Meeting documents

SSDC Area East Committee
Wednesday, 10th May, 2017 9.00 am

Venue: Council Offices, Churchfield, Wincanton

Contact: Kelly Wheeler 01935 462038  Email: kelly.wheeler@southsomerset.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

210.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 12th April 2017.

Minutes:

The minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 12th April 2017, copies of which had been circulated, were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

211.

Apologies for absence

Minutes:

There were no apologies of absence received.

212.

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 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.

Minutes:

The Chairman, Councillor Nick Weeks, declared a personal pecuniary interest in agenda item 14 as he had recently worked for the applicant. He advised members that he would leave the room during discussion of the item.

 

Councillor William Wallace declared a personal interest in agenda item 15 as he was friends with the applicant. He advised members that he would not participate in the vote.

 

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.

213.

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 14th June at 9.00 am.

Minutes:

Members noted that the next scheduled meeting of the Area East Committee would be held on Wednesday 14th June at The Council Offices, Churchfields, Wincanton at 9am.

214.

Public Question Time

Minutes:

Lilian Elson addressed the Committee. She commented that it was encouraging that the planning appeal decisions included within the agenda support decisions which have been made by the Area East Committee. She also commented that SSDC was lucky to have such capable planning officers and advised members that Holton no longer had a public house as it had closed down several weeks ago.

215.

Chairman Announcements

Minutes:

The Chairman congratulated and welcomed Councillor Hayward Burt to the Committee.

 

He further offered congratulations and commiserations to members of the Committee who had stood as candidates in the recent Somerset County Council election.

 

The Chairman advised members that he had met the Development Control Manager for a very useful meeting. He explained that he had discussed any concerns which had been raised at the previous meeting. He advised members that if they have any further concerns to telephone the Development Control Manager directly.

216.

Reports from Members

Minutes:

Councillor Winder expressed his concern that a bank in Wincanton was closing.

 

He further advised that the Friends of Wincanton Community Hospital had received a reply to their letter which confirmed that the hospital is looking into the concerns raised in the letter.

 

The Assistant Director (Communities) agreed that she was looking at the consultation process to ensure that the Council were able to formally comment on the proposal to close the hospital.

 

Councillor Mike Lewis advised members that there was still a problem with some parishes having access to Superfast Broadband. He explained that there was a sum of £640,000 which had been allocated to assist with the provision of Superfast Broadband and wondered whether there was anything which the Council could do to try to enable the project to move forward. The Assistant Director suggested that it would be useful to have a report on the agenda for the next meeting of the Committee.

 

Councillor Nick Colbert expressed concern that the Community Hospital could be closing and that there was a shortage of doctors at the doctors practice in Wincanton. The Assistant Director (Communities) agreed that a letter would be sent to the doctor’s surgery in Wincanton to express the concerns of the Committee.

217.

Arts & Entertainment - Service Update pdf icon PDF 269 KB

Minutes:

The Arts and Entertainment Manager presented his report to members to detail some of the services recent achievement and to welcome and ideas or suggestions.

 

The Arts Development Officer advised that the arts development team worked in partnership with different arts companies to include Take Art, Actiontrack, Somerset Art Works and Somerset Film. She explained that these projects bought dance, music and art to village locations.

 

She further explained that the team had worked on projects which included King Arthurs School and Ilchester and Milborne Port schools.

 

The Arts and Entertainment Manager explained some of the achievements which had been made at The Octagon Theatre. He explained to members that;

 

·         The theatre welcomes over 200,000 guests a year.

·         Attendance and ticket sales was at a record high.

·         Visitors attend from cities such as Bath and Bristol

·         The theatre had received a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence and a Western Gazette Pride Award

·         A wide range of performances were offered

·         8 performances of ‘Mousetrap’ were sold out

·         The annual pantomime performance was breaking records year after year

·         Local suppliers provide the refreshments sold at the venue

·         The Foyer Club volunteers have raised approximately £76,000 through fundraising.

 

He advised members that following a large petition, Westlands Yeovil had been refurbished and re-opened. He advised that the venue now had 870 retractable seats and a floor capacity of around 1,000 for standing events. He explained that the venue had meeting spaces, a lounge bar and a variety of performances planned.

 

The official opening date of Westlands was 27th June, however prior to the official opening, 10,000 visitors had already been welcomed at the venue.

 

During the discussion, some members commented that there was limited transport to Yeovil from parts of Area East and the residents in some villages are unable to make use of the facilities in Yeovil.

 

The Chairman thanked the Arts and Entertainment Manager and the Arts Development Officer for attending.

 

RESOLVED:  that members noted the report.

218.

Area East Development Plan pdf icon PDF 365 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Area Lead Officer (East) presented his report to members. He referred to appendix 2 of the agenda report, which was the Area East Action Plan. He informed members that the economic priorities were priorities which had been highlighted at a member’s workshop in February and included local and area priorities.

 

He advised that he would be open to any suggestions from members.

 

During the discussion, transport was discussed; however the Area Lead Officer (East) thought that this was broadly included within the plan.

 

Additional support and training for Parish Council clerks was discussed. The Area Lead Officer (East) suggested that a workshop to cover s106 was being considered.

 

Following the discussion, it was proposed and seconded that the Area East Development Plan be approved as detailed in the agenda report. On being put to the vote, this was carried unanimously in support.

 

RESOLVED:  that members approve the Area East Development Plan (ADP) for 2017/18.

 

(Voting: Unanimous)

219.

Community Health and Leisure Service Update pdf icon PDF 319 KB

Minutes:

The Community Health and Leisure Manager presented her report to members to update them on the work of the Community Health and Leisure Service in Area East.

 

With the help of a PowerPoint presentation, she provided images of some of the achievements of the year and explained some of the priorities for the following year.

 

She explained that £800,000 of s106 money had been spent on 18 different projects across the district which included cricket nets in Castle Cary and play equipment in Wincanton. She advised that she was looking at future projects in Keinton Mandeville, Henstridge and Bruton.

 

She pointed out that due to the changes around s106 money and the introduction of CIL, the provision for play facilities will be within future development sites, rather than off-site.

 

She advised that two large strategic projects had been completed which were Westlands and a swimming pool cover in Huish Episcopi.

 

She pointed out to members that the Playing Pitch Strategy would soon be published for consultation and advised members to comment on the strategy.

 

She identified some of the projects which had or were taking place in Area East to include;

 

·         7 of the 27 walking groups were in Area East

·         Walking Football was available in Wincanton

·         In it together classes were available in Area East

·         There have been successful play days in Charlton Adam, Keinton Mandeville, Caslte Cary, Bruton, Wincanton and Sparkford.

·         Play facilities in Wincanton had been provided and progress was being made on a play area in Wincanton.

·         £193,000 had been secured from Sport England to support improvements to facilities at Wincanton Sports Centre and Goldenstones.

 

She responded to members questions. In response to one question, she clarified that the there had been a reduction in staff hours within the Sports Development team and explained that this was due to limited funding.

 

One member asked why progress of the park at Cuckoo Hill had taken so long. She suggested that the problems at Cuckoo Hill could be due to a lack of enforcement of the development.

 

It was commented that the map on page 33 of the agenda identified a disproportionate spend of money across the district. She clarified for members that the map, which detailed where funding had been allocated was a snapshot in time and that further funding was planned for projects in Area East to include improvements to facilities at Wincanton Sports Centre.

 

RESOLVED:  that members noted the report.

 

220.

Area East Committee Forward Plan pdf icon PDF 23 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Assistant Director (Communities) informed members that a report on Superfast Broadband would be included on the agenda for the June agenda of the Area East Committee.

 

She advised that a report on the Wincanton Community Hospital would be included on an agenda when appropriate, as determined by the consultation process.

 

RESOLVED:  that members noted the Area East Forward Plan and the suggested amendments to the plan.

221.

Planning Appeals (For information only) pdf icon PDF 80 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members noted the planning appeals which had been received or dismissed by The Planning Inspectorate.

222.

Schedule of Planning Applications to be Determined by Committee pdf icon PDF 95 KB

Minutes:

Members noted the schedule of planning applications to be determined by the Committee.

223.

