Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to this remote meeting of the District Planning Committee, held under new regulations which had come into effect in response to the COVID-19 situation.  The Chairman then went through some general housekeeping arrangements for the meeting.

A roll call of those Members present was taken.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors R G Boyce MBE, R P F Dewick, M F L Durham CC, C P Morley and N Skeens.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the District Planning Committee held on 13 August 2020, (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the District Planning Committee held on 13 August 2020 be approved and confirmed.

To confirm the Minutes of the special District Planning Committee held on 20 August 2020, (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the special meeting of the District Planning Committee held on 20 August 2020 be approved and confirmed.

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, other Pecuniary Interest or Non-Pecuniary Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraphs 6 – 8 of the Code of Conduct for Members.

(Members are reminded that they are also required to disclose any such interest as soon as they become aware should the need arise through the meeting.)

Councillor Mrs P A Channer disclosed a non-pecuniary interest as a Member of Essex County Council who were consulted on a number of areas in relation to planning applications which included flooding as Lead Local Flood Authority.

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

It was noted from the Members’ Update that consultation responses had been received from Essex County Council Adult Social Care and the Tree Consultant.  Amendments to proposed conditions 2, 4 and 5 and an additional suggested condition 20 were also detailed.

Councillor A L Hull declared a non-pecuniary interest in this application as her partner had worked for the original owner of the land.

The Chairman advised Members that under the Council’s public participation scheme one submission had been received from the Agent, Mr Rowe.  In line with the public participation scheme she had reviewed the submission and the Lead Specialist Development Management proceeded to read out the submission received.  The Chairman then moved the Officers’ recommendation of approval subject to the conditions detailed within the report and Members’ Update.  This was duly seconded.

Members were reminded that all matters relating to the principle of development, access and location had all been considered and agreed as part of the related outline planning application.  Case law was clear that Members could not go back and revisit those matters.

A lengthy debate ensued, during which Officers provided further clarification in respect of the following points:

·                 The requirement for bus stops and footpaths formed part of the outline application.

·                 The removal of Permitted Development Right through the proposed conditions were to ensure that back to back distances between dwellings and the design and character of the development were maintained.  The Lead Specialist Place provided further clarification on Permitted Development and how this related to the proposed amenity spaces.

·                 Solar panels were proposed for the independent living units and care home.  In response to concerns raised the Officer advised that if Members felt it desirable additional solar panels could be secured by condition.

·                 The difference in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1258.