Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutions.

Apologies were received from Councillors Caroline Ellis, Andy Hadley, Ross Henley, Derek Perry and Stephen Pugsely. Councillor Dawn Johnson was present as substitute for Councillor Caroline Ellis.

To approve the minutes from the previous meeting.

Resolved that the minutes of the Planning Committee - West held on 25 June 2024 be confirmed as a correct record.

Resolved that the minutes of the Planning Committee - West held on 25 June 2024 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive and note any declarations of interests in respect of any matters included on the agenda for consideration at this meeting.

(The other registrable interests of Councillors of Somerset Council, arising from membership of City, Town or Parish Councils and other Local Authorities will automatically be recorded in the minutes: City, Town & Parish Twin Hatters - Somerset Councillors 2023 )

Cllr Simon Coles wished it to be minuted that he and the other committee members had received correspondence relating to Item 5 on the agenda.

The Chair wished it to be minuted that he and the other committee members had received correspondence relating to Item 6 on the agenda.

There were additional declarations were made.

The Chair to advise the Committee of any items on which members of the public have requested to speak and advise those members of the public present of the details of the Council’s public participation scheme.

For those members of the public who have submitted any questions or statements, please note, a three minute time limit applies to each speaker.

Requests to speak at the meeting at Public Question Time must be made to the Monitoring Officer in writing or by email to democraticservicesteam@somerset.gov.uk  by 17:00pm on Wednesday 14 August 2024.

There were no public questions. Details of public speaking are captured under the minutes of the appropriate application.

To consider the replacement of pedestrian bridge with an all-users bridge over the River Tone, Coal Orchard, Taunton. 

To Grant Permission subject to the conditions detailed within the Officer`s report and an informative relating to the removal and potential re-use of the current bridge.

(For 8, Against 1,)

The Planning Officer introduced the application with the aid of a presentation. The Officer explained that the application sought permission for the replacement of the pedestrian bridge over the River Tone at Coal Orchard with an all-users bridge. The application was recommended for approval, subject to the planning conditions set out in the Officer Report.

The Committee were addressed by 1 objector to the proposal and their comments included the low number of cyclists that use the bridge and the poor design

In response to questions, the Planning Officer confirmed which trees would be removed and where the new trees would be sited and advised that the funding was for this specific project and could not be used elsewhere.

Members then discussed the application. A number of Members felt the proposed bridge design would encourage its use by cyclists although there were some reservations that, because of its width, it would not be possible to segregate pedestrians and cyclists. Several Members considered that it was appropriate to grant permission and asked that an informative be added regarding the careful removal of the existing bridge for potential reuse at another location.

It was proposed by Councillor Cavill to approve the planning application as per the Officer’s recommendation, together with the additional informative, and this was seconded by Councillor Farbahi.

To Grant Permission subject to the conditions detailed within the Officer`s report with an additional an informative seeking the careful removal of the existing bridge for potential reuse at another location
(For 6, Against 2, Abstentions 1)

To consider an application for Outline Planning with all matters reserved, except for access, for the erection of up to 5 No. dwellings and formation of access on land to the north of Langaller Lane, Creech St Michael.

To Grant Permission subject to the conditions detailed within the Officer`s report with an additional condition as detailed by the Officer regarding an agricultural method statement.
(For 6, Against 2, Abstentions 1)

The Planning Officer introduced the application to the Committee with the assistance of a presentation. The Officer explained that the application was for outline planning permission with all matters reserved, except for access, for the erection of up to 5 No. dwellings and formation of access on land to the north of Langaller Lane, Creech St Michael. The application was recommended for approval subject to the planning conditions set out in the Officer Report, an additional condition regarding an arboricultural method statement and the prior signing of a S106 Agreement to secure phosphate mitigation.

The representation of West Monkton Parish Council was read out and highlighted their concerns including overdevelopment of the site and lack of phosphate solutions.

The Committee was then addressed the agent for the applicant who spoke in support of the application for which pre application advice had been sought from the Council.

In response to questions, the Planning Officer provided clarification regarding the site location, settlement boundaries and location of listed buildings.

Members discussed the application and, whilst some had having concerns over the number of dwellings being proposed and their impact on the existing trees, it was acknowledged that this was only an outline application. A number of Members felt it was appropriate to grant permission with the inclusion of an additional condition regarding an arboricultural method statement as detailed by the Officer.

It was proposed by Councillor Sully to approve the application in accordance with the Officer recommendation and this was seconded by Councillor Farbahi.

To Grant Permission subject to the conditions detailed within the Officer`s report together with an additional condition as detailed by the Officer regarding an arboricultural method statement.
(For 6, Against 2, Abstentions 1)

To receive details of the latest Appeal Decisions received.

Members noted the Appeal Decisions received.

Resolved: Members noted the Appeal Decisions received.