Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone present and went through some general housekeeping arrangements for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M F L Durham CC, C P Morley and E L Stephens.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 5 October 2022 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 5 October 2022 be approved and confirmed.

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, Other Registrable interests and Non-Registrable Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraph 9 and Appendix B of the Code of Conduct for Members.

(Members are reminded that they are also required to disclose any such interests as soon as they become aware should the need arise throughout the meeting).

Councillor J V Keyes declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 6: 22/00881/FUL – Spar Hill Farm, Chelmsford Road, Purleigh, CM3 6QP as he had attended young farms with the applicant a number of years ago.

Councillor Mrs J L Fleming declared a registrable interest as a Member of Essex County Council who were statutory consultees.  She also declared a registrable interest in agenda item 6: 22/00881/FUL – Spar Hill Farm, Chelmsford Road, Purleigh, CM3 6QP and advised that she would be leaving the chamber after the first application.

Councillor S White declared a non-pecuniary interest as she knew the applicant for agenda item 6: 22/00881/FUL – Spar Hill Farm, Chelmsford Road, Purleigh, CM3 6QP as he sat on Purleigh Parish Council which was in her Ward.

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

Members discussed the application and in response to questions raised the Specialist: Development Management highlighted sections within the report and provided clarification, including:

·                 that the site was located just outside of the North Fambridge settlement boundary and how recent appeal decisions had concluded that this area was ‘relatively sustainable’.

·                 although the housing mix was not stated if Members were mindful to approve the application a condition to specify three-bedroomed dwellings only to meet the need of the district was suggested.

·                 specific details regarding access and design would be addressed at the Reserved Matters Stage.

Councillor R H Siddall commented on the application and noted it was sustainable development, close to the train station and other amenities and proposed that it be approved as per Officers’ recommendation.  This proposal was duly seconded and upon a vote being taken was agreed.

RESOLVED that this application be APPROVED subject to the applicant entering into a legal agreement pursuant to Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended), to secure a necessary financial contribution towards Essex Coast Recreational Disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy and subject to the following conditions:

1                 The development shall be carried out in accordance with plans and particulars relating to the appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of the site (hereinafter called "the reserved matters"), for which approval shall be obtained from the local planning authority in writing before any development is begun.  The development shall be carried out fully in accordance with the details as approved.

2          Application(s) for the approval of the reserved matters shall be made to the local planning authority before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

3          The development hereby permitted shall be begun within two years from the date of the final approval of the reserved matters.  The development shall be carried out as approved.

4          The development shall be carried out in accordance with plan reference Location Plan (scale 1:2500) dated July 7 2022 as far as it relates to the access of the site.

5          The residential development hereby approved shall be single storey only.

6          No more than three bedrooms shall be provided per dwelling.

7          No works above ground level shall take place until written details of the proposed materials to be used in the development hereby permitted have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  The development shall be carried out using the materials and details as approved.

8          A Noise Risk Assessment shall be submitted in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 340.

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

Following the Officers’ presentation, the Applicant, Mr Strathern addressed the Committee.

In response to questions, Officers highlighted the reasons for the recommended refusal of this application which included the lack of sufficient information to demonstrate justification for the proposal. 

Following further discussion, Councillor S J N Morgan advised he didn’t agree with how Policy E4 was applied and proposed that the application be approved, contrary to Officers’ recommendation, siting Policy E4.  This proposal was duly seconded.  Following a discussion regarding reasons for approval Policies D1 – design and S1 – Sustainability were agreed.  The Chairman advised that conditions would be delegated to Officers in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee.  She then put the proposal of approval to the Committee and upon a vote being take this was duly agreed.

RESOLVED that this application be APPROVED subject to conditions, the details of which are delegated to Officers in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee.