Agenda and minutes

Councillor A S Fluker, the Vice-Charman, welcomed everyone present and advised that in the absence of the Chairman he would be chairing the meeting and then went through some general housekeeping arrangements.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M G Bassenger, B S Beale MBE, R G Boyce MBE, R P F Dewick and N J Skeens.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 12 October 2022 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 12 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 A S Fluker declared an interest in Agenda Item 6 as a member of Southminster Parish Council. In accordance with the new Code of Conduct he advised he would speak on Item 6 but would leave the Chamber for the vote.

He then proposed from the chair that in his absence Councillor Stamp be appointed Chairman for Item 6, this was duly seconded and agreed by assent.

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

The Chairman drew Members’ attention to the Members’ Update circulated prior to the meeting that advised this item of business was on the agenda in error as it was for consideration by the North Western Area Planning Committee.

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

During the presentation the Officer advised that since issue of the Members’ Update a response had been received from Essex County Council Highways confirming that the proposed access was acceptable. Following the Officer’s presentation Councillor Anderson, from Southminster Parish Council, addressed the Committee.

Councillor Fluker, as previously advised, commented that he supported the application given the current buildings were out of date. He then left the Chamber at 19:46pm.

IN THE CHAIR: COUNCILLOR W STAMP.

The Chairman moved the Officer’s recommendation of approval and it was seconded by Councillor Helm. A brief debate ensued where issues around a ‘green’ roof and drainage were raised. Officers provided assurance that all Anglian Water issues were conditioned in the Officer report.

The Chairman then put the Officer’s recommendation to approve the application to the Committee and it was approved.

RESOLVED that the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

1          The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

2          The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans and documents:

Site location plan and block plan (within Design and Access Statement)

BA/P21-602-310 Demountable Block 1 to be demolished Floor Plan and Elevations

BA/P21-602-311 Demountable Block 2 to be demolished Plans and Elevations

BA/P21-602-312 Container Block 3 to be demolished Plan and Elevations

BA/P21-602-313 Demountable Block 4 to be demolished Plan and Elevations

BA/P21-602-203 Revision A Proposed Ground Floor Plan

BA/P21-602-204 Revision A Proposed First Floor Plan

BA/P21-602-205 Revision A Proposed Roof Plan

BA/P21-602-301 Proposed North Elevation

BA/P21-602-302 Revision A Proposed South Elevation

BA/P21-602-303 Revision A Proposed East Elevation

BA/P21-602-304 Revision B Proposed West Elevation

BA/P21-602-305 Proposed Site Sections

BA/P21-602-103 Existing Site Sections

Transport Statement by Parker Planning Services, reference 3088 Revision V2

Flood Risk Assessment by JPC Environmental Services

Preliminary Ecological Appraisal by Essex Ecology Services Ltd

Design and Access Statement

3          No development works above ground level shall occur until details of a surface water drainage scheme to serve the development have been submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  The agreed scheme shall be implemented prior to the first occupation of the development. The scheme shall ensure that for a minimum: 1) The development should be able to manage water on site for 1 in 100 year events plus 40% climate change allowance.  2) Run-off from a greenfield site for all storm events that have a 100% chance of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 374.

RESOLVED that the meeting be adjourned at 19:51pm for a brief period.

RESOLVED that the meeting resumed at 19:57pm, Councillor A S Fluker returned to the Chamber.

IN THE CHAIR: COUNCILLOR A S FLUKER

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

A Members’ Update had been circulated prior to the meeting that contained representations from the Parish Council and statutory consultees. Following the Officers’ presentation the Agent, Mark Rickards addressed the Committee.

The Chairman then moved the Officer’s recommendation to refuse the application and this was seconded.  A debate ensued covering issues of accessibility, the previous appeal decision relating to Homelands and the impact of the development on the character and appearance of the area. Members felt that accessibility was not necessarily a concern in this case, however, the Planning Inspector’s comments around the impact on the character and appearance in the previous appeal decision were a significant material consideration. Councillor Channer referred to section 5.8.5 of the Officer report that highlighted the impact. The Lead Specialist Place commented on the need to take into account previous appeal decisions and assess what, if anything, had changed since the previous appeal was dismissed.

The Chairman, Councillor Fluker proposed that given there was not adequate information to come to a decision, the application be deferred for further information to be provided regarding the previous appeal.  This was seconded by Councillor Helm.

The Chairman put the first proposal, that of the Officer’s recommendation to refuse the application, to the Committee and the Committee voted against the refusal. At this point Councillor Mrs P A Channer wished it noted that she voted for the refusal.

The Chairman then put the second proposal to defer the application for further information to be provided regarding the previous appeal to the Committee and this was agreed.

RESOLVED that the application be DEFERRED for further information to be provided regarding the previous appeal relating to the site.