Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors V J Bell, Mrs P A Channer, M F L Durham CC, M S Heard, K M H Lagan, N G F Shaughnessy and Mrs J C Stilts.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the District Planning Committee held on 7 April 2022 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the District Planning Committee held on 7 April 2022 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.)

Councillors Mrs J L Fleming and W Stamp declared a non-pecuniary interest as they were a Member of Essex County Council who were statutory consultees.

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 a consultation response had been received from Chelmsford City Council along with some additional supporting information from the applicant and a proposed revision to condition 25.

Following the Officers presentation, the Agent, Mr Hartley-Bond addressed the Committee.

A lengthy debate ensued, during which Members raised a number of questions to which further information was provided by Officers particularly in relation to noise, how the collected energy would exit the site, wildlife and security of the site.

Councillor S P Nunn proposed that if the Committee were mindful to approve the application that a full archaeological condition be added.  This proposal was duly seconded.  In response the Lead Specialist Place advised that condition 6, as proposed, was a standard condition requiring some level of archaeological assessment.

Following further debate, Councillor A S Fluker referred to screening of the site and conditioning that it be maintained this at 2.5m within five years.  He then proposed that the application be approved subject to the conditions set out in the report and Member’ Update in addition to a more robust condition on archaeology and condition regarding the 2.5m growth.  This proposal was duly seconded.

In response to the proposal, the Lead Specialist Place advised that condition 4 covered the matter relating to landscaping.  Councillor Fluker did not agree with this and felt that within five years a screen of 2.5m should be achievable.

Councillor Nunn removed his earlier proposal clarified that in respect of the archaeology condition mentioned by Councillor Fluker he felt that this should include onsite assessment and field work as well as keeping a watching brief.  Councillor Fluker advised that he seconded this amendment to his earlier proposal.

In response the Lead Specialist Place advised that the existing archaeology and landscaping condition could be updated to require details to be submitted.

The Chairman moved the proposal by Councillor Fluker, as amended, and upon a vote being taken this was duly agreed.

RESOLVED that this application be APPROVED subject to the conditions set out in the report and Members’ Update, duly amended as detailed above.