The Chairman informed the meeting that she was proposing to defer consideration of Planning Applications A.2 – 24/00937/FUL – Elmtree Garage, Colchester Road, Elmstead, CO7 7EE and A.4 – 24/01643/FUL – Gunfleet Sailing Club, Marine Parade East, Clacton-on-Sea until the next meeting of the Committee on the grounds that there were a large number of planning applications due to be considered at this meeting and in the interests of the efficient dispatch of business and a timely conclusion of the meeting.

It was moved by Councillor Wiggins, seconded by Councillor Smith and unanimously:-

RESOLVED that any consideration of application A.2 – 24/00937/FUL – Elmtree Garage, Colchester Road, Elmstead, CO7 7EE be deferred until the next meeting of the Committee.

It was moved by Councillor Alexander, seconded by Councillor Goldman and unanimously:-

RESOLVED that any consideration of application A.4 – 24/01643/FUL – Gunfleet Sailing Club, Marine Parade East, Clacton-on-Sea be deferred until the next meeting of the Committee.

The Committee is asked to note any apologies for absence and substitutions received from Members.

There were no apologies for absence or substitutions submitted on this occasion.

To confirm and sign as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Committee, held on Tuesday, 3 December 2024.

It was moved by Councillor Sudra, seconded by Councillor Alexander and unanimously:-

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Committee, held on Tuesday 3 December 2024, be approved as a correct record and be signed by the Chairman.

Councillors are invited to declare any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, Other Registerable Interests of Non-Registerable Interests, and the nature of it, in relation to any item on the agenda.

Councillor Alexander declared an interest in relation to Planning Application 24/01716/FUL – Milton Road Car Park, Milton Road, Dovercourt, CO12 3LA and informed the meeting that, due to his being a Member of the Levelling-Up Portfolio Holder Working Party, he would not participate in the Committee’s deliberations and decision making for that application and that he would therefore leave the room.

Councillor Smith declared an interest in relation to Planning Application 24/01716/FUL – Milton Road Car Park, Milton Road, Dovercourt, CO12 3LA and informed the meeting that, due to his being a Member of the Levelling-Up Portfolio Holder Working Party, he would not participate in the Committee’s deliberations and decision making for that application and that he would therefore leave the room.

Councillor Fowler (Chairman) declared for the public record in relation to Planning Application 24/01716/FUL – Milton Road Car Park, Milton Road, Dovercourt, CO12 3LA that she was predetermined and that therefore she would not participate in the Committee’s deliberations and decision making for this application and that Councillor White (Vice-Chairman) would take over as Chairman for this item.

Councillor P Honeywood declared for the public record that, in relation to Planning Application 24/01384/OUT – Colchester Institute, The Clacton Campus, Church Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 6JQ and due to his making reference to the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) when speaking to the Committee later on in his capacity as a Ward Member, and as he was the Chairman of NEPP, he had not been involved in the representations submitted. He also declared that he was an Essex County Councillor, and he would make reference to Essex County Council Heritage, but that he was not involved in the representations.

Later on in the meeting, as reported in Minute 52 below, Councillor Everett declared an interest in relation to Planning Application 24/017164/FUL – Outside 48 Wellesley Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 3PJ in that he worked opposite the application site. Councillor Everett thereupon left the room when the application was put to the Committee, and it was deliberated and decided upon.

Subject to providing two working days’ notice, a Member of the Committee may ask the Chairman of the Committee a question on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties which affect the Tendring District and which falls within the terms of reference of the Committee.

There were no such Questions on Notice submitted by Councillors on this occasion.

Outline Planning Application (Access, Appearance, Layout and Scale to be considered) – Conversion of existing building and new build to form total of 60 flats (41 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom flats), associated car parking and site landscaping.

Members were told that the application had been referred to the Planning Committee following a call-in from Councillor Paul Honeywood. The concerns raised by him had related to: Negative impact on urban design/street scene, highways impact and/or other traffic issues, poor layout and/or density issues, negative impact on neighbours, and inadequate parking provision exacerbated by it not being retirement provision.

