Agenda and minutes

The Chairman, Councillor Mrs Spikings reported that this would be David’s last meeting before he left the authority.  David had been at the Council for 13 years, and during that time there had been many entertaining hours.  She added that David had carried out an excellent job particularly with the major applications.  She thanked David for all his hard work over the years.

The Executive Director added his thanks to David for his professionalism in a sometimes difficult job.  He felt that he had done an admirable job, which was echoed by colleagues and Councillors alike.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 4 October 2016.      

The Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 4^th October 2016 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman, Councillor Mrs Spikings.

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of an interest should indicate the nature of the interest (if not already declared on the Register of Interests) and the agenda item to which it relates.  If a disclosable pecuniary interest is declared, the Member should withdraw from the room whilst the matter is discussed.

These declarations apply to all Members present, whether the Member is part of the meeting, attending to speak as a local Member on an item or simply observing the meeting from the public seating area.

The following declarations of interest were declared:

·        The Chairman, Councillor Mrs Spikings declared a prejudicial interest in planning application 8/3(i) – Wiggenhall St Germans as she was related to the agent.  She left the meeting during consideration of the item.

·        Councillor Crofts stated in relation to application 8/3(h) – Upwell that his family was associated with the applicant, and would not any part in the application.

To consider any business, which by reason of special circumstances, the Chairman proposes to accept, under Section 100(b)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act, 1972.

The Assistant Director reminded the Committee that application 8/3(c) – Pentney had been withdrawn from the agenda.

Members wishing to speak pursuant to Standing Order 34 should inform the Chairman of their intention to do so and on what items they wish to be heard before the meeting commences.

The following Councillors attended under Standing Order 34:

Name              Item                            Application

T Parish                      8/1(a)                           16/01075/F                 

D Whitby                     8/2(a)                           11/01945/FM

C Joyce                       8/2(c)                           16/00572/FM

M Hopkins                   8/3(i)                            16/01581/F

To receive any Chairman’s correspondence.

The Chairman reported that any correspondence received had been read and passed to the relevant officers.

To receive the Schedule of Late Correspondence received since the publication of the agenda.

A copy of the summary of relevant correspondence received since the publication of the agenda, which had been previously circulated, was tabled.  A copy of the summary would be held for public inspection with a list of background papers.

The Committee is asked to note the Index of Applications.

The Committee noted the Index of Applications.

To consider and determine the attached Schedule of Planning Applications submitted by the Executive Director.

The Committee considered schedules of applications for planning permission submitted by the Executive Director, Geoff Hall (copies of the schedules are published with the agenda).  Any changes to the schedules are recorded in the minutes.

RESOLVED:   That the applications be determined as set out at (i) – (xiv) below, where appropriate to the conditions and reasons or grounds of refusal, set out in the schedules signed by the Chairman.

(i)         16/01075/F

            Heacham:  46 High Street:  Conversion of a property from shop and first floor flat to a 2 bed house and a 3 bed house:  Mr R Cursley

The Principal Planner introduced the report and explained that the application had been deferred from the previous meeting to seek clarification on the parking provision.  Both the applicant’s agent and Norfolk County Council had been contacted to seek clarification on the parking provision, and County Council’s recommendation had not changed.

The Principal Planner explained that the application proposed to change the use of the shop and first floor flat to a two bed dwelling and a three bed dwelling.

Heacham was classified as a Key Rural Service Centre within the Core Strategy Settlement Hierarchy.

The application had been referred to the Committee as the views of Heacham Parish Council were contrary to the officer recommendation.

The Committee noted the key issues for consideration when determining the application, namely:

·        Principle of development;

·        Form and character of the area;

·        Impact on neighbour amenity;

·        Highway safety; and

·        Other material considerations.

In accordance with the adopted public speaking protocol Mr R Cursley (supporting) addressed the Committee in relation to the application.

In accordance with Standing Order 34, Councillor Parish addressed the Committee.  ‘

‘Please look at the images of High Street, Heacham, either side of the property detailed in this application. These were taken mid-afternoon on 2 November 2016 and show the typical line of parked vehicles on this two way road.  The images presented in the Planning Statement are far from typical.

In a letter dated 12^th July 2016, NCC Highways stated, ‘Prior to the first occupation of the development hereby permitted a visibility splay measuring 2.4 x 33 metres shall be provided to each side of the access where it meets the highway and such splays shall thereafter be maintained at all times free from any obstruction exceeding 1.05 metres above the level of the adjacent highway carriageway.  Reason:  In the interests of highway safety.’

As the roadway is typically lined with parked cars, vans and the odd lorry as far as it can be in both directions, as seen from the application site, I fail to see how any visibility splay will be maintained.

In a second letter, dated 18th October 2016, NCC Highways stated, ‘I now understand that the parking to the north is associated with another property to the rear of the site.  From the LHA perspective, this does not alter my response, as there is some betterment (off-street parking for one unit)  ...  view the full minutes text for item PC51:a

To receive the Schedule of Planning Applications determined by the Executive Director.

The Committee received schedules relating to the above.

RESOLVED:   That, the report be noted.

To provide the Committee with the quarterly report covering performance for the period 1 April – 30 September 2016.

The Committee received a report which provided an update on service performance for planning enforcement during the second and third quarters of 2016.

It was noted that the total number of live cases was 350 and 271 cases had been closed.  In addition, 34 formal notices had been served.

RESOLVED:   That, the report be noted.

To provide the Committee with the quarterly report covering performance for the period 1 July – 30 September 2016.

The Committee received a quarterly update report covering performance for the period 1 July 2016 – 30 September 2016.

The data showed that for the third quarter of 2016, 10% of all appeals were allowed.  For the 12 month period to 30 September 2016 an average of 27% of all appeals were allowed. This was below the traditional average figure of 36% of all appeals allowed.

RESOLVED:   That, the report be noted.