Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the remote meeting and took Members through some general housekeeping issues, the etiquette for the meeting as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and then asked Officers present to introduce themselves.

This was followed by a roll call of all Members present.

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

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 23 September 2020, (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 23 September 2020 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 declared a non-pecuniary interest as a Member of Essex County Council who were statutory consultees on a variety of matters relating to Planning.  He further declared a pecuniary interest on Agenda Item 6 - TPO 6/20, The Warren Golf Club, including Bunsay Downs and Badgers, Woodham Walter on the basis that the estate was his next-door neighbour and his parents were landowners on some of the land that the application refers.  He advised the Committee he would leave the meeting for this item of business.

Councillor E L Bamford and Councillor Mrs M E Thompson declared a non-pecuniary interest as they knew Mr and Mrs Durham who lived on the estate.

RESOLVED that the meeting be adjourned for 5 minutes to allow a public speaker entry to the meeting.

RESOLVED that the meeting be resumed.

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 Russell Forde, addressed the Committee.

Members discussed the proposal and the requirement for an annexe to be ancillary and strongly relate to the main dwelling.

The Chairman moved the Officers’ recommendation that planning application 20/00742/FUL – Lodge Farm, Lodge Road, Hazeleigh be refused for the reasons as detailed in Section 8 of the report.  This was duly seconded and upon a vote being taken it was refused.

RESOLVED that the application be REFUSED for the following reasons.

1.     The application site lies outside the defined settlement boundaries of District wherein both policies of the Development Plan and Government Guidance points towards the continued restraint of development in the countryside.  In order to protect the intrinsic character of the countryside, it should be open and free from unnecessary development.  The removal of Condition 2 of 14/01109/FUL would result in the retention of the original dwelling which visually would appear tantamount to an additional dwelling at the application site, representing the intrusion and intensification of residential development, eroding the character and appearance of the rural site and area.  Therefore, the proposal is contrary to policies S1, S8, D1 and H4 of the LDP the guidance and provisions as contained within the NPPF and the adopted Maldon District Design Guide.

2.     A lack of information has been submitted with the application, to demonstrate that the original dwelling would be used in an ancillary nature and the proposal fails to comply with the criteria set out in the Specialist Housing Needs SPD for annexe accommodation.  Further, insufficient justification / evidence for the removal of the condition has been supplied.  Therefore, the proposal is contrary to policies S1, S8, D1 and H4 of the LDP, the guidance and provisions as contained within the NPPF, the Specialist Housing Needs SPD and the adopted Maldon District Design Guide.

Councillor M F L Durham left the meeting prior to commencement of this item of business.

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

Following the Officer’s presentation, a discussion ensued requesting examples of inappropriate tree works and confirmation as to the clarity and accuracy of the aerial map.  These were duly provided by Officers.

Councillor A S Fluker joined the meeting at 18:57.

The Chairman put the Officer’s recommendation to confirm Tree Preservation Order 6/20 without modification to the Committee and upon a vote being taken it was confirmed.

RESOLVED that Tree Preservation Order 6/20 be CONFIRMED without modification.