Officers were asked for clarification where necessary. The debate included the following issues:

• Hydro-geological issues - reliance was placed on the expert advice provided such as the drainage engineer and the Environment Agency.
• An independent traffic assessment produced by local residents.
• Use classes C2 and C3 in the context of local plan policy H19.
• Car parking provision.

RESOLVED (for 8; against 5; abstentions 1)

To delegate the authority to grant outline planning permission to the head of planning, in consultation with the committee chairman and/or vice-chairman, subject to the completion of a S106 agreement for financial contributions and public art and also subject to the following conditions:

1.    TL2 - Time limit - Outline application.

2.    OL2 - Standard outline condition (excluding access).

3.    Planning condition listing the approved drawings.

4.    HY2 - Access in accordance with specified plan.

5.    HY17 – Closure of existing accesses.

6.    MC24 - Drainage details (surface and foul), including an assessment of the proposed retaining wall on the hydrology of the site.

7.    MC29 - Sustainable drainage scheme.

8.    ID9 - Restriction of use – nursing care home.

9.    Condition specifying scale form and layout as shown.

10. Work is carried out in accordance with submitted flood risk assessment

11. Travel plan to be submitted and approved.

12. Cycling parking to be provided prior to occupation

13. Updated badger survey and detailed mitigation strategy.

14. Bat survey of all trees affected by the proposals and a mitigation strategy where appropriate.

15. Details of proposals for habitat creation in compensation for those lost.

16. No pile driven foundations.

Outline application for the erection of additional stables (30), store and tack rooms.New indoor riding school, ménage and gallops. Conversion of  existing bungalow into two dwellings (amended plans and additional highway information received 21 April 2010).

Councillor Anthony Hayward left the meeting for the duration of this item.

The officer presented his report on an outline application to for the erection of additional stables (30), store and tack rooms to create three commercial equestrian yards and one private equestrian yard, new indoor riding school, manègeand lunge ring. Conversion of existing bungalow into two dwellings. (Amended plans and additional highway information received April 2010 and further highway information and business plan information received September 2012). Consultations, representations, policy and guidance and planning history are detailed in the officer’s report which formed part of the agenda pack for this meeting.

Updates from the report

·       The report should read “manège and lunge ring”, not “mange and gallops”.

·       Letters had been sent directly to members of the committee from the public.

·       An email had been received, objecting to the application, and raising issues already addressed in the report.

Terry Gashe, from Letcombe Regis Parish Council, spoke objecting to the application. His concerns included: traffic, the application site was in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB); visual impact; the viability of the proposed business.

Adam Fox-Edwards, a local resident, spoke objecting to the application. His concerns included: traffic; impact on AONB; flood risk; business viability.

Chris Strang, the applicant’s agent, spoke in favour of the application.

Councillor Andrew Crawford, the ward councillor, spoke raising concerns about the detail of the application; his concerns were as follows:

• Onsite accommodation would not be adequate
• Highways issues: 60 mph speed limit through the village
• Viability of business plan.

The committee considered this application.

RESOLVED (for 11; against 2; abstentions 0)

To authorise the head of planning, in consultation with the committee chairman and/or vice-chairman, to grant planning permission subject to the completion of a section 106 agreement as set out in paragraph 6.11 of the committee report, and subject to the following conditions:

      1   TL2 Time limit – Outline application.

      2  OL1 – Standard outline ‘details’ of landscaping and appearance.

3      Slab level of riding school to be submitted and agreed.

4      A maximum of ten commercial DIY livery stables shall be operated from the site, details of which shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. 

5      Submission of details of two passing bays and a rumble strip.

6      Submission of a parking and turning plan.

7      No events (one which is advertised externally) shall take place on the site to which persons arrive by vehicle and do not use/occupy the stables on site.

8      The facilities on the site (including the new indoor riding school) shall be used only by horses which are stabled on the site.

9      RE8 – Submission of drainage details (incorporating sustainable drainage principles and an assessment of the hydrogical and hydrogeological context of the development).   

10   No spoil/materials to be deposited or stored on that part of the site liable to flooding.

11   No raising of ground levels on that part of the site liable to flooding.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 172.

Two storey side extension to detached garage and garage loft conversion to provide living accommodation.(Amendment to refused application P12/V0913).

The officer presented the report on an application to erect a two storey side extension to detached garage and garage loft conversion to provide living accommodation. (Amendment to refused application P12/V0913). Consultations, representations, policy and guidance and planning history are detailed in the officer’s report which formed part of the agenda pack for this meeting.

Updates from the report

None.

RESOLVED (for 13; against 0; abstentions 0)

To grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions:

1.    TL1 - Time limit.

2.    Planning condition listing the approved drawings.

3.    MC3 – Materials in accordance with application.

4.    RE12 - Ancillary accommodation.

Erection of 10 x 2 bed and 1 x 1 bed flat. Provision of dedicated bicycle and bin storage and 11 car parking spaces.

