Issue - meetings

The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 13/02741/FUL in respect of the erection of a shed at Orchard Day Nursery.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mrs Anne Harris, Parish Council representative, Ms Marian Spain, objector, Mrs Eva Hughes, supporter, and Mr Andrew Webber, applicant, addressed the Committee on this application.

Mrs Anne Harris in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·        It was believed that Mr Webber, the owner of the nursery, had purchased the shed in September prior to applying for permission to erect it. Residents considered this to be the most recent action in a series of similar events which had led to a mistrust forming between them and Mr Webber;

·        The shed was planned for laundry and storage of recycling waste and frozen food, and Mrs Harris considered that there might be an environmental health issue related to the proximity of waste and food;

·        Mrs Harris asked, if Members were minded to grant permission for the erection of the shed, whether it could be located behind the main building so as to be out of sight of residents, and whether it could be required to be constructed of a material more sympathetic to the area, such as timber.

Councillor Hunneman asked for confirmation that residents would be able to see the shed in its proposed location as this was not evident from the photographs shown. Mrs Harris responded that she had been assured that neighbouring residents would see the shed from within their homes.

The Chairman asked Officers to verify that the planned use of the shed for food storage and waste was a matter for Environmental Health and not a planning consideration. Derek Carnegie confirmed that this was the case. The Chairman also asked whether a change in the location of the shed would require a second planning application to be submitted. Derek Carnegie confirmed that this would be the case.

Councillor Bairstow asked Mrs Harris if she believed that residents would continue to object if the material used was required to be timber. Mrs Harris replied that she believed residents would still object.

Mrs Marian Spain in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·        Past activity by the owner in relation to the nursery had given rise to mistrust from residents as to Mr Webber’s intentions. Mrs Spain cited two examples:

·        A new access driveway which had been promised but not built as the owner did not own the land required;

·        A building had been previously erected without planning permission as a storage facility, but was now used as a classroom.

·        Mrs Spain did not believe that the shed would make the nursery a more viable business, as it’s primary purpose was for convenience;

·        Mrs Spain suggested that the proposed uses of the shed were not essential as, for example, laundry could be sent off site;

·        The nursery was not an educational establishment according to definitions within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF);

·        The shed would be taller than surrounding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47