Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - Council Offices, Thorpe Road, Weeley, CO16 9AJ. View directions

Contact: Katie Sullivan  01255686585.

Link: Audio Recording - 18 September 2018

Items
No. Item

50.

Apologies for Absence and Substitutions

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

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Cawthron (with Councillor Davis as a substitute) and Hones (with no substitute).

51.

Minutes of the Last Meeting pdf icon PDF 104 KB

To confirm and sign as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Committee, held on

Minutes:

The minutes of the last meeting of the Committee, held on 21 August 2018, were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 

52.

Declarations of Interest

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.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Heaney declared that, with regards to Planning Application 17/02014/FUL – Land Adjacent to Cliphedge Farm, Harwich Road, Little Bentley. Great Bromley Parish Council, of which she is a member, has put in a comment in relation to this application. However, she had retired from the meeting of Great Bromley Parish Council during any discussion in relation to this application.

 

Councillor M. Brown declared that, due to the fact he was not present on the original site visits for Planning Applications 17/02168/OUT –Land West Of Low Road Dovercourt, CO12 3TR, and 18/00367/FUL – Land North of Cockaynes Lane, Alresford, CO7 8BT, he would not participate while the Committee deliberated and reached its decisions on these applications.

 

Councillor McWilliams declared that, due to the fact she was not present on the original site visit for Planning Application 17/02168/OUT –Land West Of Low Road Dovercourt, CO12 3TR, she would not participate whilst the Committee deliberated and reached its decision on this application.

 

Councillor Davis declared that, due to the fact she was not present on the original site visits for Planning Applications 17/02168/OUT –Land West Of Low Road Dovercourt, CO12 3TR, and 18/00367/FUL – Land North of Cockaynes Lane, Alresford, CO7 8BT, she would not participate while the Committee deliberated and reached its decisions on these applications.

 

Councillor Alexander declared that, he would retire from the meeting whilst the committee deliberated and reached its decision on Planning Application 18/01131/FUL – 112 Connaught Avenue, Frinton-On-Sea, CO13 9AA, due to the fact he is a close friend of the applicant.

 

Councillor Everett declared an interest in Planning Application 18/01131/FUL – 112 Connaught Avenue, Frinton-On-Sea, CO13 9AA, in so far as he lives relatively locally to the application. However he stated he was not predetermined and therefore would take part in the debate.

 

During the debate for application 17/02168/OUT- Land West Of Low Road, Dovercourt, CO12 3TR. Councillor Everett also declared that, he is a part of the Local Highways Panel, however he was not predetermined.

 

53.

Questions on Notice pursuant to Council Procedure Rule 37 pdf icon PDF 52 KB

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.

 

A question was submitted in time to be included with the Agenda and is attached.

Minutes:

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.

 

One question had been submitted as set out below;

 

Question one

From Councillor Everett to Councillor White, Chairman of the Planning Committee;

 

“Members will only be too aware that we have been blessed with a long and hot summer this year. This has had the effect of encouraging many more tourists to our area than we have hitherto attracted. Our region predominantly relies on tourism for its main income. To have that activity disrupted by road works causing traffic jams for tourists only serves to discourage those same tourists from re-visiting the area.

 

Is it a concern to the Chairman that these tourists coming in increasing numbers are being put off visiting our area again because they encounter long queues on our main tourist routes often caused by roadworks associated with increased housing development? Numerous examples are available to cite regarding this issue including but not limited to the experience of Kirby Cross. There have been many traffic jams in Kirby Cross this summer created in association with one particular housing development and this has affected anyone travelling to and from Frinton and Walton – and in one case with queues stretching back as far as Thorpe-le-Soken.

 

Will the Chairman instruct Officers to bring proposals to this Committee on how to include in all planning permissions given by this Local Planning Authority a condition that prevents road works on all our major tourist routes from disrupting vehicle movement during the peak season? This may or may not require such works to take place at night during peak season and / or restricting work to take place out of the peak season completely. Meanings of peak season, times of day and major routes will need to be defined.”

