Meeting documents

SSDC Area East Committee
Wednesday, 12th June, 2019 9.00 am

Venue: Committee Room (Area East) - Churchfield. View directions

Contact: Kelly Wheeler, Case Services Officer (Support Services) - 01935 462038  Email: kelly.wheeler@southsomerset.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 10th April 2019.

Minutes:

The minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 10th April 2019, copies of which had been circulated, were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 

One member pointed out that in a previous set of minutes, that it had been agreed that the Development Control team would attend a meeting to provide an update on enforcement issues. He explained that this had not yet happened.

2.

Apologies for absence

Minutes:

There were no apologies of absence.

3.

Declarations of Interest

In accordance with the Council’s current Code of Conduct (as amended 26 February 2015), which includes all the provisions relating to Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPI), personal and prejudicial interests, Members are asked to declare any DPI and also any personal interests (and whether or not such personal interests are also "prejudicial") in relation to any matter on the Agenda for this meeting. 

Members are reminded that they need to declare the fact that they are also a member of a County, Town or Parish Council as a Personal Interest.  Where you are also a member of Somerset County Council and/or a Town or Parish Council within South Somerset you must declare a prejudicial interest in any business on the agenda where there is a financial benefit or gain or advantage to Somerset County Council and/or a Town or Parish Council which would be at the cost or to the financial disadvantage of South Somerset District Council. 

Planning Applications Referred to the Regulation Committee

The following members of this Committee are also members of the Council’s Regulation Committee:

Councillors Tony Capozzoli, Henry Hobhouse, Paul Rowsell, William Wallace and Colin Winder.

Where planning applications are referred by this Committee to the Regulation Committee for determination, Members of the Regulation Committee can participate and vote on these items at the Area Committee and at Regulation Committee.  In these cases the Council’s decision-making process is not complete until the application is determined by the Regulation Committee.  Members of the Regulation Committee retain an open mind and will not finalise their position until the Regulation Committee.  They will also consider the matter at Regulation Committee as Members of that Committee and not as representatives of the Area Committee.

Minutes:

Councillor Sarah Dyke declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 10 as she was the Programme Manager for the Heart of Wessex Local Action Group.

 

Councillors William Wallace and Mike Lewis, members of SCC (Somerset County Council), would only declare an interest in any business on the agenda where there was a financial benefit or gain or advantage to SCC which would be at the cost or to the financial disadvantage to SSDC.

 

There were no other declarations of interest.

4.

Date of Next Meeting

Members are asked to note that the next scheduled meeting of the committee will be at the Council Offices, Churchfield, Wincanton on Wednesday July 10th at 9.00 am.

Minutes:

Members noted that the date of the next scheduled meeting of the Committee would be at the Council Offices, Churchfields, Wincanton on Wednesday 10th July at 9am.

5.

Public Question Time

Minutes:

There were no questions from members of the public present.

6.

Chairman Announcements

Minutes:

The Chairman advised that there would be aArea Priorities & Area Chapters’ workshop immediately following the July Area East Committee meeting.

 

He also advised that a special joint Area South and Area East Committee had been scheduled to consider a major planning application for a site at Mudford. He explained the proposed procedure for the meeting, advising that Area East Committee members would be given the opportunity to ask questions and to vote prior to Area South Committee members. He informed members that the date for this meeting was 3rd July at The Council Offices at Brympton Way, Yeovil.

 

Councillors Lucy Trimnell and Mike Lewis gave their apologies as they would be unable to attend the proposed special meeting.

 

The Chairman referred to a specific planning enforcement which was being considered in Wincanton. He requested that the ward members for Wincanton contact him and the Planning Department to discuss the extent of enforcement action which should be taken.

 

He also advised that an enforcement appeal for a site in West Mudford had been dismissed by The Planning Inspectorate.

 

The Chairman requested that any concerns or questions over enforcement planning issues be passed to him in writing to raise at his monthly meetings with the Development Control team.

 

He also reminded members that there would be Wincanton Regeneration workshop immediately following this committee meeting.

 

7.

Reports from Members

Minutes:

There were no reports from members.

 

Councillor Hayward Burt expressed his disappointment that the committee had been given no opportunity to elect their own Chairman. He also sought confirmation that any alterations to dates, times and location of Area East Committee meetings would be referred to the Committee for consultation. The Chairman confirmed that the Churchfields office would be sold in the future and that the Committee would be consulted on any possible future locations for holding their meetings.

