Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Placey (with Councillor Clifton as her substitute).

To confirm and sign as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Committee, held on 30 July 2019 and 12 August 2019.

The minutes of the previous meetings of the Committee, held on 30 July 2019 and 12 August 2019, were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Councillors are invited to declare any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests or Personal Interest, and the nature of it, in relation to any item on the agenda.

Councillors Scott and Wiggins, present in the public gallery, declared that, with regards to Planning Application 18/00163/FUL Land to the West of Edwards Drive, Thorrington, CO7 8FE, they are the ward councillors for Thorrington.

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 none on this occasion.

Construction of 29 specialist bungalows (for those aged over 60, and/or those with, or supporting someone with a disability) with associated roads, parking and garaging.

Councillors Scott and Wiggins, present in the public gallery, had earlier declared that, with regards to Planning Application 18/00163/FUL Land to the West of Edwards Drive, Thorrington, CO7 8FE, they are the ward councillors for Thorrington.

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 Manager (GN) in respect of the application.

An update sheet was circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting with details of:

(1)   A further two letters of objection have been received, and the Officer response.

(2)  The bungalow positions set closest to Clover Drive are marginally closer than shown on  the original layout. However Officers consider that the proposed back to back distances remain acceptable.

Tim Snow, the agent on behalf of the applicant spoke in support of the application.

Following discussion by the Committee, it was moved by Councillor Fowler, seconded by Councillor McWilliams and RESOLVED that the Head of Planning (or equivalent authorised officer) be authorised to grant planning permission for the development, subject to:

a)    Within 6 (six) months of the date of the Committee’s resolution to approve, the completion of a legal agreement under the provisions of Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) dealing with the following matters:

·         Mechanisms to ensure restrictions on occupation for those over 60, and / or those with, or supporting someone with a disability

·         Affordable Housing – the provision of 1 on-site ‘gifted’ unit and a financial contribution of £300,000 towards the construction or acquisition of property for use as council housing equivalent to delivering the remainder of the 30% requirement.

·         Public Open Space – towards local open space and/or public tennis court enhancements.

·         Financial contribution towards RAMS

b)    Subject to the conditions stated below

c)    That the Head of Planning be authorised to refuse planning permission in the event that such legal agreement has not been completed within the period of 6 (six) months, as the requirements necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms had not been secured through a s106 planning obligation.

Conditions and reasons;

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

Reason – To comply with the requirements of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

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

Drawing number 812-200Q (Block Plan)

Drawing number 812-202B (Plot 1 Heather (2 bed bungalow))

Drawing number 812-203B (Plots 2 & 3 Heather – Link (2 bed bungalow))

Drawing number 812-204B (Plots 20 & 24 Lily (2 bed bungalow))

Drawing number 812-205B (Plots 5 & 6, 23 & 22 Camelia (2 bed semi))

Drawing number 812-206B (Plot 12 Azalea (3 bed bungalow))

Drawing number 812-207B (Plot 8  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

Proposed construction of two pairs of semi-detached dwellings

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 Officer (MP) in respect of the application.

An update sheet was circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting with details of:

(1) Removal of call in by Councillor Bush     

(2) Additional letter of objection received and the Officers response.

Steve Harmer, the applicant, spoke in support of the application.

Following discussion by the Committee, it was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Harris and RESOLVED that, contrary to the Officer’s recommendation of approval, the Head of Planning (or equivalent authorised officer) be authorised to refuse planning permission for the development due to the following reasons:-

(1)  Overdevelopment

(2)  Loss of Privacy