16/02621/OUT - Land OS 8565 West Of Pilgrims Way Lovington pdf icon PDF 580 KB

Minutes:

Application Proposal: Outline application for six open market dwellings with land for up to two affordable dwellings and construction of new access and footway

 

(The Chairman, Councillor Nick Weeks, declared a personal and pecuniary interest and left the room during discussion of the agenda item. The Vice-Chairman took to the Chair and Councillor Anna Groskop acted as vice-chairman)

 

He explained to members that he had received no objection from the highways authority following receipt of further information from the applicant to detail the proposed footpath. He further confirmed that Carymoor Parish Council had recommended that that the application be approved.

 

He advised members that since the agenda had been published he had received a letter from  Foot Ansteys Solicitor’s recommending that the application be refused as well as further letter from a consultant which raised concerns over the crossing point which would be close to an existing access. The Lead Planning Officer (North/East) advised that Somerset County Council highways department had reconsidered their comments, however still did not raise an objection.

 

He further advised members that he had received an additional letter of objection from a neighbour that was unable to attend the meeting. He summarised some of the details of the letter to include that there was no support for the development and that there had been a planning appeal refused for the land opposite for reasons similar to this site. The letter further explained that the development would involve the removal of hedgerows/fences which were not owned by the council or the applicant.

 

The Lead Planning Officer (North/East) explained to members that the applicant had asked a consultant to look at the proposed crossing point which would be close to the access to the neighbouring Sunnyholm property as concerns had been raised. The consultant felt that the crossing point would cause no conflict between vehicles and pedestrians. He further advised that SCC Highways have confirmed that they are both happy with the proposed footpath and that they owned the land on which the footpath was proposed.

 

The Lead Planning Officer (North/East) presented his report to members with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation which included photographs and proposed plans.

 

He explained that the development was outside of the flood zones and that as the council does not have a 5 year land supply, policy SS2 has reduced weight. He pointed out that the landscape officer has raised objection to the application. He advised that it was the planning officers recommendation that the planning application be refused.

 

David Bennett, the Chairman of Carymoor PC addressed the Committee. He informed members that in July 2015 the parish council supported the application and clarified that on being to the vote at the PC meeting, there were 4 votes in support, 2 against and 2 abstentions.

 

Martin Roberts, a Parish Councillor for Lovington, which is one of 4 separate parishes covered by Cary Moor Parish, advised that the community did not generally support the application and suggested that there was no need  ...  view the full minutes text for item 223.

224.

16/05421/FUL - Manor Dairy Farm, Charn Hill, Charlton Horethorne pdf icon PDF 480 KB

Minutes:

Application Proposal: Agricultural building

 

(Councillor William Wallace declared a personal, non-prejudicial interest in the application and advised that he would not vote on this item)

 

The Planning Officer presented his report to members with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation which included photographs and plans to show the proposed agricultural building.

 

He informed members that he had received an additional letter of objection which explained that the proposed building was too close to a bungalow opposite the site entrance.

 

The Planning Officer explained that any enforcement issues on the site had now been resolved; however this had caused a delay in the planning application. He advised that the application was for a large building in a sensitive area and recommended that the application be refused.

 

Ann Reeder, the Chairman of Charlton Horethorne Parish Council, addressed the Committee. She advised that the PC were unanimous in supporting this application and have met the applicant on site and spoke to several of the households surrounding the site. She advised that only one of these households objected. She suggested that agriculture had changed and larger machinery was now required, which therefore required larger storage buildings. She pointed out that there will be little impact on traffic and that the replacement building would be screened by hedgerow.

 

Mr G Selby, Mrs J Selby and Ms L Elson spoke in objection to the planning application. Their comments included;

 

·         The CPRE has raised objection to this planning application.

·         1 of the supporters has now moved away and 2 other supporters are tenants.

·         The replacement building is not the same footprint, it is larger and taller.

·         The building will be 2.4m higher than other buildings on the site and will have a very dominant north-eastern elevation.

·         Building materials are not in-keeping, looks like an industrial building.

·         Building will have a detrimental effect on Charn House, which is a listed building and the wider landscape.

·         The new building will be 6 meters closer to the boundary which will be more imposing with little screening.

·         The lane is very narrow, busy and dangerous. In some parts there are no places for vehicles to pass.

·         Charn House is a magnificent listed building and should be protected.

 

Mr Nick Griffin, the agent, addressed the Committee. He advised that some additional screening in the way of hedgerows could be planted. He advised members that agriculture in a type of industry and that larger secure buildings were needed, and that insurance companies insist on secure storage as there had been an increase in farm theft. He confirmed that noise would be confined to the building. He pointed out that the site was outside of the conservation area and that the Planning Officer had not contacted him to discuss this application.

