Apologies were received from Councillor WC Skelton.  Councillor J Kenyon was absent.

To receive details of any Member nominated to attend the meeting in place of a Member of the Committee.

Councillor SD Williams substituted for Councillor WC Skelton.

To receive any declarations of interest by Members in respect of items on the Agenda.

Agenda item 8: 1725544 – North Farm, Birchwood Farm Road, Bosbury.

Councillors J Hardwick and TM James declared non-pecuniary interests because they had previously been trustees of the Buchanan Trust.

Councillors BC Baker, PGH Cutter and A Seldon declared non-pecuniary interests because of military connections.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meetings held on 4 October 2017.

The Chairman reported that the minutes of the meetings held on 4 October would be submitted to the Committee’s meeting on 15 November.

None.

Application for approval of reserved matters following outline approval p143116/o for 321 residential dwellings. 

(Application for approval of reserved matters following outline approval p143116/o for 321 residential dwellings.)

(Councillor Holton was fulfilling the local ward member role and accordingly had no vote on this application.)

The Principal Planning Officer (PPO) gave a presentation on the application, and updates/additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet, as appended to these Minutes.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Ms N Shields, a local resident, spoke in objection to the application.  Mr M Elliot, the agent, spoke in support.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor EL Holton, spoke on the application, together with adjoining ward Councillors EPJ Harvey and A Warmington whose wards were materially affected by the application.

Councillor Holton commented that the development was unwanted.  However, the Inspector had granted permission on appeal and officers had worked hard to seek to address concerns expressed by residents about the development and to secure the best scheme for the town.  In the circumstances, the focus should now be on the positive aspects of the development such as the economic benefit the development would bring to the town.

Councillor Warmington also remarked that the development was not wanted.  It would nonetheless proceed but he considered that there were major deficiencies in the proposed scheme.  These included the proposed housing mix, on which he was aware Councillor Harvey would elaborate, and connectivity which was critical to the development’s sustainability.  Some improvements requested by the inspector in relation to connectivity had not been made and in some aspects the current proposals were worse than earlier ones for example pedestrian/cycle access.  He also questioned whether the single means of access, off Leadon Way, presented a risk to access by emergency vehicles. He outlined a number of other unresolved issues.  He concluded that whilst the principle of development may have been established the Committee did not have to accept a deficient scheme.

Councillor Harvey too noted that the Council had refused permission for the scheme. However, the focus now had to be on how best to integrate the development into the community.  She commented that the development had a significant impact on the landscape and views approaching the Malvern Hills AONB.  The applicant may be challenging the authority for non-determination of the application but the fact remained that the applicant had not addressed a number of key matters including several points required by the Planning Inspector.  In terms of connectivity there had been changes to the pedestrian and cycleways,  some further information had been supplied to the highways department only last week and other information being sought by the highways department on a number of aspects was outstanding. She particularly highlighted concern about the change to the housing mix for the open market housing which provided no single bed houses, fewer two bedroom houses and more 4 bed and more properties than provided for in the Council’s policy as set out in the Local Housing Market Assessment.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74.

Demolition of steel frame buildings, conversion of existing brick and timber clad farm buildings and construction of new single storey units to provide accommodation for ex-service personnel with communal and visitor rooms.

The Committee approved the application in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation.

(Demolition of steel frame buildings, conversion of existing brick and timber clad farm buildings and construction of new single storey units to provide accommodation for ex-service personnel with communal and visitor rooms.)

The Development Manager gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr P Whitehead of Bosbury and Coddington Parish Council spoke in support of the Scheme.  Mr A Bower, the applicant, also spoke in support.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor AW Johnson, spoke on the application.  He expressed his support for the application, praising the aspiration of the scheme and noting the Parish Council’s support for it.

In the Committee’s discussion of the application several members welcomed the support the scheme would provide to ex-service personnel.

It was observed that an element of the proposal was contrary to policy and possibly highlighted an omission in the exception criteria in policy RA3.

Clarification was sought regarding condition 9 which related to a situation in the event that the charity ceased to operate.  Officers confirmed that the condition was enforceable should such a situation arise.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.  He had no additional comment.

Councillor Greenow moved the recommendation as printed and this was seconded by Councillor Holton.  This was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED: That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1.         A01 Time limit for commencement (full permission)

2.         B01 Development in accordance with the approved plans

3.         C03 Matching external materials (general)

4.         C01 Samples of external materials

5.         Prior to commencement of the development, a detailed habitat enhancement scheme should be submitted to and be approved in writing by the local planning authority, and the scheme shall be implemented as approved.

            Reason: To ensure that all species are protected and habitats enhanced having regard to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations 1994 (as amended) and Policy LD2 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework, NERC 2006

6.         G10 Landscaping scheme

7.         I17 Scheme of foul drainage disposal

8.         I20 Scheme of surface water drainage

9.         In the event that the charity cease to operate the occupation of the new build units shall revert to a person solely or mainly working or last working, in the locality in agriculture  or in forestry, or a widow or widower of such a person, and to any resident dependants.

            Reason: To ensure compliance with policy RA3 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy in the event that the charity ceases to operate.

INFORMATIVES:

1.         The Local Planning Authority has acted positively and proactively in determining this application by assessing the proposal against planning policy and any other material considerations, including any representations that have been received. It has subsequently determined to grant planning permission in accordance with the presumption in favour of sustainable development, as set out within the National Planning Policy Framework.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

Proposed construction of a two bedroom dormer bungalow.  

The Committee approved the application in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation.

(Proposed construction of a two bedroom dormer bungalow.)

The Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Councillor RJ Phillips spoke on the application fulfilling the role of local ward member.  He commented that the applicant had fully discussed the proposal with officers.  It would represent a visual improvement of the site and reflected the layout of the area. The Parish Council supported the proposal which complied with the Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Councillor Greenow moved the recommendation as printed and this was seconded by Councillor Cutter.  This was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED: That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1.         A01 Time limit for commencement (full permission)       

2.         B02 Development in accordance with approved plans and materials

3.         C01 Samples of external materials

4.         H05 Access gates

5.         F14 Removal of permitted development rights

6.         CBK Restriction of hours during construction

7.         H14 Sealed access

8.         L02 No surface water to connect to public system

9.         H29 Secure covered cycle parking provision

10.       H12 Parking and turning - single house

INFORMATIVES:

1.         HN01 Mud on highway

2.         151 - Works adjoining highway

3.         105 - No drainage to discharge to highway

4.         135 - Highways Design Guide and Specification

5.      The Local Planning Authority has acted positively and proactively in determining this application by assessing the proposal against planning policy and any other material considerations, including any representations that have been received. It has subsequently determined to grant planning permission in accordance with the presumption in favour of sustainable development, as set out within the National Planning Policy Framework.

Proposed erection of storage building.

The Committee approved the application in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation.

(Proposed erection of storage building.)

The Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Councillor RJ Phillips was invited to speak on the application fulfilling the role of local ward member.  He indicated his support for the application.

The Lead Development Manager confirmed that the land was in the same ownership as the site that was the subject of application 163948, the previous agenda item, and approval would not set a precedent for further development of the site.

Councillor Greenow moved the recommendation as printed and this was seconded by Councillor Powers.  This was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED: That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions and any further conditions considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers:

1.         A01 Time limit for commencement (full permission)

2.         B02 Development in accordance with approved plans and materials

3.         C07 Dark roof colouring (agricultural buildings)

4.         I20 Scheme of surface water drainage

5.         I33 External lighting

6.         H14 Sealed access

INFORMATIVES:

1.         HN01 Mud on highway

2.         HN16 Sky glow

3        The Local Planning Authority has acted positively and proactively in determining this application by assessing the proposal against planning policy and any other material considerations, including any representations that have been received. It has subsequently determined to grant planning permission in accordance with the presumption in favour of sustainable development, as set out within the National Planning Policy Framework.

Date of next site inspection – 14 November 2017

Date of next meeting – 15 November 2017