Members were reminded that the site lay within the settlement development boundary, Priority Area for Regeneration, Clacton Seafront Conservation Area (CSCA), and within the setting of Grade II listed buildings.

Officers made Members aware that the application sought outline planning permission, with all matters except landscaping included for consideration, for 60 flats as a part conversion part newbuild redevelopment of the former college site. The site had been vacant since 2020 and was in a very poor condition and subject to repeated acts of antisocial behaviour. An appeal for 61 retirement apartments had been dismissed in December 2022 on the grounds that the proposal would not preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the CSCA by virtue of the proposed architectural finish and detail appearing convoluted, monotonous, and out of character in the street scene.

Members were informed that the scale of development required to make the site viable for redevelopment, as evidenced by the viability assessments, would result in less than substantial harm to the character and appearance of the CSCA and setting of the Grade II listed former Grand Hotel, and harm to visual and neighbouring amenity. It was considered that, on balance, the public benefits of the proposal outweighed the harm, and the application was recommended by Officers for approval.

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 Planning Team Leader (AN) in respect of the application.

An Officer Update Sheet had been circulated to Members prior to the meeting which informed the Committee about the Conservation Area status and a change to condition wording which was as follows:-

“Conservation Area status

Paragraph 8.26 of the committee report confirms that the site is proposed for removal from the Clacton Seafront Conservation Area (CSCA) within the latest draft of the CSCA Appraisal (2021). That draft was agreed by Cabinet on Friday (31/01/2025) but Members have one week to call that decision in to Full Council. The draft cannot therefore be adopted before 08/02/2025. At Planning Committee on 04/02/2025 the site therefore remains within the CSCA and subject to the statutory duty and policy considerations explained within the committee report. The decision by Cabinet to agree the draft, which includes removing this site from the CSCA, is a material consideration.  

Change to condition wording

Minor change to wording of condition 5 (RAMS) to make it pre-commencement rather than pre-occupation:

05. PRE-COMMENCEMENT CONDITION: MITIGATION TO BE AGREED, RAMS

CONDITION: The hereby approved development shall not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

Demolition of existing buildings, removal of existing canopy, pump islands and underground tanks. Construction of new sales building with ‘Food to Go’ offer and ATM, installation of new canopy, pump islands and forecourt, installation of 2 x 60 KL underground fuel tanks, creation of new Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) hub and associated infrastructure, jet wash bays and associated plant room, bin store, car parking, car care facilities and all other associated works.

This item had been deferred for the reasons set out in Minute 40 above.

Demolition of the existing Milton Road multi-storey car park and replacement with an at-grade car park, cycle parking, and landscaping improvements.

Earlier on in the meeting as reported under Minute 43 above, Councillors Alexander, Fowler (Chairman) and Smith had each declared for the public record that they had an interest. They therefore withdrew from the meeting and took no part whilst the Committee deliberated and made its decision on this application. The Chair was thereupon occupied by the Vice-Chairman (Councillor White).

The Committee heard that this application was before the Planning Committee on the basis that the applicant was Tendring District Council.

It was reported that the proposal would result in the demolition of the existing multi-storey car park, to be replaced with a single storey car park providing for 23 spaces. In this instance, the regeneration of a large vacant site within the Dovercourt Town Centre was supported in principle. Further, the proposal was considered to result in a visual enhancement to the area and would also not harm any of the surrounding heritage assets.

Members were told that Officers considered that there would not be any significant harm to the amenities of neighbouring residents, and ECC Highways had raised no objections subject to conditions. The proposal resulted in the loss of some existing parking provision, but it was noted that the site was currently vacant and there had been a significant increase in provision at Orwell Road car park directly adjacent; the combination of those factors ensured that there would be sufficient provision overall.

Officers therefore told Members that taking all of the above into consideration, the application was considered to comply with local and national planning policies and accordingly was recommended by them for approval.

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 Senior Planning Officer (MP) in respect of the application.

There were no updates circulated to Members on this item.

Michael Carran, the applicant’s representative, spoke in support of the application.

