Agenda item

This application was deferred at Planning Committee on the 18th January 2022, to enable amended plans to be provided by the applicant to Frinton and Walton Town Council for consideration to overcome their objection to the proposal. However, their request for a more symmetrical two-sloped design would be beyond the financial means of the applicant, it is also considered by Officers to increase the visual impact of the proposal. Therefore, as there appears no way forward, the applicant has requested that the application be considered (unamended) by the Planning Committee on its merits.

Minutes:

For the reasons stated in Minute 233 above, Councillors Clifton and Codling did not participate in the Committee’s consideration and determination of this application.

 

The Committee recalled that Councillor Nick Turner had “called in” this application, due to his concerns in relation to the impact of the proposal on the Conservation Area.

 

Members were aware that this application had been deferred at the Planning Committee’s meeting held on 18th January 2022, in order to enable amended plans to be provided by the applicant to Frinton and Walton Town Council for its consideration in an effort to overcome their objection to the proposal. However, the Town Council’s request for a more symmetrical two-sloped design had been found to be beyond the financial means of the applicant, and it was also considered by the Officers to increase the visual impact of the proposal. Therefore, as there appeared to be no way forward, the applicant had requested that the application be considered (un-amended) by the Planning Committee on its merits.

 

The Committee was reminded that this proposal was for a disabled access ramp to be located at the front entrance to the pharmacy. The site was located within the defined Settlement Development Boundary of Frinton-on-Sea.

 

The proposal was considered by Officers to be of a size, scale and design in keeping with the overall site and surrounding area.  Officers had no concerns regarding the impact on the neighbouring residential properties and subject to conditions the proposal was considered by Officers to be acceptable.

 

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 (JJ) in respect of the application.

 

An update sheet had been circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting with details of an assessment of the handrail in relation to material planning considerations such as: Appearance and Heritage Impact, Amenity, other considerations and consultations.

 

Public Speaking had taken place on this application at the meeting held on 18 January 2022 and therefore there was no public speaking allowed at this time.

 

Matters raised by Members of the Committee:-

Officer’s response thereto:-

A member of the Committee referred to the reasons for deferral previously being the handrail and felt that this had been met. The Member also referred to ECC’s report regarding the lack of architectural design. The benefits to the local community outweighed the limited harm in their opinion.

 

Concerns were raised regarding the space between the ramp and trees opposite.

The Planning Officer confirmed that the space at its narrowest point was approximately 3ft.

 

Following discussion by the Committee, it was moved by Councillor Harris, seconded by Councillor Alexander and RESOLVED that the Assistant Director (Planning) (or equivalent authorised officer) be authorised to grant planning permission for the development, subject to the following planning conditions (and reasons):-:

 

Conditions and Reasons:

1.    Thedevelopmentherebypermittedshall bebegunbefore theexpirationofthreeyears from the date of this permission.

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

 

2.The developmentherebypermittedshall becarried outin accordancewith thefollowing approved plans; Drawing No.

·152/CAF/6 (Received 2nd December 2021)

Reason - For theavoidanceof doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

 

3.    No above ground works shall commence until samples of the ramp surface, handrail and stone facing materials have been submitted to and agreed, in writing, by the Local Planning Authority. Such details as may be agreed shall be those used in the development and permanently maintained as such.

 

Reason - To ensure materials are of a very high quality to respect the building and its setting within the Frinton and Walton Conservation Area.

 

Supporting documents: