Apologies were received from Councillors Polly Andrews, Hardwick, James and Rone.

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

Councillor Bowen substituted for Councillor Hardwick, Councillor Durkin for Councillor Rone and Councillor Tillett for Councillor Polly 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: 200299 – Land adjacent Garnom, Birch Hill, Clehonger

Councillor Milln declared an other declarable interest because he knew one of the objectors.

Agenda item 7: 200755 - Land Opposite Mill House Farm Fownhope

It was noted that most Councillors knew Councillor Hardwick, the applicant.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 15 July 2020.

RESOLVED:   That the minutes of the meeting held on 15 July 2020 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any announcements from the Chairperson.

The Chairperson highlighted the imminent announcement of Government proposals to reform the planning system.

Proposed erection of two dwelling houses with shared vehicle access.

The Committee deferred consideration of the application.

(Proposed erection of two dwelling houses with shared vehicle access.)

The Senior Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking for virtual meetings, Mrs A Davies of Clehonger Parish Council spoke in objection to the application, as a virtual attendee.  Mr K Hastings spoke in objection to the application, as a virtual attendee.  Mr D Baume, the applicant’s agent had submitted a written submission in support of the application. This was read to the meeting by the legal adviser to the Committee.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor Hitchiner, spoke on the application.  He outlined a number of locally held concerns about the application.

A member questioned why there was not comment from the landscape officer.  The SPO commented that there had been no requirement to consult the landscape officer on this application and there had appeared to be no need to do so.

A motion that the application be deferred was carried.

RESOLVED:  That the application be deferred to allow comment to be sought from the landscape officer.

Proposed attenuation pond as part of the proposed surface water management strategy for extent planning permission ref 163707 for 15 houses on adjoining land.

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

(Proposed attenuation pond as part of the proposed surface water management strategy for extent planning permission ref 163707 for 15 houses on adjoining land.)

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

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 Mr P Daines, a local resident, submitted a written submission in objection to the application on behalf of himself and his neighbours.  This was read to the meeting by the legal adviser to the Committee.   Mr J Spreckley, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support of the application as a virtual attendee.

Councillor Bowen fulfilled the role of local ward member for this application. In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, he spoke on the application.  He supported it.

The Committee indicated its broad support for the application noting the technical nature of the application and that professional advice supported it.

Councillor Bowen was given the opportunity to close the debate.  He reiterated his support for the application.

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.         C01 - Time limit for commencement (full permission)

2.         C06 - Development in accordance with the approved plans

            The development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans (drawing nos.1536.12, Dry Basin Cross Section, Dry Basin Site Plan, S649/02 Rev C (Proposed Surface Water Drainage Strategy), except where otherwise stipulated by conditions attached to this permission.

            Reason. To ensure adherence to the approved plans in the interests of a satisfactory form of development and to comply with Policies SD1 and LD1 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy, policies FW1, FW2 and FW16 of the Fownhope Neighbourhood Development Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.

            Pre-commencement conditions

3.         Before any work, including any site clearance begins, equipment or materials moved on to site, a fully detailed Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), with detailed ecological working methods, a fully detailed Tree and Hedgerow protection plan (based on BS5837:2012 – minimum 2 metre Root Protection Area for hedgerows), and clearly named ‘responsible person(s)’ shall be supplied to the local planning authority for written approval. The approved CEMP shall be implemented and remain in place until all work is complete on site and all equipment and spare materials have finally been removed.

            Reason: In order to comply with Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017), Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981), the National Planning Policy Framework, NERC Act (2006), Herefordshire Local Plan - Core Strategy (2015) policies SS6, LD2 and LD3 and Fownhope Neighbourhood Development Plan policies FW2 and FW5.

4.         No development shall commence until a final version of the surface water drainage strategy, including details of additional gullies (above the 100 year  ...  view the full minutes text for item 144.

Change of use from a place of worship to community space including artisan bakery, cafe and social space with occasional worship. Proposed various internal works including mezzanine & installation of an artisan bakery and change of use to the vestry and nave. To include all associated works and new services connections.

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

(Change of use from a place of worship to community space including artisan bakery, cafe and social space with occasional worship. Proposed various internal works including mezzanine & installation of an artisan bakery and change of use to the vestry and nave. To include all associated works and new services connections.)

(Councillor Johnson left the meeting during consideration of this item.  Councillor Durkin fulfilled the role of local ward member and accordingly had no vote on this application.)

The Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking for virtual meetings, Mr R Lewis of Brampton Abbotts and Foy Parish Council submitted a written submission in opposition to the scheme.  This was read to the meeting by the legal adviser to the Committee.   Mr D Teague, a local resident, spoke in opposition to the scheme, as a virtual attendee.  A written submission by the Venerable D Chedzey on behalf of the applicant was read to the meeting.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor Durkin, spoke on the application.  He expressed a number of reservations.

The Committee discussed the application.

It was proposed that conditions should be added relating to securing and managing car parking and noise attenuation measures relating to the proposed extractor fan.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.  He reiterated a number of reservations.  However, he commented that the community was broadly supportive subject to car parking provision in particular being satisfactorily resolved.

It was proposed in relation to the accompanying listed building consent application (193666 below) that the local ward member should be consulted on the proposals for repurposing the internal fixtures, noting concerns he had expressed about the Caroe pews.

Application 193665

RESOLVED: That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions, with additional conditions relating to noise attenuation from the proposed extraction fan and car parking, 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.         Development in accordance with the approved plans and materials

3.         Nature Conservation – Ecology Protection, Mitigation

            The ecological protection, mitigation, compensation and working methods, as recommended in the ecology report by Swift Ecology dated September 2019 shall be implemented and hereafter maintained in full as stated unless otherwise approved in writing by the local planning authority. No external lighting should illuminate any boundary feature, adjacent habitat or area around the church.

            Reason: To ensure that all species are protected and habitats enhanced having regard to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Habitats & Species Regulations 2017 (as amended), Policy LD2 of the Herefordshire Core Strategy, National Planning Policy Framework (2019) and NERC Act 2006

4.         Nature Conservation – Biodiversity and Habitat Enhancement

            Prior to first use of works approved under this decision, a detailed scheme and plan for proposed biodiversity net gain enhancement features including provision for bat roosting and hibernation, bird nesting, hedgehog  ...  view the full minutes text for item 145.

Date of next meeting – 26 August 2020

Noted.