 

Councillor Colin Winder explained that Planning Agents were experiencing difficulties in contacting the Development Control Team. In response to this, the Director (Service Delivery) explained that the team were working in a different way and that he was aware that the team were currently under pressure from a high level of planning applications and numbers of staff.

 

It was noted that planning agent forums are regularly scheduled and further to this it was agreed that a planning workshop would be arranged to provide details on the new ways of working to the Parish Councils. The Director (Service Delivery) confirmed that he would discuss this with the relevant officer and would provide a suitable date for the workshop following this discussion.  

 

It was also highlighted that the weekly list of planning applications which had been registered and determined was no longer being sent to subscribers. The Director (Service Delivery) agreed to look into this.

8.

Community Capital Grant Request pdf icon PDF 85 KB

Decision:

RESOLVED:  that members agreed a contribution of up to £12,500 as a 9% contribution from the Community Grants Capital Budget

 

Reason:          towards the provision of a new Skate Park at Cale Park, subject to the standard conditions set out in Appendix A.

 

(voting: unanimous)

Minutes:

The Locality Officer presented his report to Members. He explained that grant application had been received from Wincanton Town Council for replacement skate park equipment. He explained that the current stake park had been constructed from steel and had rusted come to the end of its life.

 

He explained to members that it was proposed that the replacement would be constructed from concrete, which would be longer lasting, require less maintenance and would provide a better experience for the user.

 

He informed members that a public consultation had taken place and that this had been well-attended.

 

He clarified the funding options for the project, explaining that the grant requested was for £12,500 and that the Town Council would be committing £37,000 towards the project. He also pointed out, that as an update to the report; Sport England had confirmed a £20,000 grant towards this project.

 

In response to a question from a member, the Locality Officer explained that although it is hard to monitor how much use the skate park has, from his observations it was a very well used facility. He further pointed out that the closest similar skate park was located in Gillingham. He also pointed out that there had been a good response to the consultation and that the replacement equipment would vastly improve the site.

 

In response to another question, the Locality Officer explained that it was anticipated that the concrete equipment would be longer lasting and would be easier to repair. He suggested that the equipment could last in an excess of 30 years.

 

He also added that support would be given to other communities hoping for similar projects, however funds were limited and would largely depend on the communities ability to fundraise towards such projects.

 

The Locality Officer explained that in this case, additional fundraising by Wincanton Town Council may still be required. However, a representative from Wincanton Town Council confirmed that the Town Council would be applying for a public works loan for the remaining funds required.

 

Following the discussion, it was proposed and seconded that the grant application should be approved. 

 

RESOLVED:  that members agreed a contribution of up to £12,500 as a 9% contribution from the Community Grants Capital Budget to Wincanton Town Counciltowards the provision of a new Skate Park at Cale Park, subject to the standard conditions set out in Appendix A.

 

(voting: unanimous)

9.

Retail Support Initiative Grant Application pdf icon PDF 100 KB

Decision:

RESOLVED:  that members agreed to grant £1,500 from the Community Development revenue budget element ring-fenced or the RSI.

 

Reason:          To Wincanton Post Office for shop front improvements. All grants are subject to the conditions as detailed in Appendix A

 

(voting: unanimous)

Minutes:

The Locality Officer presented her report to members.

 

She summarised the Retail Support Initiative Grant application scheme and advised that the application from Wincanton Post Office had been received in February.

 

She explained that the Post Office held a very prominent position within the Town Centre and was a long-standing business which attracts a lot of custom. She added that the Post Office was a very valued service for the town.

 

She explained that the grant application was for £1,500 towards shop front improvements. She pointed out to members that the work had already started and pointed out that the conditions of the scheme stated that work should not have started before grants were awarded. However, she pointed out that the application was received in February and as there was not a meeting of Area East Committee in May, this application had been delayed. She explained that this was the earliest opportunity that the application could be considered and explained that the application had scored highly on the application criteria.

 

The Chairman felt that no precedent would be set in granting a retrospective application as the application had been delayed because of the recent district council elections.

 

In response to a members question, the Locality Officer advised that the scheme applied to retail shops/outlets, public  houses and farm shops and would provide

 

Following the discussion, it was proposed and seconded to award £1,500 from the Community Development revenue budget element ring-fenced or the RSI, subject to the conditions as detailed in Appendix A.