 

Mr T Archer, the applicant, addressed members to speak on behalf of his father who was the owner of the farm. He advised members that his father had not sought to influence the opinion of the neighbours. He further pointed out the farm  ...  view the full minutes text for item 224.

225.

17/00218/FUL - 55 High Street, Wincanton pdf icon PDF 641 KB

Minutes:

Application Proposal: The erection of a tool shed and a summerhouse in the rear garden

 

The Planning Officer presented her report to members with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation which included photographs taken by a neighbour to the site. She explained that the application was a retrospective application for a shed and a summerhouse.

 

Mrs M Emery, spoke in objection to the planning application. She explained that she lived next door to the site in a grade II listed building within a conservation area. She advised that the structures in the garden were made from recycled wood and that shrubs and trees had been removed without permission. She advised that the applicant would often have loud music playing in his garden.

 

Mr J Conlan, the applicant, addressed the Committee. He informed members that any noise created was from his hand tools and that this stopped no later than 7pm and that there were plenty of other noises around from living on the High Street. He explained that the summerhouse was used to store his tools as he had nowhere else to store them and pointed out that recycling wood to make things was his hobby.

 

Councillor Colin Winder, Ward Member, spoke in objection to the application. He advised members that this was in a conservation area and he thought that these structures did not enhance the area and that there were too many structures within the garden.

 

During the discussion, the Planning Officer, confirmed that a tree had been significantly cut back, but had not seen any evidence of any trees having been removed from the site.

 

The applicant further clarified that the tree which had been significantly cut back, had actually been burned down by the previous occupier of the property. He further pointed out that the sheds were solely used for his hobby.

 

Following the discussion, it was proposed and seconded that the application be approved. On being put to the vote, this was not carried.

 

It was subsequently proposed and seconded that the application be refused, contrary to the Planning Officer’s recommendation as the structures do not preserve nor enhance the appearance of the conservation area and result in substantial harm to the setting of the listed building.

 

On being put to the vote, this was carried 5 votes in support and 4 against.

 

RESOLVED:  that planning application 17/00218/FUL be refused contrary to the officer’s recommendation

 

For the following reason;

 

01.          The retention of these structures would neither preserve nor enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area and would result in substantial harm to the setting of the listed building at 53 High Street such the proposal is contrary to policy EQ3 of the South Somerset Local Plan and the policies contained within the National Planning Policy Framework. (2006-2028)

 

(Voting: 5 votes in support, 4 against)

 

226.

17/00667/LBC - The Old Farmhouse, Redlynch Park, Redlynch Road, Pitcombe pdf icon PDF 423 KB

Minutes:

Application Proposal: Application for listed building consent for the replacement of the windows on the north elevation of the Old Farmhouse, Redlynch, Bruton BA10 0NH

 

The Planning Officer presented her report to members with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation which included photographs and detailed plans of the proposed windows.

 

She explained that some of the windows had already been replaced.

 

Mrs McIntosh, the applicant, addressed the members. She explained that some of the house was in a bad state of repair; further works would include looking at roof repairs. She explained that she would be using a local carpenter and that some of the current windows were nailed shut and in some cases, light was able to show through the rotten and damaged frames.

 

Councillor Anna Groskop, the Ward Member, explained that she disagreed with the Planning Officer’s report and hoped that the application would be approved.

 

Following the short discussion, it was proposed and seconded that the application be approved, contrary to the officer’s recommendation as the windows would cause no hard to the significance of the listed building.

 

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

 

RESOLVED:  that planning application 17/00667/LBC be approved, contrary to the officer’s recommendation subject to conditions to a time limit on implementation and for the materials and finished to be agreed.

 

For the following reason;

 

01.          The installation of double glazed windows would cause no harm to the significance of the listed building. As such the proposal complies with policy EQ3 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and Chapter 12 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

Subject to the following;

 

01.       The works hereby granted consent shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this consent.

           

Reason:  As required by Section 16(1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

 

(Voting: Unanimous)

227.

