Agenda and minutes

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting held on 27 July 2015.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 27 July 2015 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:

·        Councillor Westrop declared an interest in item 8/1(e) - The Stables, Downham Market but took no part in the debate or decision.

·        Councillor Peake declared a prejudicial interest in item 8/1(l) – Stoke Ferry, as this was his daughter’s application, and left the meeting during consideration of the item.

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 none.

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.

There were none.

To receive any Chairman’s correspondence.

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

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 compilation 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.

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 schedule signed by the Chairman are attached to the signed Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee).

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

(i)       15/01005/F

          Brancaster:  Little Saltings, Broad Lane:  Variation of Condition 3 to planning permission 11/00188/F:  to allow the annex to be used as a holiday let:  Mr and Mrs Mason

The Principal Planner introduced the report and explained that the entire application site was located within Built Environment Type C, a Conservation Area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and abutted a designated SSSI, Ramsar site and SPA to the north and west.

The site contained a detached bungalow and a converted outbuilding to the front with access provided via the unadopted Broad Lane, a public right of way which had been used as an annex and holiday accommodation for the last year.

The outbuilding was granted permission by the Planning Committee in April 2011, 11/00188/F, to be converted into an annex with a restrictive condition that restricted its use to ancillary accommodation only in connection with the main house.

The application sought consent to revise the condition to regularise its use as an annex/holiday accommodation unit.

The application had been referred to the Committee for determination as the views of the Highways Officer is contrary to the officer recommendation.

The Principal Planner then outlined the key issues for consideration when determining the application, namely:

·       Planning history and principle of development;

·       Highway safety;

·       Flood risk and

·       Other material considerations.

The Principal Planner referred to the late correspondence and explained that within it he had reported the actual visibility instead of the required visibility splay.  He then read directly from the Norfolk County Council’s representation, giving the actual and required splays.

The Planning Control Manager advised the Committee that a Government Statement had been released last week relating to unauthorised development which could now be taken into account as a material consideration.  However, it was considered that this statement would not have an effect on this recommendation.

Councillor Crofts asked whether County Highways objected to the original application.  The Principal Planner confirmed that County Highways had not objected to the original application, subject to a condition that the unit be occupied as an annex.

Councillor Mrs Watson explained that visibility was not good at the corner which was why people did slow down.  She added that she did not think that a holiday use would generate more traffic as the owners could use the main house for bed and breakfast.  She therefore would like to see the application approved.

The County Highways Officer explained that the greenery had been cut down since the photographs had been taken.  He also explained that a small element of  ...  view the full minutes text for item PC37:a

The Index of Applications was noted.

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

The Committee received the Schedules relating to the above.

RESOLVED:   That the report be noted.