Meeting documents

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 8^th March 2017.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 8^th March 2017, copies of which had been circulated, were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

There were no apologies of absence received.

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 David Norris, Sarah Dyke, Tony Capozzoli and Nick Weeks.

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.

Councillor Sarah Dyke declared an interest on agenda item 10 (Annual Progress Report on Heart of Wessex LEADER Programme) as she is the Programme Manager.

Councillors Mike Lewis and Anna Groskop, 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.

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

Members noted that the next scheduled meeting of the Area East Committee would be held on Wednesday 10^th May 2017 at The Council Offices, Churchfield, Wincanton at 9am.

There were no comments from members of the public present.

The Chairman made no announcements.

Councillor Colin Winder advised members that he was concerned that the incomplete double yellow lines outside the Post Office in Wincanton should be removed. Following a suggestion from Councillor Anna Groskop, he agreed to register the concern on the Travel Somerset website.

He also expressed his concern that Verrington Hospital could be closing and suggested that a letter which he had received from Friends of the Hospital should be circulated to the Area East Committee members and suggested that a report on the future of the hospital should be on a future Area East Committee agenda. The Assistant Director Communities agreed to establish the consultation status and inform members accordingly.

Some members expressed their concerns over the service standards of the Development Control department and the Scheme of Delegation. It was agreed that the Chairman would discuss these concerns with the Development Manager.

Councillor Mike Lewis advised that a new Government Anti-Littering Strategy had been published and requested that this be circulated to members. The Assistant Director Communities agreed to contact the Streetscene and Environmental Health teams to request that members of briefed on the revised strategy.

Councillor Tony Capozzoli informed members that there were still outstanding flooding issues at Stockswitch cross near the Yeovilton air base and that white lines had not been reinstated at a layby in Northover. The Assistant Director Communities agreed that the Area Development Team would follow up these requests with Somerset County Council and the Ministry of Defence.

The Area Development Lead (East) presented his report to members. He explained that customer survey of the SSDC public advice desk at Churchfield had recently been completed. He informed members that of the 46 forms completed, the results showed a 100% satisfaction rate and that all customers rated the service which they had received in the area office as either good or very good. He explained that there had been a 7% decrease in the number of enquires received.

He highlighted some of the achievements which have been made in Area East over the last 12 months to include;

·         Galhampton Village Hall had secured a Lottery award towards a new village hall.  Works on site would begin this summer.

·         The Charlton Community Plan was at the draft stage and the Housing Needs Survey had been completed.

·         Additional parking area had been created by clearing waste at The Mead in Ilchester.

·         The Queen Camel neighbourhood plan is being reviewed.

·         The Charlton Horethorne community plan has been endorsed.

·         Support is being given to Milborne Port T.C to help them refresh the town plan.

·         Wincanton Community Partnership has been established and the Wincanton Neighbourhood plan is at submission stage.

·         Works to Hadpsen Village Hall had been completed and Bayford Hall had been refurbished.

·         The MUGA project in Bruton was moving forward.

The Area Development Lead (East) responded to members questions. During the discussion it was suggested that further awareness of funding and support which is available to Parish and Town Council could be offered to clerks through additional training. The Area Lead was thanked for the work of the team.

RESOLVED:  that members noted and commented on the report.

The Area Development Lead (East) presented his report to members. He explained that a member of the Area Development Team visits each of the three Local Information Centres in Area East once a year to review their achievements. He explained that the centres receive funding to assist with the running costs. He explained to members that he was going to review the way that funding would be provided in the future as the Local Information Centres provide different levels of advice.

Members noted that a further review report would follow on a later agenda which would include different options on how the funding is provided to the Local Information Centres. 

RESOLVED: members noted the report.

(Councillor Sarah Dyke declared an interest in this item as she is the Programme Manager of the Heart of Wessex Group. Councillor Mike Lewis declared an interest as he is a member of the executive of the Heart of Wessex Group)

The Assistant Director Communities presented her report to members. She explained there was approximately £1million of funding which remained unallocated. She advised members there had been 8 projects approved for awards, and that 5 of these were in South Somerset, 2 of which were in Area East. 

She further advised that there were other projects being considered and that drop-in surgery sessions had been arranged to encourage eligible projects to come forward.

Councillor Sarah Dyke, the Programme Manager for Heart of Wessex, explained that the application process had been simplified and streamlined and that as one of the top performing action groups, it was possible that further funding could be awarded to the group. She further stated that although the application process was now easier, the eligibility remained the same.

RESOLVED:  members noted the report.

The Assistant Director (Communities) suggested that the Community Office report could be included on the next agenda of the Area East Committee. She further advised that she would consider the consultation dates on the proposed closure of Verrington Hospital to ensure that a report would be prepared at the appropriate time.