 

Councillor White replied as follows;

 

I would like to thank Councillor Everett for raising this question. Maintaining effective transport within our district for residents, business and visitors is an aspiration that I am sure we all share.

 

I will ask officers to talk to their colleagues at the County Council about the issues that can be caused by works within the highways during the peak tourism season. This is because the agreement of Essex County Council as highways authority is needed to undertake works within the highways whereas planning permission from this council is not required and so the works can proceed without its approval.

 

If the number and length of road works carried out at peak times can be reduced, that will be of benefit to all. However, the desire to keep the roads running freely will need to be balanced with the need to enable development to proceed and to avoid unduly delaying construction.

 

In addition, we must not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

54.

A.1 - Planning Application - 17/02168/OUT - Land West Of Low Road Dovercourt, CO12 3TR pdf icon PDF 425 KB

Erection of 300 dwellings with vehicular access from Low Road, green infrastructure provision including children's play area, footpaths and cycle ways, structural landscaping, related infrastructure and service provision.

 

Minutes:

 Councillor M. Brown had previously declared that due to the fact he was not present on the original site visit for Planning Applications 17/02168/OUT –Land West of Low Road Dovercourt, CO12, he would not participate while the Committee deliberated and reached its decision on this application.

 

Councillor McWilliams had previously declared that, due to the fact she was not present on the original site visit for Planning Application 17/02168/OUT –Land West of Low Road Dovercourt, CO12, she would not participate whilst the Committee deliberated and reached its decision on this application.

 

Councillor Davis had previously declared that, due to the fact she was not present on the original site visits for Planning Applications 17/02168/OUT –Land West of Low Road Dovercourt, CO12, she would not participate while the Committee deliberated and reached its decisions on this application.

 

Councillor Everett had previously declared that, in relation to Planning Application 17/02168/OUT- Land West Of Low Road, Dovercourt, CO12 3TR, he is a part of the Local Highways Panel, however he was not predetermined.

 

Members recalled that this application had originally been before the Committee at its meeting held on 24th July 2018, where the application was deferred in order for consideration to be given to alternative highway improvements / access.

 

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 (SC-E) in respect of the application.

 

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

 

(1)     Two further letters of objection that were received.

 

 

Following discussion by the Committee, it was moved by Councillor Baker, seconded by Councillor Everett 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 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 dealing with the following matters (where required)

·         Affordable housing;

·         Education;

·         Public Open Space Provision including timetable for play equipment and its design and future maintenance

·         Highways requirements (on and off-site as advised); and

·         Health.

·         Contribution towards Essex Coast Recreational disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy (RAMS)

·         Provision and monitoring of a Residential Travel Plan

·         A speed survey to be carried out once 150 dwellings have been completed and occupied or both accesses onto Low Road have been constructed, whichever is the later. If following the survey speeds meet the intervention criteria for the provision of vehicle activated signs then two vehicular activated signs along Low Road shall be provided (at no cost to the Local Authority), together with a contribution for future maintenance.

 

b) Planning conditions in accordance with those set out below (but with such amendments and additions, if any, to the detailed wording thereof as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

55.

A.2 - Planning Application - 18/00367/FUL - Land North of Cockaynes Lane, Alresford, CO7 8BT pdf icon PDF 501 KB

Erection of 84 dwellings, including the provision of affordable homes together with means of access, parking, garaging, associated landscaping and public open space provision.

 

Minutes:

Councillor M. Brown had previously declared that, due to the fact he was not present on the original site visits for Planning Application 18/00367/FUL – Land North of Cockaynes Lane, Alresford, CO7 8BT, he would not participate while the Committee deliberated and reached its decisions on this application.

 

Councillor Davis had previously declared that, due to the fact she was not present on the original site visits for Planning Application 18/00367/FUL – Land North of Cockaynes Lane, Alresford, CO7 8BT, she would not participate while the Committee deliberated and reached its decisions on this application.

