Agenda and minutes

To Elect a Chairperson for the remainder of the Municipal Year.

Councillor M E Thompson called for nominations for Chairperson of the North Western Area Planning Committee for the remainder of the municipal year. Councillor M F L Durham proposed that Councillor M E Thompson be appointed as Chairperson of the Committee and this was duly seconded by Councillor S J N Morgan.

There being no other nominations it was:

RESOLVED that Councillor M E Thompson be elected Chairperson of the North Western Area Planning Committee for the remainder of the Municipal Year.

IN THE CHAIR: COUNCILLOR M E THOMPSON

There now being a vacancy for Vice-Chairperson of the Committee, Councillor Thompson then proposed that Councillor M F L Durham be appointed as Vice-Chairperson of the Committee for this meeting for the remainder of the municipal year. There being no other nominations this was duly agreed.

RESOLVED that Councillor M F L Durham be appointed as Vice-Chairperson for the North Western Area Planning Committee for the remainder of the Municipal Year.

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

There were none.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 10 January 2024 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 10 January 2024 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 M F L Durham declared a pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 7 23/00302/PROW - Land Opposite St Margaret's Church, Maldon Road, Woodham Mortimer, due to him being a professional funeral celebrant. He then left the Chamber and did not return.

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It was noted from the Members’ Update that since the agenda had been published the application had been WITHDRAWN following advice for the the Lead Specialist: Legal.

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

Following the Officer’s presentation, the Chairperson opened the floor for debate.

Councillor S J N Morgan proposed that the application be approved in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation and this was duly seconded.

A brief debate ensued where concerns were raised around members of the public accessing the current footpath due to the development of the crematorium blocking the route. Officers confirmed that when Essex County Council are contacted their attention will be drawn to the possible safety risk to members of the public accessing the footpath in its current state.

There being no further discussion the Chairperson put the proposal to approve in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation and upon a vote being taken it was agreed.

RESOLVED that a permanent Diversion Order of the highlighted section of Public Footpath 17 Woodham Mortimer is MADE and, if no relevant objections are received, CONFIRMED by Maldon District Council, as ‘competent authority’ under Section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.