She noted that there were a high number of reports scheduled for the June meeting and suggested that the Retail Support Initiative report be considered at the May meeting of the Committee. 

It was also suggested that a CIL member’s workshop should be arranged. The Assistant Director (Communities) agreed to liaise with the planning service about options.

RESOLVED:  that members noted the forward plan and the suggested amendments.

Members noted the planning appeals decisions and appeals which had been received.

Members noted the schedule of planning applications.

Application Proposal: Application for the approval for the remaining reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and sale) of outline planning approval 12/03277/OUT (Mixed use development comprising up to 75 dwellings B1a, b and c employment, D1 multi-purpose community building and associated development)

The Lead Planning Officer (North/East) presented his report to members with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation which included photographs of the site and proposed plans. He explained that was a planning application to seek all reserved matters, except the access as this had already been approved at outline stage.

He advised members that the applicant had agreed to make financial contributions towards a new community hall which would be located outside the application site. He further advised members that the scheme had been amended several times to reflect the views of the community.

He highlighted that the properties would either be 1 or 2 stories high and that there would be an access strip between the existing properties and the proposed dwellings to allow access to the boundary walls adjoining the existing properties.

He advised members that he had received no objections from SCC Highways department and that he had now received an up to date list of plans from the applicant, dated 28^th March 2017, which would be included within condition 2 should an approval be given.

Martin Batchelor, representing the Parish Council, addressed the members. He informed members that he had concerns that an application to amend the section 106 agreement could be submitted if approval was given, which could reduce the contributions which the applicant had previously agreed. He hoped that no amendments to the s106 would be agreed. He further advised that he had concerns that the road would not be adopted by SCC Highways and that access to the employment units would be dangerous as it would go through the housing estate.

Nicholas Broomhead spoke in objection to the application. He explained that he was the director of Blackmore Vale Close Management Limited.  He pointed out that he had concerns over the maintenance of the boundary walls to the existing properties.

Ian Jewson, the agent, spoke in support of the application. He explained that the scheme had been amended to reflect the views of the pre-application advice which he had received and the views of the local residents, to include bungalows and to re-design the open space. He advised that affordable homes, employment opportunities, playing field and public open spaces would be provided as well as on off-site contribution to a community hall.

Councillor William Wallace, Ward Member, explained that he was concerned that the roads within the proposed development may not be adopted by the highways authority and also raised concern that the developers may apply to withdraw from the contributions which had been agreed in the s106 agreement. He questioned whether a planning bond agreement could be applied to ensure that the roads are adopted and to protect the contributions which have been agreed.

The Lead Planning Officer confirmed that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 206.

Application Proposal: Erection of a detached dwelling

The Planning Officer presented his report to members with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation. He explained to members that he had received a further letter of support.

He explained that this was an outline planning application, with all matters reserved. He further explained that the application site was outside of the settlement of Sparkford and he recommended that the application be refused.

Janet Montgomery, the agent, addressed the Committee to speak in support in of the application. She advised members that similar schemes had been approved on the eastern side of Sparkford and that the application site was close to the village and in a sustainable location. She further advised that the Landscape Officer had not raised any objection to the application and that the Parish Council supported the application. She hoped that the application would be approved.

Councillor Mike Lewis, Ward Member, offered his support to the application. He pointed out that the Parish Council had supported the planning application.

Lilian Elson, representing the CPRE, advised that she objected to the application. The Planning Officer confirmed that he had not been contacted by the CPRE, nor had he received correspondence from the CPRE which detailed any objection to the application. 

Following a short discussion, it was proposed and seconded that the planning application should be approved, contrary to the planning officer’s recommendation, subject to a three-year time limit time condition and conditions to advise that a reserved matters application will be required and a condition to detail the approved plan numbers.

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

RESOLVED: that planning application 17/00408/OUT be approved, contrary to the officers recommendation, subject to conditions to ensure a three-year time limit, that a reserved matters application will be required and to detail approved plan numbers.

For the following reason:

01.          The proposed development is in a sustainable location and would have no adverse impact on the character and local distinctiveness of the area. As such the proposal complies with policies SD1, SS2 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006-2028 and the policies contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.

Subject to the following conditions:

01.         Approval of access, appearance landscaping, layout and scale (hereinafter called 'the reserved matters') shall be obtained from the Local Planning Authority in writing before any development is commenced.

Reason: To accord with the provisions of Article 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 2015.

02.       Application for approval of the reserved matters shall be made to the Local Planning Authority before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: As required by Section 92(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

03.       The development hereby permitted shall be begun, not later than the expiration of two years from the final approval of the reserved matters or, in the case of approval on different dates, the final approval of the last such matter to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 207.

