Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Service Delivery, (copy enclosed, Members’ Update to be circulated)*.

Following the Officer’s presentation, the Agent, Mr. Ransome addressed the Committee. The Chairman then opened the debate and deferred to Councillor Shaughnessy for comment as she had called-in the application.

Councillor Shaughnessy raised concerns regarding the detrimental impact on the character of the surrounding area, the negative effect on nearby heritage assets and the potential overbearing result on both the site and the street scene.

A lengthy debate ensued around the aforementioned issues and in addition the concern regarding the lack of archaeological conditions given the location of the site which the Committee felt required investigation. The Senior Specialist Co-Ordinator: Development Management advised that Place Services at Essex County Council had not flagged this as an issue, therefore, it was reasonable to assume that the site was not in an archaeological sensitive area.

Following the discussion, the Chairman put the duly seconded Officer’s recommendation to the Committee. There being an equality of votes he exercised his casting vote and the Officers’ s recommendation was lost.

The Chairman then put Councillor Heard’s duly seconded proposal to refuse the application contrary to the Officer’s recommendation, due to the negative visual impact on the character and appearance of the area and the surrounding heritage assets to the Committee. This was carried and the application was refused.

RESOLVED that the application be REFUSED for the following reason:

1.             The negative visual impact on the character and appearance of the area and surrounding heritage assets - PP6.