17/00561/COU - Warehouse and premises at High Winds, Higher Holton pdf icon PDF 366 KB

Minutes:

Application Proposal: Change of use of redundant agricultural buildings to B1 (Business), B2 (General Industrial) and B8 (Storage and Distribution)

 

The Planning Officer presented his report to members with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation which included photographs and proposed plans.

 

He explained that the buildings had not been used for agricultural purposes and that there was a high demand for storage facilities, however the site was situated some distance from the town and therefore he recommended that the planning application be refused. He further pointed out that he was disappointed that at farm diversification plan had not been submitted as part of the application.

 

Ms Lilian Elson spoke in objection to the application. She was concerned that the site was situated down a narrow lane which was busy with lots of traffic. She also raised concern that if the nursing home was to be re-built, ambulances would need to gain access.

 

Mr Giles Garten, the agent, addressed the Committee. He explained that there were tenants ready to move into the units, which were looking for storage space, rather than office space. He advised that the access road was wide and has been used by articulated vehicles in the past.

 

Councillor Hayward Burt, Ward Member, explained that there had been no highway, rights of way or Parish Council objections and that the road was wide. He suggested that there was a need for more jobs and businesses in the area and offered his support to the application.

 

Councillor William Wallace, also Ward Member, explained that he agreed with the comments made by Councillor Hayward Burt and also offered his support to application.

 

Following a short discussion, it was proposed and seconded that the planning application be approved subject to conditions to ensure a time limit for implementation, noise mitigation measures and to detail approved plans.

 

On being put to the vote, this was carried 7 votes in support with 1 against.

 

RESOLVED:  that planning application 17/00561/COU be approved, contrary to the planning officers recommendation, for the following reason;

 

01        The proposal would constitute an acceptable form of farm diversification making good use of existing buildings without detriment to residential or visual amenity or highways safety. As such the proposal complies with policies SD1, TA5, EP5 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and Chapter 12 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

Subject to the following conditions;

 

01.       The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

 

            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: Location Plan, and 15/01/4 received 6 February 2017.

 

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

 

03.       Prior to a B2 Use being undertaken in any unit hereby approved details to show the noise mitigation measures for the unit shall be submitted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 227.

228.

17/00225/S73A - Solar Site at Southfield Farm, Smithy Lane, Yeovilton pdf icon PDF 240 KB

Minutes:

Application Proposal: Application to vary planning condition 3 of approval 14/00215/FUL to allow the developer a 25 year period from the date of first generation of the solar park and not from the date of the planning permission

 

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

 

He explained that the application was only to extend the time period from the first generation of power from the solar park. He advised that the layout would be the same and that the reason that this application had been referred to the Committee for resolution was only due to the size of the site, in line with the scheme of delegation.

 

Councillor Mike Lewis, the Ward Member, expressed his support for the application.

 

Following the short discussion, it was proposed and seconded that the application be approved as per the officer’s recommendation.

 

On being put to the vote, this was carried 4 votes in support, 1 against with 1 abstention.

 

RESOLVED:  that planning application 17/00225/S73 be approved as detailed in the agenda report for the following reason;

 

01.          The benefits in terms of the provision of a renewable source of energy, which will make a valuable contribution towards cutting greenhouse gas emissions, are considered to outweigh the limited impact the proposal will have on the local landscape character. As such the proposal accords with the aims and objectives of Policies SD1, TA5, TA6, EQ1, EQ2, EQ3, EQ4 and EQ7 of the South Somerset Local Plan and the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

Subject to the following conditions;

 

01.       Notwithstanding the time limits given to implement planning permission as prescribed by Sections 91 and 92 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended), this permission (being granted under section 73A of the Act in respect of development already carried out) shall have effect from the 31 March 2006.

                                   

            Reason:  To accord with the provisions of section 73A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

 

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

                       

·         2466_201_Rev E, 1095-0201-01 (issue 12), 2466_200_Rev G received 11/06/2015; and

·         Site location, block plan, 001 (issue 01), 004 (issue 01), 9999-0208-71, XXXX-0206-00, 34523-01-00 (issue B) and 002 (01) received 20/01/2014.

                                               

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

 

03.       The development hereby permitted shall be removed and the land restored to its former condition before 31 March 2041, or within six 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 structures, materials and any associated goods and chattels from the site.

                       

            Reason: In the interest of landscape character and visual  ...  view the full minutes text for item 228.