 

On being put to the vote, this was carried unanimously.

 

RESOLVED:    that members agreed to award £1,500 from the Community Development revenue budget or the RSI, to Wincanton Post Office, subject to the conditions as detailed in Appendix A of the agenda report.

 

(voting: unanimous)

10.

Appointment to Outside Organisations pdf icon PDF 83 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED: that members;

 

1.         be appointed to serve on the groups and panels as follows:

 

2.         be appointed to the outside organisations

 

Reason:          for the municipal year 2019/20 as set out in the report.

 

Area East Working Groups and outside organisations

 

Dimmer Liaison Group:                                    Councillor Mike Lewis

Henstridge Consultative Committee:    Councillor’s William Wallace and Hayward Burt

Heart of Wessex:                                 Councillor Mike Lewis

 

(voting: unanimous)

Minutes:

RESOLVED: that members;

 

1.         be appointed to serve on the groups and panels as follows:

 

2.         be appointed to the outside organisations

 

Reason:          for the municipal year 2019/20 as set out in the report.

 

Area East Working Groups and outside organisations

 

Dimmer Liaison Group:                                    Councillor Mike Lewis

Henstridge Consultative Committee:    Councillor’s William Wallace and Hayward Burt

Heart of Wessex:                                 Councillor Mike Lewis

 

The Chairman confirmed that he would Chair the first Henstridge Consultative Committee meeting, at which meeting a replacement Chairman will be appointed.

 

(voting: unanimous)

11.

Development Control Scheme of Delegation - Nomination of Substitutes for Area East Chairman and Vice Chairman - 2019/20 pdf icon PDF 71 KB

Decision:

RESOLVED:    that members agreed to appoint, in line with the revised Development Control Scheme of Delegation, Councillor Hayward Burt (first substitute) and Councillor Sarah Dyke (second substitute) to act as substitutes for the Chairman and Vice Chairman

 

Reason:          In line with the revised Development Control Scheme of Delegation.

 

(voting: 11 in support with 1 abstention)

Minutes:

RESOLVED:   that members agreed to appoint, in line with the revised Development Control Scheme of Delegation, Councillor Hayward Burt (first substitute) and Councillor Sarah Dyke (second substitute) to act as substitutes for the Chairman and Vice Chairman in line with the revised Development Control Scheme of Delegation.

 

(voting: 11 in support with 1 abstention)

12.

Area East Committee Forward Plan pdf icon PDF 73 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman advised that there would be additional reports on the agenda for the July meeting of Area East Committee. These reports were the;

 

Heart of Wessex Local Action Group update

Review of Retail Support Initiative update

Economic Development Strategy update

 

RESOLVED:   that members noted the Area East Committee Forward Plan.

13.

Planning Appeals (For Information Only) pdf icon PDF 79 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:    that members noted the Planning Appeals that had been received and determined by The Planning Inspectorate.

14.

Schedule of Planning Applications to be Determined by Committee pdf icon PDF 89 KB

Minutes:

RESOLVED:    that members noted the Schedule of Planning Applications to be determined by Committee.

15.

18/01602/FUL - Former BMI Site, Cumnock Road, Ansford pdf icon PDF 975 KB

Minutes:

Application Proposal: Demolition of existing buildings, conversion of and alterations to listed buildings to form 11 No. dwellings, the erection of 70 No. dwellings (total 81 No. dwellings) and associated works, including access and off-site highway works, parking, landscaping, open space, footpath links and drainage infrastructure

 

The Specialist Planning Officer introduced the application with the assistance of a PowerPoint presentation of images to show the location of the site, the proposed plans and photographs of the site and the access.  He advised that the application was two starred and so would be referred to the District Council’s Regulation Committee if the Area Committee were unwilling to accept the recommendation to approve the application.

 

Since writing his report, a late representation had been received from the Somerset Waste Partnership regarding the bin storage area and following discussion with the applicants, a further bin storage area was now proposed through the imposition of an additional condition.  Also, 4 further letters had been received: 3 in objection and one in support of the scheme. 

 

He noted that the Castle Cary and Ansford Neighbourhood Plan had been passed by the Independent Examiner subject to modifications and could then progress to a referendum and become part of the development plan for the area if confirmed by the referendum.

