Agenda and minutes

The Chairman drew attention to the list of notices published on the back of the agenda.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor J V Keyes.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 28 October 2019, (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 28 October 2019 be approved and confirmed.

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, other Pecuniary Interests or Non-Pecuniary Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraphs 6-8 inclusive 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 M F L Durham, CC, declared a non-pecuniary interest as a member of Essex County Council, a consultee on planning application matters with respect generally to highways, matters of access and education primarily.

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

Following the Officer’s presentation Alison Dempsey, an Objector, and Mr Peter Le Grys, the Agent, addressed the Committee.

The Chairman opened the discussion by proposing that, since there were no reasons to counter the recommendation, the application be refused in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation. This was duly seconded.

The Committee as a whole agreed with the Officer’s recommendation given that the proposed building was still overbearing and not in keep with the surrounding area.

The Chairman put the recommendation to refuse the application to the Committee and upon a vote being taken this was carried.

RESOLVED that the application be REFUSED for the following reason:

1             The proposed development represents a substantial building that would, as a result of its excessive width, scale, bulk, mass and unsympathetic design, create a prominent and visually intrusive development on this part of Witham Road.  The proposed development would be detrimental to the visual amenity and character of the site, its immediate surroundings and the wider rural area. The proposal would therefore be contrary to policies S1, S8, D1 and H4 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan and Government advice contained in the National Planning Policy Framework.