To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Graham Andrews and Paul Andrews.

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

Councillor Bowen substituted for Councillor Graham Andrews.

To receive declarations of interests in respect of Schedule 1, Schedule 2 or Other Interests from members of the committee in respect of items on the agenda.

Agenda item 6: 202265 - Land South West Of Orchard Close, Dilwyn

Councillor Hardwick declared an other declarable interest as he knew the applicant’s agent.

Agenda item 8:  210437 - 22 Lady Somerset Drive, Ledbury

It was noted that many members of the Committee knew the applicant as an officer of the Council.

Agenda item 9: 204252 - Herefordshire Football Association, Widemarsh Common, Hereford

Mr K Bishop, Lead Development Manager, declared a schedule 2 interestas a Director of the Association and left the meeting for the duration of this item.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 17 March 2021.

RESOLVED:   That the minutes of the meeting held on 17 March 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any announcements from the Chairperson.

None.

Proposed outline application with all matters, save access, reserved for the residential development of 20 open market homes and 10 affordable homes.

The application was refused in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation.

(Proposed outline application with all matters, save access, reserved for the residential development of 20 open market homes and 10 affordable homes.)

The Principal Planning Officer 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 for virtual meetings the following spoke at the meeting as virtual attendees:  Mr P Kyles of Dilwyn Parish Council, who spoke in support of the scheme, Mr N Jones, a local resident, speaking in objection; and Mr J Spreckley, the applicant’s agent, speaking in support of the application.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor Mike Jones, spoke on the application.  In summary, he emphasised the Parish Council’s support for the scheme and the potential benefits for the local community.  These included additional customers for local services, affordable housing and enhanced conservation.  Heritage England had considered the harm to the castle mound to be less than substantial and the application proposed to develop the tourist potential of the site. Concerns had been expressed about flooding but he did not consider these to be justified.  The applicant had submitted a planning application for the development of a wetland which would mitigate any phosphate discharge.  The Parish Council had worked with the developer to provide a positive development for Dilwyn.

The Committee discussed the application.

The Lead Development Manager re-emphasised the proposed grounds for refusal highlighting the objection by Welsh Water.  He acknowledged the potential benefits to the village of a larger housing scheme as proposed as this would deliver affordable housing.  However, the current application before the Committee was not suitable.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.  He reiterated the Parish Council’s support for the application and the benefits of the development for Dilwyn.

RESOLVED: That planning permission be refused for the following reasons:

1.         The site lies within the catchment of the River Lugg Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which comprises part of the River Wye SAC, and triggers the requirement for a Habitat Regulations Assessment.  Under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) there is a requirement to establish beyond all reasonable scientific doubt that there will not be an adverse effect on the integrity of the River Wye SAC (Lugg sub catchment) which is currently failing its water quality targets.  The proposal therefore fails to meet the requirements of policies LD2, SD3 and SD4 of the Herefordshire Local Plan - Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework (paragraph 170e)), together with the provisions set out in The Conservation and Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended).  This provides a clear reason to refuse planning permission under paragraph 11 d) i of the National Planning Policy Framework.

2.         Development of the site would result in less than substantial harm (quantified as being at a high degree within this category) to the significance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

Proposed first floor extension and alterations.

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

(Proposed first floor extension and alterations.) 

(Councillor James fulfilled the role of local ward member and accordingly had no vote on this application.)

The Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application.

Councillor James had fulfilled the role of ward member for this application. In accordance with the Council’s Constitution he commented upon it.  He supported the application. 

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

1.         Time limit for commencement (full permission)

2.         C07 Development in accordance with approved plans

3.         Prior to the first use of the extension hereby permitted, and at all times thereafter, the proposed first floor windows on the south elevation shall be glazed with obscure glass only. The obscured glazing shall be retained in perpetuity.

            Reason: In order to protect the residential amenity of adjacent properties and to comply with Policy SD1 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework.

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.

Proposed erection of a shed.

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

(Proposed erection of a shed.) 

The Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor Howells, had made a written submission.  This was read to the meeting.  He supported the application.

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

1.         CO1 - Time limit for commencement (full permission)

2.         CO7 – The development hereby approved shall be carried out strictly in accordance with drawings: 02-2021-01, Layout Plan; Block Plan; Location Plan, and the Application Form.

INFORMATIVES:

1.         IP1 Application Approved Without Amendment

Proposed extension to existing car park to create additional capacity.

The application was approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation with amended conditions.

 (Proposed extension to existing car park to create additional capacity.)

(Mr K Bishop, Lead Development Manager, declared a schedule 2 interest as a Director of the Association and left the meeting for the duration of this item.)

(Councillor Polly Andrews fulfilled the role of local ward member and accordingly had no vote on this application.)

The Senior Planning Officer 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 for virtual meetings, Mr A Darfi, the applicant, spoke in support of the application as a virtual attendee.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor Polly Andrews, spoke on the application.  In summary, she commented that the proposal would address a shortage of car parking spaces.  The Association served the whole County meaning provision had to be made for travel by car and minibus even if users within the City could access the site by foot or bicycle.  The current lack of parking space was causing inconvenience to nearby residents.

The Committee discussed the application. A number of amended/additional conditions were proposed.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.  She reiterated that there was county-wide use of the facility and the need for additional parking. She supported the additional/amended conditions.

A motion in support of the application with the following amended/additional conditions was carried: requirement to consider the type of surface for the car park with a preference for loose weave tarmacadam, consideration given to the layout off Moor Walk to facilitate pedestrian/cycle use, restriction of the emergency access at Moor Walk to pedestrian/cycle use and emergency vehicles only, an increase in the number of electric vehicle charging points to 4, and a requirement to provide an updated travel plan.

RESOLVED: That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions and the following amended/additional conditions: requirement to consider the type of surface for the car park with a preference for loose weave tarmacadam, consideration given to the layout off Moor Walk to facilitate pedestrian/cycle use, restriction of the emergency access at Moor Walk to pedestrian/cycle use and emergency vehicles only, an increase in the number of electric vehicle charging points to 4, and a requirement to provide an updated travel plan and any other further conditions considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers:

1.         C01 (Time limit for commencement (full permission))

2.         C06 (Development in accordance with approved plans)

3.         CBK (Restriction of hours during construction)

4.         CAT (Construction Management Plan)

5.         CBO (Scheme of surface water drainage including strategy)

6.         CNS (Non-standard condition: Details of car park layout including parking spaces and implementation)

7.         CNS (Non-standard condition: Details of 2 no. electric vehicle charging points and implementation)

8.         CK3 (Landscape Scheme and Implementation)

9.         CDL (Car park drainage)

10.       CNS (Use of site in accordance with Community Use Agreement approved  ...  view the full minutes text for item 106.

Date of next site inspection – 27 April 2021

Date of next meeting – 28 April 2021

Noted.