Application Proposal: Change of use of agricultural buildings to sui generis for use as a wedding car hire business. To include a new build ‘link’ barn, replacement of existing store with office, engineering works to level ground (retrospective) and installation of septic tank

The Planning Officer presented his report to members with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation. He explained that the applicant had agreed to the draft unilateral undertaking agreement in respect of the existing buildings on site.

He advised members that he had received two additional letters of objection from neighbours which offered concerns over noise and light and highlighted that works had begun on site without planning permission.

Mrs P Williams addressed the committee and spoke in objection to the application. She felt that this commercial enterprise was not well suited to the agricultural rural area. She also raised concern that the boundary trees would be damaged.

Mr P Shinar, the applicant, addressed the Committee. He explained that the caravan and asbestos roofs had been removed from the site and that unsafe buildings were being replaced. He informed members that the proposed large building would be for the storage of vehicles. He advised that the track had been removed and that he had been trying to address issues over landscaping and drainage on the site. It was his intention to improve the appearance of the site through renovation and landscaping. He clarified that the workshop would be used to repair cars associated with the business only.

Councillor Mike Beech, Ward Member, offered support to the application. He explained that the building had be replaced at the structure was dangerous. He also pointed out that the applicant had offered an evergreen planting scheme along the boundary which he shared with an adjoining neighbour. 

During the discussion, the amount of cars and the vehicle movements to and from the site were discussed. It was suggested that the number of the cars stored on the site should be restricted. Lighting around the site was also discussed.

The applicant confirmed that he had approximately 35 vehicles in his collection which were used for wedding hire. He also confirmed that there would be no lighting around the site.

Following the discussion, it was proposed and seconded that the application be approved, subject to conditions;

- to ensure a three year time limit on commencement

- to specify approved plan numbers

- to approve visibility splays

- to approve landscaping to ensure planting along boundary with neighbour

- to approve a drainage plan

- to agree external materials

- to ensure no external lighting on the site

- to specify use of the site for privately owned vehicles only. (The wording of this condition to be agreed with Chairman, Ward Member and applicant.)

- to agree a Noise Mitigation plan for workshop building.

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

RESOLVED:  that planning application 16/05379/FUL be approved contrary to the officers recommendation subject to conditions to;

- ensure a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 208.

Application Proposal: S73 application to vary the wording of condition 4 of approval 15/03373/FUL to provide a time frame of 25 years

The Planning Officer presented his report to members with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation.

He explained the application was to allow the solar park to continue for 25 years from the connection date.

Following a short discussion, it was proposed and seconded to approve the planning application as detailed in the officer report.

On being put to the vote, this was carried 6 in support, 1 against with 1 abstention.

RESOLVED: that planning application 17/00512/S73 be approved as per the officer recommendation for the following reason:

01.The proposal is considered reasonable, accepting the change in date for the commencement of the 25 years to run from the date of connection to the national grid without adversely affect landscape character, in accordance with the aims and objectives of Policy SD1, EQ1 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

01.      The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from 17 November 2015.

            Reason: To accord with the provisions of section 91(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

02.      The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:

            1088-0200- 01 Issue 01

            1171-0201- 01 Issue 011

            1171-0204- 00 Issue 01

            1171-0205- 04 Issue 01

            1171-0903- 05 Issue 01

            1171-0206- 15 Issue 01

            1171-0207- 16 Issue 01

            1171-0207- 40 Issue 01

            1171-0208- 10 Issue 01

            1171-0208- 54 Issue 01

            1171-0208- 71 Issue 01,

            694-03H, received 23 July 2015.

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

03.      Landscape and Ecology Management Plan detailing measures and management of the site for the benefit of biodiversity shall accord with the details of the Discharge of conditions ref: 15/05612/DOC as agreed in the LPA's letter dated 16 March 2016.

            Reason: For the enhancement of biodiversity in accordance with NPPF.

04.      The development hereby permitted shall be removed and the land restored to its former condition within 25 years of 31 March 2017 or within 6 months of the cessation of the use of the solar farm for the generation of electricity, whichever is the sooner, in accordance with a restoration plan to be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The restoration plan will need to include all the works necessary to revert the site to open agricultural land including the removal of all the structures, materials and any ancillary equipment which shall be removed from the site.

            Reason: In the interests of character and appearance further to policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

05.      The construction access and contractors' parking/compound area shall accord with the detailed scheme submitted under the discharge of conditions ref: 15/05612/DOC and as agreed in the LPA's letter of the 16 March 2016.

            Reason: In the interests of highway safety further to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 209.