The officer presented the report on an application to erect 10 x 2 bed and 1 x 1 bed flat. Provision of dedicated bicycle and bin storage and 11 car parking spaces. (Land to rear of 17, 18, 19 & 20 Millbrook Square). Consultations, representations, policy and guidance and planning history are detailed in the officer’s report which formed part of the agenda pack for this meeting.

Updates from the report

None.

June Stock, from Grove Parish Council, spoke objecting to the application. The parish council were concerned about: over development, out of keeping with the local area, inadequate parking and reducing parking for shops and businesses.

Julian Philcox, the applicant’s agent, spoke in favour of the application.

The committee considered this application.

RESOLVED (for 13; against 0; abstentions 0)

To authorise the head of planning, in consultation with the committee chairman and vice chairman, to grant planning permission, subject to a unilateral undertaking to secure the required contributions and also subject to the following conditions:

1.    TL1 – Time limit.

2.    Planning condition listing the approved drawings.

3.    MC2 – Submission of material samples.

4.    RE6 – Boundary treatment.

5.    Development in accordance with flood risk assessment.

6.    LS1 – Landscaping scheme (submission).

7.    LS2 – Landscaping scheme (implementation).

8.    HY7 – Parking in accordance with plan.

9.    HY11 – Turning in accordance with plan.

10.Footpath provision details.

11.MC24 – Drainage details (surface and foul).

12.MC29 – Sustainable drainage scheme.

13.RE28 – Obscured glazing (opening).

14.Details of balcony screen.

Erection of four dwellings with associated garaging, parking and landscaping.

Councillor Robert Sharp left the room for the duration of this item.

The officer presented the report on an application to erect four dwellings with associated garaging, parking and landscaping. Consultations, representations, policy and guidance and planning history are detailed in the officer’s report which formed part of the agenda pack for this meeting.

Updates from the report

None.

David Parker, the applicant’s agent, spoke in favour of the application.

The committee considered this application.

RESOLVED (for 12; against 0; abstentions 0)

To grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions:

1.    TL1 – time limit.

2.    MC24 – drainage details (surface and foul).

3.    Planning condition listing the approved drawings.

4.    Boundary walls and fences.

5.    Sample materials.

6.    Withdrawal of permitted development (part 1 class A) – no extensions/ alterations.

7.    CN14 Archeological watching brief.

8.    RE11Garage accommodation.

9.    New roads.

10. HY3 Visibility splays (access).

11. HY6 – access, parking & turning in accordance with plan.

Councillor Robert Sharp re-entered the room.

Construction of a single storey building for the teaching of advanced engineering and associated landscaping. As amended by letter from agent.

The officer presented the report on an application to construct a single storey building for the teaching of advanced engineering and associated landscaping. As amended by letter from agent. Consultations, representations, policy and guidance and planning history are detailed in the officer’s report which formed part of the agenda pack for this meeting.

Updates from the report

None.

Gareth Davis, a local resident, spoke objecting to the application.

Terry Stock, on behalf of the applicant, spoke in favour of the application.

Councillor Angela Lawrence, one of the ward councillors, spoke objecting to the application.

Councillor Helen Pighills, one of the ward councillors, spoke objecting to the application.

The committee considered this application.

RESOLVED (for 12; against 1; abstentions 0)

To grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions:

1.    TL1 - Time limit.

2.    Planning condition listing the approved drawings.

3.    MC3 - Materials in accordance with application.

4.    HY7 - Car parking.

5.    Mitigation measures of noise assessment.

Two bay garage extension to the existing single bay.

The officer presented the report on an application to erect a two bay garage extension to the existing single bay. Consultations, representations, policy and guidance and planning history are detailed in the officer’s report which formed part of the agenda pack for this meeting.

Updates from the report

Change of recommendation: this was now recommended for delegation to the head of planning, in consultation with the chairman to address discrepancies in the drawings.

David Hignell from Sutton Courtenay Parish Council, spoke objecting to the application.

Danielle Beekon, on behalf of the applicant, spoke in favour of the application. She said that the roof will now be capped.

The committee considered this application. To protect the amenities of neighbours, it was felt that the proposed first floor window in the east elevation should be omitted and the external staircase should be moved to the other side of the building.

RESOLVED (for 13; against 0; abstentions 0)

To authorise the head of planning, in consultation with the committee chairman and/or vice-chairman, to grant planning permission subject to the following:

i.      The receipt of amended plans to address discrepancies, omit the first floor window in the east elevation, and move the external staircase to the other side of the building:

ii.    The following conditions:

1.    TL1 - Time limit.

2.    Planning condition listing the approved drawings.

3.    MC3 – Materials in accordance with application.

4.    RE11 - Garage accommodation.

5.    RE12 - Ancillary accommodation.

6.     RE28 - Obscured glazing (opening).

7.    Removal of window on east elevation.

8.     Re-siting of staircase.