Agenda and 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 S White.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 3 April 2024, (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 3 April 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).

Councillors S J N Morgan and C P Morley declared a non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 7 23/00130/COU – Building at junction of Braxted Park Road with Maldon Road, near Tiptree, CO5 0QA as they bought goods from the premises.

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

It was noted from the Members’ Update that the Assistant Director - Planning and Implementation had removed this report from the agenda as Members needed to consider expert evidence from the Environmental Health Officer on the issue of noise generation. The report would be presented to the next meeting of the Committee.

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

It was noted from the Members’ Update that the Assistant Director - Planning and Implementation had removed this item from the agenda as the Council needed to seek legal opinion following receipt of further representation. The report would be presented to the next meeting of the Committee.

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

Following the Officers’ presentation, the Agent, Miss Quinn, addressed the Committee.

Some Members spoke against the Officers’ recommendation of refusal commenting that they felt there was a functional need for the proposal and the car park was already in existence.

A debate ensued, during which Councillor S J Morgan commented that he felt there was a functional need for the proposed change of use and the car park was already in existence. He then proposed that the application be approved, contrary to Officers recommendation. This proposal was duly seconded.

In response to questions raised, the Principal Planning Officer advised that the car was block paved and permeable and confirmed that Officers were unable to confirm if the barn had been used for agricultural purposes which was one of the reasons why the application did not accord with Policy E4.

In response to a request from the Chairperson, Councillor Morgan clarified his reasons for approval related to Policy S1 as rural prosperity was being increased and Policy S7 in respect of local economy.

The Chairperson advised that if Members were mindful to approve the application conditions would be delegated to Officers in consultation with herself and Councillor Morgan. This was noted. The Chairperson then moved Councillor Morgan’s proposal to approve the application and upon a vote being taken this was agreed.

RESOLVED that this application be APPROVED subject to conditions delegated to Officers in consultation with the Chairperson and Councillor S J N Morgan.