Apologies were received from Councillors AM Atkinson, AN Bridges, PJ Edwards, J Hardwick, RC Hunt, Brigadier P Jones CBE, and PJ Watts.

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

In accordance with paragraph 4.1.23 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor PJ McCaull attended the meeting as a substitute member for Councillor PJ Edwards.

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

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 9 October 2013.

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting held on 9 October 2013 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

(With reference to Minute 67 of the Planning Committee meeting held on 9 October: The Slip Tavern, Much Marcle, Ledbury, the Development Manager advised Members that the request to the applicant to cover the cost of an independent valuation of The Slip Tavern, as resolved by the Committee, had been declined and the Council did not have the funds available to cover this expenditure.)

Observers from Shropshire Council

The Chairman welcomed representatives from Shropshire Council who were attending to observe the meeting.

Retirement of Mr M Willmont – Head of Neighbourhood Planning

The Chairman paid tribute to Mike Willmont who was retiring.  He praised his consummate professionalism and long and dedicated service to the County and wished him a long and happy retirement.

Development for 65 new dwellings with public open space & associated infrastructure and a temporary sales office.

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

The Principal Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application.  With reference to point 9 of the Heads of Terms appended to the report (p42 of the agenda papers) she commented that it was expected that at least 70%, as opposed to the stated figure of 80%, of the affordable housing units would be made available for social rent.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr J Baker, a resident, spoke in objection.  Ms J Morgan spoke on behalf of the applicant in support of the application.

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.2.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor PA Andrews, one of the local ward members, spoke on the application informing the Committee that she was also speaking on behalf of the other two local ward members.

She expressed support for the application.  The site had been earmarked for residential development in the Unitary Development Plan.  The two main points of concern were flood risk and access.  The Environment Agency would determine whether a suitable flood alleviation scheme could be put in place.  In relation to access it had not proved possible to secure an alternative to Baggally Street, but it should be borne in mind that the road had previously serviced an 800 pupil school.  The applicant had indicated that they would work with local residents to seek to minimise disruption caused by construction work.  She considered it to be a sustainable development.

The debate opened and the following principal points were made:

·         Disappointment was expressed, as a matter of principle, at the design of the proposed houses, highlighting the risk of future rises in energy bills.

·         Concern was also expressed about the loss of mature trees, an important feature of the City and its environs and the County.  A proposal was made that there should be a condition requiring that a minimum of 50% of the mature trees should be replaced with mature species that grow to full size, as opposed to ornamental trees. It was noted that flood alleviation methods would present some restrictions in relation to the location of trees.

·         A Member also requested conditions relating to a number of other matters including ecology and archaeology.

·         The Development Manager commented that the matters highlighted by Members were covered by conditions set out in the printed recommendation, noting in particular that a landscaping scheme would have to be submitted by the applicants and there was scope for account to be taken of the concerns Members had expressed in that process.  Members proposed that the local ward members should be involved in discussions on this aspect of the development. 

·           A Member commented that it was unfortunate that the report did not incorporate a final, definitive view from the Environment Agency. It would be preferable if the Committee could have this information before it when determining applications.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.  She reiterated her support for the application.

RESOLVED:

That following the resolution of the outstanding issues raised by the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

Demolition of post war building and erection of 5 no. dwellings.

The application was deferred until the next meeting.

The Development Manager explained that discussions were taking place with the applicant and a revised application was to be submitted.  The application was therefore deferred until the next meeting.

Outline application for residential development (up to two dwellings).

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

The Development Manager gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.8.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor DW Greenow, the local ward member, spoke to indicate his support for the application.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

Informative:

Date of next site inspection – 19 November 2013

Date of next meeting – 20 November 2013

The Planning Committee noted the date of the next meeting.

(The Schedule of Committee Updates solely reported that the application relating to land at the Chestnuts Ross-on Wye (Minute 79 refers) had been deferred to the next meeting and has not therefore been appended to these Minutes.)