Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.  She advised that the meeting was being recorded and streamed live to You Tube.

She invited the Democratic Services Officer to conduct a roll call to determine attendees.

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

Apologies for the meeting had been received from Councillor Storey (Cllr Crofts sub).

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting held on 5 June 2023 (previously circulated).

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 June 2023 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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.

Councillor appointed representatives on the Internal Drainage Boards are noted.

The following declarations of interest were made:

Councillor Crofts declared an interest in application 9/3(b) – Outwell and would take no part in the debate but would address the Committee under Standing Order 34.

Councillor Spikings declared an interest in applications 9/3(b) – Outwell and 9/3(d) – Upwell and would take no part in the debate.

To consider any business, which by reason of special circumstances, the Chair 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 a decision on that item is taken.

The following Councillors attended under Standing Order 34:

Councillor C Crofts                 9/3(b)               Outwell

To receive any Chair’s correspondence.

The Chair 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 and Environment (copies of the schedules were published with the agenda).  Any changes to the schedules were recorded in the minutes.

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

(i)           23/00265/CU

Walpole:  10 Folgate Lane, Walpole St Andrew:  Change of use of bungalow from a dwelling (C3) to a children’s home (C2) for up to two children:  Mr T Dumitru

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The case officer presented the report and explained that the application had been referred from the 5 June Planning Committee meeting to enable the applicant to obtain his OFSTED registration.

The agent had confirmed that part of the registration process required the applicant to provide a copy of the planning permission granted, a certificate of lawfulness, a copy of a planning application or evidence that planning permission was not required.  Whilst he could start the registration process, it would not be possible to complete the registration until he had the decision relating to the planning application.

The Committee was therefore asked to determine the application as submitted.

The application site was located within the development boundary of Walpole St Andrew, which was classified as a Rural Village within Policy CS02 of the Core Strategy 2011.

The site was located along Folgate Lane, at the end of a row of single storey dwellings, before the lane led out into open countryside.  On site was an existing dwelling of prefabricated construction.

The proposal sought the change of use of the existing dwelling (C3) to a children’s home (C2) for up to two children.  The proposed number of children was reduced during the course of the application from ‘up to three’ and an amended description advertised.

The application had been referred to the Committee originally by the Assistant Director of Environment & Planning due to the scale of objections.  The Parish Council also objected to the proposal.  The application was deferred from the 5 June Planning Committee meeting.

The Committee noted the key issues for consideration, when determining the application, as set out in the report.

In accordance with the adopted public speaking protocol, Kym Marlow (objecting) and Heather Smith (objecting on behalf of the Parish Council) addressed the Committee in relation to the application.

In response to a question from Councillor Ring about whether it was known if there was asbestos in the building, the Planning Control Manager explained that this would be covered by separate legislation.

The Executive Director, in response to a request by Councillor Blunt, read out point 2 of the Ministerial Statement and explained that it would be up to the Committee to decide whether the application met the terms of the Statement.

Councillor Blunt stated that the Committee should have more information before making  ...  view the full minutes text for item PC21:a

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

The Committee received schedules relating to the above.

RESOLVED:   That the reports be noted.