 

In response to questions from Members, the Specialist Planing Officer confirmed that:-

 

·         1.6 parking spaces per dwelling and 6 visitor spaces were proposed at the site

·         The Council’s tree officer had specified the trees species which would be planted to replace those removed during development. 

·         Section 106 funding obtained from the development was allocated to a new facility in the immediate area.

 

The Chairman noted that new planning guidelines were required to ensure that properties were fully insulated and were south facing so that they could benefit from solar energy.  The Council’s Climate and Ecology Strategy which was currently being developed could be used to update the Local Plan.

 

The Chairman, as Ward Member, regretted that Somerset County Highways had said the internal estate roads were not suitable for adoption and would therefore remain private because of the lack of pavements within the site.  He also noted that the arrangements for the traffic lights at the entrance to sequence with other traffic lights in Cumnock Road had already been agreed.  A large water tank in the middle of the site was not mentioned in the report and the developer should be aware of it.

 

The other Ward Member, Councillor Kevin Messenger, said the site was hugely strategic and important to the town and the Town Council’s view should be taken into account.

 

The Committee were then addressed by a member of Castle Cary Town Council and two local residents.  Their comments included:-

 

·         Planning permission had already been granted for 650 houses in the town and there was a lack of a Master Plan for the town.

·         The roads within the development should be up to an adoptable standard and there was a lack  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

16.

18/01603/LBC - Former BMI Site, Cumnock Road, Ansford pdf icon PDF 872 KB

Minutes:

Application Proposal: Demolition of existing buildings, conversion of and alterations to listed buildings to form 11 No. dwellings, the erection of 70 No. dwellings (total 81 No. dwellings) and associated works, including access and off-site highway works, parking, landscaping, open space, footpath links and drainage infrastructure

 

This application was presented and considered with the concurrent full application which was the previous report on the agenda for 18/01602/FUL - Former BMI Site, Cumnock Road, Ansford.

 

At the conclusion of the debate, the proposal to defer the application was carried by 9 votes in favour, 1 against and 3 abstentions. 

 

RESOLVED: that planning application 18/01603/LBC be deferred for officers to negotiate an amended scheme to address issues concerning:

 

1.      Highway adoption

2.      To increase levels of car parking (incl. visitor)

3.      To reduce the density of the development

4.      To establish the specific boundary treatments with Beechfield House

5.      To seek to retain more protected trees currently proposed to be felled

6.      Clarity regarding the new highway infrastructure on Cumnock Road

 

(Voting: 9 in favour, 1 against, 3 abstentions)

17.

18/02433/REM - Land At Baker Street, Babcary pdf icon PDF 486 KB

Minutes:

Application Proposal: Reserved Matters for the erection of 2 No. dwellings

 

The Specialist Planning Officer introduced the application with the assistance of a PowerPoint presentation of images to show the location of the site, the proposed plans and photographs of the site and the access.  She advised that outline planning permission had already been granted by an appeal Inspector for two 3 bedroom properties and the application now proposed two 4 bedroom properties set further back on the site. She said the principle of development was established at the site and so recommended approval.

 

The Ward Member, Councillor Henry Hobhouse, said he had been advised that as the Planning Inspector had granted permission, the Committee were now unable to refuse this subsequent application despite the narrow access and problems it may cause with the delivery of building materials during construction.

 

The other Ward Member, Councillor Kevin Messenger, also regretted the sub-standard access road.

 

During discussion, it was suggested that a condition be added for the submission of a Construction Management Plan and also a sprinkler system within the properties as any Fire appliance may have difficulty accessing the site in an emergency.  The Specialist Planning Officer said a Construction Management Plan could be added as a condition but the sprinkler system would be addressed as an informative to the permission. 

 

It was proposed and seconded to grant permission with the additional condition for a Construction Management Plan and informative to include consideration of installing sprinkler systems in the properties.  On being put to the vote, this was carried unanimously.

 

RESOLVED: That planning application 18/02433/REM be APPROVED for the following reason:

 

This detailed scheme, by reason of its scale, layout, design and materials, respects the character and setting of the conservation area without resulting in any demonstrable harm to visual amenity, residential amenity, highway safety, flooding or other environmental concern and therefore accords with the aims and objectives of policies SD1, TA5, TA6, EQ1 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan and the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:

 

01.       The development hereby approved shall be as shown on approved plans drawings numbered 1295/001 (Location Plan), 1295/003 (Combined Plans) and 1295/002 Rev B (Site Plan).

