Change of use of land to garden.

Earlier on in the meeting as detailed in Minute 3 above, Councillor Scott had declared for the public record that he was one of the local Ward Members. Councillor Scott had stated that he was not predetermined on this application, and he therefore remained in the meeting and took part in the deliberations and decision making.

Members were told that the application was before the Planning Committee as the applicant was a member of staff for Tendring District Council. The proposal sought permission for the change of use of land to garden. The application site served a large parcel of land located towards the east of No. 3 Orchard View.

The Committee was informed that the boundary treatment consisted of mature hedging and part wire fence to the front and timber field gate and 1.1-metre-high post and rail fencing to the east, and that it was not proposed to change the existing boundary treatment. The proposal was therefore deemed by Officers to have no significant effects on the visual amenities of the area and was deemed appropriate in that regard.

Officers told Members that the use of the site would become residential and therefore any noise levels emitted from the garden would be consistent with those expected of a residential use, raising no major concerns in terms of noise impacts. There were no neighbouring residential dwellings located immediately adjacent to the site. The proposal was therefore deemed by Officers to be acceptable in terms of residential amenities.

The Committee had before it the published Officer report containing the key planning issues, relevant planning policies, planning history, any response from consultees, written representations received and a recommendation of approval.

At the meeting, an oral presentation was made by the Council’s Head of Planning and Building Control (JP-G) in respect of the application.

There were no updates circulated to Members on this application.

There were no public speakers on this application.

At this point in the proceedings, Councillor Scott declared for the public record that he was also a Parish Councillor for Alresford Parish Council. Councillor Scott again stated that he was not predetermined on this application, and he therefore remained in the meeting and took part in the deliberations and decision making.

It was moved by Councillor Alexander, seconded by Councillor Smith and:-

RESOLVED that:-

1)    the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions as stated in paragraph 10.2 of the Officer report (A.3), or varied as is necessary to ensure the wording is enforceable, precise, and reasonable in all other respects, including appropriate updates, so long as the principle of the conditions as referenced is retained; and

2)    the sending of the informative notes to the applicant as may be deemed necessary.