Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting and went through some general housekeeping arrangements for the meeting.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor M G Neall.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 08 April 2026 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 8 April 2026 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 that in relation to Agenda Item 5 – 24/00813/FUUL Maltings Storage Shed, Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, he owned property opposite the site.

To consider the report of the Director of Place, Planning and Growth, (copy enclosed, Members’ Update to be circulated)*.

It was noted from the Members’ Update that one additional letter of objection had been received and the points raised were summarised in section 7.5.1 of the report.

Following the Officers’ presentation, the Agent, Mr Lilley, addressed the Committee.

In response to a request for clarity regarding the reason this application had been referred to this Committee, the Development Management Team Leader advised that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution this had been brought forward because in the opinion of the Director of Place, Planning and Growth in consultation with the Chairperson of this Committee as it was considered that the scheme should be referred to Members.

At this point Councillor A S Fluker excused himself from the meeting, left the chamber and did not return.

During the lengthy debate that ensued some Members raised concerns regarding the proposed development and in response to a number of questions Officers provided additional information including:

·                The boat storage area had been included to address concerns raised by a Planning Inspector from a previous appeal decision.

·                The proposed parking met the Council’s parking standards.

·                Although the development did not meet the Supplementary Planning Document requirements in terms of private amenity space (rear gardens), balconies and a communal space were proposed, and the properties were on a riverside location where is it more a tight knit area in terms of the existing surrounding built environment. The Officers’ recommendation was based on planning balance and the need for housing weighed in favour of the proposal. At this point Members were reminded of a related appeal decision which had regard to the size of the amenity space but took into context the location of the site being in a sustainable area and how that particular scheme was balanced being that it was providing housing.

·                Whilst Policy H3 of the District Local Plan referred to specialist housing needs Members were advised that the Disability Discrimination Act was mainly covered by building regulations.

Councillor A Fittock then proposed that the application be approved, in accordance with Officers’ recommendations. This was duly seconded  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider the report of the Director of Place, Planning and Growth, (copy enclosed, Members’ Update to be circulated)*.

It was noted from the Members’ Update that this application had been WITHDRAWN by the Agenda on behalf of the Applicant.