           

            Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of proper planning.

 

02.       No works shall be carried out above damp course level for the dwellings hereby permitted unless particulars of the following have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority;

           

a)    materials (including the provision of samples where appropriate) to be used for all external walls and roofs;

b)    full details of the new natural stonework walls, including the materials, coursing, bonding, mortar profile, colour and texture, to be provided in the form of a sample panel to be made available on site;

c)    details of the design, materials and external finish for all external doors, windows, boarding and openings, including detailed sectional drawings, lintels and entrance gates;

d)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

18.

18/04074/FUL - Land at Pilgrims Rest, Lovington, Castle Cary pdf icon PDF 451 KB

Minutes:

Application Proposal:Erection of six dwellings including amended existing access, associated parking provisions and landscaping

 

This application was withdrawn from the agenda to allow the Ward Members/ Chairman to delegate the decision to officers.

 

There was no discussion over the item, however a spokesperson for the Parish Council, a local resident and the applicant had registered to speak in support of this application.

19.

19/00958/FUL - Land OS 2111 West Of Little Sark, Tank Lane, Castle Cary pdf icon PDF 490 KB

Minutes:

Application Proposal: The erection of 4 No. dwellings with associated works

 

The Planning Consultant introduced the application with the assistance of a PowerPoint presentation of images to show the location of the site, the proposed plans and photographs of the site and the access.  He advised that the proposal was for 4 detached bungalows and although there was permission for 125 dwellings to the south of the site, the housing density was comparable.  Both local Town and Parish Councils had expressed concern at the suitability of the road junction nearby but there were no Highway Authority objections to the scheme.  A late response from the SSDC Ecologist suggested 3 further conditions of approval to protect and encourage local wildlife.

 

One of the Ward Members, Councillor Henry Hobhouse, expressed concern that permission had been granted for up to 650 houses in the area yet the Highway Authority said there was no impact on the local road network.  He also felt Tank Lane was substandard and 4 additional properties would create double the traffic. 

 

The other Ward Member, Councillor Kevin Messenger, expressed concern that the applicant would subsequently apply for houses at the site.  The Specialist Development Management Officer said that the application must be considered on its own merit and any future applications could not be considered.

 

The Committee were then addressed by the applicant and his architect.  Their comments included:-

 

·         The population is living longer and older people typically purchase bungalows

·         The proposed bungalows are spacious with plenty of garden space

·         The proposal is well designed to suit the needs of the area.

·         A pre-application submission was met with a positive response from planners

·         There was little or no overlooking into neighbouring properties.

 

Councillor Michael Lewis, as the County Council Ward Member for the area, said he was meeting with Highway Officers that week to discuss possible improvements to the road junction at the A371/B3152.

 

In response to a question, the Planning Consultant said the properties were not restricted to be purchased by people over the age of 55 but would be open market properties.

 

During discussion, Members were generally in favour of the development and it was proposed and seconded to approve the application, with the 3 additional ecological conditions proposed.  On being put to the vote this was carried by 11 votes in favour and 1 abstention.

 

RESOLVED: That planning application 19/00958/FUL be APPROVED for the following reason:

 

01.       The proposal is considered to be acceptable in this location, and would cause no significant adverse impact on the character of the area. The proposed design, layout and external finishing materials of the dwellings on this site would respect the appearance and character of the locality. There would be no resultant demonstrable harm to residential amenity, highway safety, flood risk or biodiversity. As such the proposal complies with Policies SD1, SS1, TA5, TA6, EQ1, EQ2 and EQ4 of the South Somerset Local Plan, and the aims and objectives of the NPPF.

 

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:

20.

19/00718/DPO - Land South of Bayford Hill, Wincanton pdf icon PDF 901 KB

Minutes:

Application Proposal: Application to vary S106 Agreement dated 30th October 2014 attached to approval 13/03318/OUT between Hopkins Development Limited, South Somerset District Council and Somerset County Council to remove the requirement for the provision of any affordable housing as part of the residential development to be carried out on the site.

 

This application was withdrawn from the agenda and will be considered at a future meeting.