Extension to the clubhouse to accommodate entrance lobby and enclosed race officer box for starting and managing donghy races.

This item had been deferred for the reasons stated in Minute 40 above.

Erection/installation of CCTV columns, cameras and ancillary equipment.

The Committee heard that this application was before the Planning Committee as Tendring District Council was the applicant.

It was reported that the application sought full planning permission for the erection of a CCTV camera and supporting column on the highway edge of the public footway at the Car Park for Clacton Leisure Centre, Vista Road.

Members were told that the application proposed a 12-metre-high column, positioned at a location of an existing parking sign (parking sign plate to be relocated onto new column) with a swan neck adaptor and dome camera fitted to the top (giving a 360-degree view around the Car Park), supplemented by a proposed fixed camera. The columns would be painted black (same appearance as the existing columns elsewhere within Clacton).

The Committee was informed that the proposal was of a similar height and appearance as existing street light columns and other existing CCTV columns in the Town and would not appear prominent or harmful within the street scene.

The Committee was made aware that the proposal formed part of the Safer Streets Programme aiming to combat place-based crime through situational crime prevention. The proposals were supported by The Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner by provision of funding to deliver the intended works. The development would contribute to the Council's Corporate Plan ‘Our Vision’ 2024/25 and 2024 – 2028 Theme, Championing our local environment.

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.

An Officer Update Sheet had been circulated to Members prior to the meeting which informed the Committee of a minor word changing of:-

“Paragraph 7.5 – Minor change to wording should read 8 metres and not 12 metres high”

There were no public speakers on this occasion.

It was moved by Councillor Alexander, seconded by Councillor Goldman and unanimously:-

RESOLVED that:-

1)    the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to grant full planning permission subject to the conditions as stated at paragraph 9.2 of the Officer report (A.5), 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 any informative notes to the applicant as may be deemed necessary.

Erection/installation of CCTV columns, cameras and ancillary equipment.

The Committee heard that this application was before Members as Tendring District Council was the applicant.

Members were told that the application sought full planning permission for the erection of a CCTV camera and supporting column on the highway edge of the public footway outside Numbers 137 & 139 Old Road, Clacton-on-Sea.

The Committee was informed that the application proposed a 12-metre-high column, positioned at a location of an existing parking sign (parking sign plate to be relocated onto new column) with a swan neck adaptor and dome camera fitted to the top (giving a 360-degree view along Old Road), supplemented by a proposed fixed camera. The columns would be painted black (same appearance as the existing columns elsewhere in Clacton).

The Committee were made aware that the proposal was of a similar height and appearance as existing street light columns and other existing CCTV columns in the Town and would not appear prominent or harmful within the street scene.

Officers reminded Members that the proposal formed part of the Safer Streets Programme aiming to combat place-based crime through situational crime prevention. The proposals were supported by The Office of Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner by provision of funding to deliver the intended works. The development would contribute to the Council's Corporate Plan ‘Our Vision’ 2024/25 and 2024 – 2028 Theme, Championing our local environment.

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.

An Officer Update Sheet had been circulated to Members prior to the meeting which informed the Committee of a minor word changing of:-

“Paragraph 7.5 – Minor change to wording should read 8 metres and not 12 metres high”

There were no public speakers on this occasion.

There were no questions on this occasion.

It was moved by Councillor Goldman, seconded by Councillor Wiggins and unanimously:-

RESOLVED that:-

1)    the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to grant full planning permission subject to the conditions as stated at paragraph 9.2 of the Officer report (A.6), 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 any informative notes to the applicant as may be deemed necessary.

Erection/installation of CCTV columns, cameras and ancillary equipment.

The Committee heard that the application was before Members as Tendring District Council was the applicant.

Members were told that the application sought full planning permission for the erection of a CCTV camera and supporting column on the highway edge of the public footway outside number 37 High Street, Clacton-on-Sea.

The Committee was informed that the application proposed a 12-metre-high column, positioned at a location of an existing parking sign (parking sign plate to be relocated onto new column) with a swan neck adaptor and dome camera fitted to the top (giving a 360-degree view along High Street), supplemented by a proposed fixed camera. The column would be painted black (same appearance as the existing columns elsewhere within Clacton).