 

Members recalled that this application had originally been before the Committee at its meetings held on 21st August 2018, where the application was deferred to enable further discussion to take place between Officers and the agent regarding the location of affordable housing, the introduction of bungalows, the potential of alternative types of housing ownership / occupation, such as Almshouses, and the submission of additional reports as required by the ecology report.

 

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 (SC-E) in respect of the application.

 

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

 

(1)     An Updated consultation response received from Essex County Council SUDS

(2)     Comments received from Councillor G. Scott

 

Following discussion by the Committee, it was moved by Councillor Everett, seconded by Councillor Mcwilliams to refuse this application on the grounds of having no bungalows within the plan, as this goes against the amenity of residents on Station Road and the appropriate mix of design within the development.

 

However, when put to the vote the proposal to refuse was lost.

 

After further discussion by the Committee and advice being given by officers, it was moved by Councillor Baker and seconded by Councillor Fowler and RESOLVED that the Head of Planning (or equivalent authorised officer) be authorised to grant planning permission for the development, subject to:

 

 

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

 

1. Affordable Housing – 3 units to be gifted to the Council and 8 units to be transferred to a Registered Provider; to be prioritised for households with an Alresford connection first, then households from neighbouring parishes and then the whole district.

2. Education -– Financial contribution towards Early Years and Childcare, Primary Education, Secondary Education and Secondary School Transport;

3. Healthcare – Financial contribution towards improvement of services at Colne Medical Centre, including the Alresford Branch Surgery; and

4. Public Open Space and equipped play areas - To be transferred to Council and laid out before transfer, with a financial  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

56.

A.3 - Planning Application - 18/01131/FUL - 112 Connaught Avenue, Frinton-on-Sea, CO13 9AA pdf icon PDF 195 KB

Proposed sub-division of existing A1 shop into three A1 shops.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Alexander had previously declared that, he would retire from the meeting whilst the Committee deliberated and reached its decision on Planning Application 18/01131/FUL – 112 Connaught Avenue, Frinton-On-Sea, CO13 9AA, due to the fact he is a close friend of the applicant.

 

It was reported that this application had been referred to the Committee as an elected Councillor of Tendring District Council is a director for the application site.

 

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.

 

 

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

 

1.    Standard time limit; and

2.    Approved plans;

 

57.

A.4 - Planning Application- 17/02014/FUL - Land Adjacent to Cliphedge Farm, Harwich Road, Little Bentley pdf icon PDF 310 KB

The construction of two office buildings, including ancillary site works (car parking, landscaping, surface water management pond, new vehicular access points off Harwich Road and stopping up of existing access).

 

Minutes:

Councillor Heaney had previously declared that, with regards to Planning Application 17/02014/FUL – Land Adjacent to Cliphedge Farm, Harwich Road, Little Bentley. Great Bromley Parish Council, of which she is a member, has put in a comment in relation to this application. However, she had retired from the meeting of Great Bromley Parish Council during the discussion in relation to this application.

 

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)     Relevant Planning History

(2)     Representations

(3)     Additional Representations

(4)     Landscape Considerations, Biodiversity and Ecology

 

Mark Rodgers, a local resident, spoke against the application.

 

Parish Councillor Philip Suarez, representing Little Bentley Parish Council, spoke against the application.

 

Councillor Fred Nicholls, an adjacent local Ward Member spoke on behalf of the local ward members Councillors Coley and V. Guglielmi, in favour of the application.

 

Neil Napthine, the agent on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support of the application.

 

Following discussion by the Committee, it was moved by Councillor Heaney, seconded by Councillor Davis 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:-

 

Unsustainable on social and ecological elements which are not outweighed by the potential benefits of the financial impact. 

(1)  Adverse impact on existing landscape character

(2)  Adverse impact on neighbour amenity

(3)  Adverse impact on ecology

(4)  Design is out of character with location.