Agenda and minutes

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

At this point the Chairperson advised that the agenda pack contained an error and should show Councillor V J Bell as the Vice-Chairperson of the Committee. As Councillor Bell was unable to attend this meeting, she had requested that Councillor S J N Morgan assist her at the top table.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors V J Bell, D O Bown, J C Hughes, K M H Lagan, R G Pratt, R H Siddall, W Stamp CC and S White.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the District Planning Committee held on 15 July 2025.

The Chairperson advised Members that the Minutes had been circulated prior to the meeting in a supplementary pack.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the District Planning Committee held on 15 July 2025 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).

There were none.

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

The Chairperson advised that due to an error in the voting process at the last meeting of this Committee, it was being brought back to the Committee for reconsideration as a fresh application, rather than following the constitutional brake applied at the last meeting. The report advised that the Monitoring Officer had advised that this application must be reconsidered in full in line with the Council’s Constitution to ensure a lawful decision is made. The Chairperson clarified that all Members present were able to speak and vote on the application whether present at the last meeting or not.

The Head of Service: Development Management and Building Control presented the report and drew Members’ attention to the Members’ Update that had been circulated prior to the meeting. The Update reported that the applicant had submitted a revision to the housing mix of market housing and the Update provided further details in respect of the proposed change. It was noted that the layout of the development would not change, and the only alterations related to the modifications in building types proposed for the one-bedroom dwellings. The Head of Service reported that Officers were satisfied that the amendment did not materially change the application, and it was noted that therefore no further public consultation was required. Should Members be mindful to approve the application subject to the amendments detailed in the Update, appropriate planning conditions would be attached to the decision notice to confirm the mix of market housing and associated drawing numbers.

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

During the debate that ensued further points of clarification were provided in response to questions from Members, these included:

·                There would be six one-bedroom dwellings provided by the proposed development, these were a mix of market and affordable social housing dwellings.

·                A consultation response had been received from Essex County Council Education and the report provided details of the proposed contributions in respect of early years, primary and secondary education. These figures would form part of the Section 106 agreement, should Members be mindful to approve the application.

·                The detail of proposed Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points along with their location (including within communal areas) would be included as a condition.

Councillor A S Fluker proposed that the application be approved, in accordance with the Officers’ recommendation. This proposal was duly seconded.

Following further discussion, the Chairperson moved the proposal in the name of Councillor Fluker, subject to the amendments detailed in the Members’ Update and additional conditions detailed. Upon a vote being taken this was duly agreed.

RESOLVED that this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 200.

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

The Head of Service: Development Management and Building Control presented the report and advised Members that this application had been considered by the Committee at its meeting on 22 May 2025 where it was resolved that it be approved subject to conditions and a Section 106 Legal Agreement. The application had been brought back before the Committee to enable it to reconsider the application with the benefit of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Direction to ensure any decision made complied with the relevant regulations. The report provided detailed information of the updated matters for further consideration and to ensure compliance with legislation and the Council’s Constitution. The Head of Service drew Members’ attention to Section 1.4 of the report and took Members through this information in detail.

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

Councillor A S Fluker advised of an error in paragraph 1.4.4 of the report and that the first paragraph of italic text should refer to “…extension of development, where that development is already authorised…”. This was noted. Councillor Fluker then proposed that Members agree the Officers’ recommendation of approval. This proposal was duly seconded.

Following further discussion, the Chairperson moved the proposal in the name of Councillor Fluker and upon a vote being taken this was duly agreed.

RESOLVED that this application be APPROVED subject to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 201.