The Committee was made aware that the proposal was of a similar height and appearance as existing street light columns and other existing CCTV columns in the Town and would not appear prominent or harmful within the street scene.

Members were reminded that the proposal formed part of the Safer Streets Programme aiming to combat place-based crime through situational crime prevention. The proposals were supported by The Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner by provision of funding to deliver the intended works. The development would contribute to the Council’s Corporate Plan ‘Our Vision’ 2024/25 and 2024 – 2028 Theme, Championing our local environment.

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.

An Officer Update Sheet had been circulated to Members prior to the meeting which informed the Committee of a minor word changing of:-

“Paragraph 7.5 – Minor change to wording should read 8 metres and not 12 metres high”

There were no public speakers on this occasion.

There were no questions on this occasion.

It was moved by Councillor Everett, seconded by Councillor Alexander and unanimously:-

RESOLVED that:-

1)    the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions as stated at paragraph 9.2 of the Officer report (A.7), 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 any informative notes to the applicant as may be deemed necessary.

Erection/installation of CCTV column, cameras and ancillary equipment.

Councillor Everett declared an interest in relation to this Planning Application as he worked opposite the proposed application site and that he would therefore not participate in the discussions and decision-making. Councillor Everett thereupon left the room.

The Committee heard that the application was before Members as Tendring District Council was the applicant.

Members were told that the application sought full planning permission for the erection of CCTV cameras and a supporting column on the highway edge of the public footway, outside no. 48 Wellesley Road, Clacton-on-Sea.

The Committee was informed that the application proposed a 12-metre-high column, with a swan neck adaptor and dome camera fitted to the top (giving a 360-degree view along Wellesley Road in both directions, and into Meredith Road), supplemented by a proposed fixed camera giving a 180 degree view up Meredith Road from its junction with Wellesley Road.

Members were made aware that the proposal was of a similar height and appearance as existing street light columns and other existing CCTV columns in the Town and would not appear prominent, out of character or visually harmful within the street scene.

Officers reminded Members that the proposal formed part of the Safer Streets Programme aiming to combat place-based crime through situational crime prevention. The proposals were supported by The Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner by provision of funding to deliver the intended works.

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 prior to the meeting on this occasion.

There were no public speakers on this occasion.

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

RESOLVED that:-

1)    the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions as stated at paragraph 9.2 of the Officer report (A.8), 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 any informative notes to the applicant as may be deemed necessary.

Erection/installation of CCTV columns, cameras and ancillary equipment.

The Committee heard that this application was before Members as Tendring District Council was the landowner and applicant.

Members were told that the application sought full planning permission for the erection of CCTV and a supporting column on the back edge of the public footway, opposite Orwell Road, to the front of the Pavillion Fun Park, Marine Parade East, Clacton-on-Sea.

The Committee was informed that the application proposed an 8-metre-high column, with a swan neck adaptor and dome camera fitted to the top providing a 360-degree view along Marine Parade East and into Orwell Road, supplemented by a proposed fixed camera giving a 180 degree view up Orwell Road from its Junction with Marine Parade East.

Members were made aware that the proposal was of a similar height and appearance as existing street light columns and would be viewed in the context of the existing tall, amusement equipment and lighting columns. The development would not appear prominent, out of character or visually harmful within the street scene.

Officers reminded Members that the CCTV column would have no impact upon the significance and setting of the historic lampposts and was considered to preserve the character and appearance of the Clacton Seafront Conservation Area.

Members were further told that the proposal formed part of the Safer Streets Programme aiming to combat place-based crime through situational crime prevention. The proposals were supported by The Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner by provision of funding to deliver the intended works.

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 occasion.

There were no public speakers on this occasion.

It was moved by Councillor Wiggins, seconded by Councillor Goldman and:-

RESOLVED that:-

1)    the Head of Planning and Building Control be authorised to grant full planning permission subject to the conditions as stated at paragraph 9.2, 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 any informative notes to the applicant as may be deemed necessary.