Issue - meetings

(Councillor Clive Hooker declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(1) by virtue of the fact that he was the Ward Member and had been involved in the application but confirmed that he would consider it afresh. As his interest was personal and not prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest, he determined to remain to take part in the debate and vote on the matter but would step down as Chairman for the item on order to address the Committee as Ward Member.)

(Councillor Paul Bryant, Vice-Chairman, in the Chair)

1.    The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 18/01564/FULD in respect of the erection of two semi-detached dwellings within the curtilage of The Coach, in Worlds End, Beedon.

2.    In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Giles Rainy Brown and Peter Logie, objectors, and Chris Roberts, agent, addressed the Committee on this application.

3.    Lydia Mather introduced the report and update sheet to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy considerations and other material considerations. In conclusion the report detailed that the proposal was acceptable and a conditional approval was justifiable. Officers, on balance, recommended the Committee grant planning permission.

4.    Councillor Paul Bryant noted that no representative from the parish council was to address the Committee on the application and asked that his disappointment in their absence, on a high profile application within the community, be recorded.

5.    Giles Rainy Brown and Peter Logie in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·       Objectors concerns related to the size, safety and sustainability of the proposed development and it would be excessive to shoehorn two dwellings onto a small site.

·       The need for the dwellings was not clear and not stipulated in the Council’s site allocation policies.

·       The townhouse style of the development was out of keeping and would not contribute to the character of the area, a requirement of the National Planning Policy Framework.

·       The majority of houses in the area had large front gardens and were set back from the road. The proposed parking spaces at the front of the dwellings would overhang the pavement by 40cm.

·       Health and safety issues would be caused such as large delivery vehicles and residential traffic being in conflict. The pub was also used as a pick up point for a local school bus.

·       A neighbouring property, the Old Stores, would suffer a loss of light.

·       The position of the oil tank in relation to residential properties would contravene guidance.

·       It was wrong that the application did not include the pub and the Committee should ensure the sustainability of that rural enterprise.

·       If the Committee were minded to approve the application, a condition should be applied to ensure the availability of all 17 of the pub’s car parking spaces throughout construction.

6.    Councillor Garth Simpson asked what the distance would be between the windows of the Old Stores and the proposed dwellings. Mr Rainy Brown estimated it would be a couple of metres.

7.    Councillor Bryant requested  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23