Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence and details of any Councillor nominated to attend the meeting in place of a member of the Committee.

No apologies for absence were received.

To invite Councillors to declare any interest they may have in the items on the Agenda.

No declarations of interest were made.

To confirm, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 28th March 2012.

RESOLVED that

the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 28th March 2012 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive further information on the content of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) document and to seek the Committee’s agreement to it being taken into account as a material consideration when determining all future planning applications and a recommendation that the Council’s Constitutional Policy Framework be updated accordingly.

(Report attached)

The Committee received a report which provided further information on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) document, published on 27th March 2012, which had replaced the Government’s previous national planning policy documents and guidance, in relation to the procedures for its use and how it differed from the previous system.  

Members noted that the NPPF had been taken into account for determining the two applications to be considered that evening.  It was also noted that further clarification would be provided on the document and its significance for determining planning applications, at the planned Member training for Planning Committee in May.

RESOLVED that

1)         the National Planning Policy Framework be taken into account, in place of the documents it has superseded, as a material consideration when determining all future Planning Applications; and

RECOMMEND that

2)         the Council’s Constitutional Policy Framework be updated accordingly.

To consider a Planning Application for the erection of 7 no. Class B.1 Units.

Applicant:      S L and C L Foxall

(Report attached – Site Plan under separate cover)

Erection of 7 no. Class B.1 units

RESOLVED that

having regard to the Development Plan and to all other material considerations, Planning Permission be GRANTED, subject to the conditions and informatives summarised in the main report and the following additional condition and informative:

Condition

“8.       Site operatives’ car parking to be provided during the development.”

Informative

“3)       A Phase 1 geo-environmental desk study be undertaken.”

To consider a Planning Application for a change of use from permitted Class B1 or Class B8 uses to children’s indoor play centre (Class D2) with associated parking.

Applicant:      Mr J Ranson

(Report attached – Site Plan under separate cover)

This matter had been withdrawn at the request of the Applicant and was not discussed.

To consider an extension of time application in relation to the installation of 1,777 sq.m of floorspace at mezzanine level as approved under Planning Application 2009/082/FUL.

Applicant:      Essex County Council Pension Fund

(Report attached – Site Plan under separate cover)

Extension of time application

Installation of 1,777 sq.m of floorspace

at mezzamine level as approved under

Planning Application 2009/082/FUL

RESOLVED that

having regard to the Development Plan and to all other material considerations, planning permission to allow an extension of time for a further three years to implement the consent given under Planning Application 2009/082/FUL be GRANTED, subject to the conditions and informatives detailed in the main report and restated in the update report.

To receive information on the outcome of an appeal against refusal of prior approval, made by Officers under delegated powers, relating to the siting and design of a telecommunications installation.

(Report attached)

The Committee received an item of information in relation to the outcome of an appeal against a refusal of prior approval for the siting and design of a telecommunications installation, made by Officers under delegated powers, namely:

Application 2011/133/GDO

15m Monopole, equipment cabinets

and ancillary apparatus

Members noted that the appeal against the Council’s decision to refuse prior approval had been allowed by the Inspector on the grounds that he considered, on balance, that the proposal would generally respect the context and character of the area and that the monopole would not be visually dominant and have an adversely harmful effect on the outlook of nearby properties.

RESOLVED that

the item of information be noted. 

To receive information on the outcome of an appeal against refusal of prior approval, made by Officers under delegated powers, relating to the siting and design of a telecommunications installation.

(Report attached)

The Committee received an item of information in relation to the outcome of an appeal against a refusal of prior approval for the siting and design of a telecommunications installation, taken by Officers under delegated powers, namely:

Application 2011/222/GDO

15m Monopole, equipment cabinets

and ancillary apparatus

Members noted that, the appeal against the Council’s decision to refuse prior approval had been allowed by the Inspector on the grounds that he had not considered the development to be so conspicuous in appearance that it would be harmful to the street scene nor result in undue visual clutter.  He had further considered that the separation distances between the mast and dwellings to the south would be such that the development would not be overbearing nor would it adversely harm the outlook of occupiers of those properties.

RESOLVED that

the item of information be noted. 

To consider a review of the Committee, including current procedures for public speaking.

(Copy of 2012 Planning Committee Terms of Reference and Procedure Rules attached)

The Committee gave consideration to the operation of, and procedures undertaken, during its meetings held during the 2011/12 municipal year, including its public speaking arrangements.

Members were reminded that the Committee had recently considered and agreed new Procedure Rules, in spite of a number of concerns by minority Members on matters of detail, which were re-iterated at this meeting.  Nonetheless, it was

RESOLVED that

the Committee’s current agreed Procedure Rules be re-affirmed without amendment.