Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence and to note any substitutions.

There were no apologies for absence, although Councillor Joyce would be arriving later in the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting held on 29 July 2019.       

The minutes of the meeting held on 29 July 2019 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair, Councillor Crofts.

Councillor Parish referred to PC22 (i) and stated that the numbers who voted for and against a resolution should have been included.

The Democratic Services Officer explained that it was not normal practice to record this in the minutes. 

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.

There were no declarations of interest declared.

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.

There was no Urgent Business under Standing Order 7.

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 and addressed the Committee on the following items, pursuant to Standing Order 34:

M de Whalley              8/2(d) & 8/2(e)             Grimston

B Ayres                        8/2(f)                            Marshland St James

To receive any Chairman’s correspondence.

The Chair, Councillor Crofts reported that any correspondence received had been read and passed to the appropriate officer.

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

A copy of the late correspondence received after the publication of the agenda, which had been previously circulated, was tabled.  A copy of the agenda 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 for Planning & Environment (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) – (viii) below, where appropriate, to the conditions and reasons or grounds of refusal, set out in the schedules signed by the Chair.

(i)         19/00597/FM

            Downham Market:  Land to the south of Prince Henry Place:  Proposed development of 19 no. 2 and 3 bedroom dwellings (including 4 no. affordable units) with associated garages/parking, access road, landscaping and open space:  Mr Bob Fidock

The Principal Planner introduced the report and explained that the application had been deferred from the previous meeting held on 29 July 2019 for further negotiation with the applicant.

It was explained that the case officer had liaised with the agent to discuss the prospect of amending the scheme to reduce the number of dwellings as per the debate at the Committee meeting and Committee instruction.  The agent confirmed that density had not previously been an issue when the appeal was determined and equated to that adjoining the site.  The application was therefore to be determined as submitted.

The site (0.7 ha of former paddock land) was located within the development area of Downham Market at the head of Prince Henry Place.  It was bounded by residential development to the north (bungalows) and south (chalet and houses), with school playing fields to the west.

The application sought full permission for the construction of 19 dwellings (including 4 affordable units), with associated garages/parking, access road, landscaping and open space. 

Some Members might recall a similar application for 19 dwellings which was sought under application reference: 17/00581/FM which was refused (contrary to officer recommendation) in November 2017 and subsequently dismissed on appeal. 

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

·        Previous appeal decision;

·        Principle of development;

·        The effect on the character and appearance of the area;

·        The effects from noise and disturbance from construction works and occupation;

·        Highways issues;

·        Affordable housing provision;

·        Drainage; and

·        Other material planning considerations.

In accordance with the adopted public speaking protocol, Lennie Haslam (objecting), Mrs Lusha (objecting), Elaine Oliver (objecting on behalf of the Town Council) and Ian Hale (supporting) addressed the Committee in relation to the application.

In response to comments made regarding the highway improvement works, the Principal Planner explained that the improvements to the Church/London/Howdale Road junction would involve the realignment of the kerbline to improve visibility for vehicles along Church Road in both directions when exiting Howdale Road, which would be to the benefit of all road users, and highlighted this on the plans. 

The Chair, Councillor Crofts reminded Councillors Bubb, Kirk and Sandell that because they had not been present at the last meeting and attended the site visit, they would not be able to take part in the debate and decision making  ...  view the full minutes text for item PC32:a

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

The Committee received Schedules relating to the above.

Councillor Hudson referred to page 109 – Landing Stage at Marriotts Warehouse, and pointed out that it was the Borough Council’s own application.

The Assistant Director advised that the application had not been required to be determined by the Committee as there had been no objections to it.

RESOLVED:   That, the reports be noted.