Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies received.

Councillor Ian Edwards declared a non pecuniary interest in Item 19 part 2 enforcement report as he had instigated the investigation and left the room whilst the item was discussed.

Councillor Jazz Dhillon declared a non pecuniary interest in Item 17 part 2 enforcement report as he had instigated the investigation and left the room whilst the item was discussed.

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 November 2014 were agreed as a correct record.

There were no matters notified in advance or urgent.

It was confirmed that all items marked Part 1 would be heard in public and items marked in Part 2 would be heard in private.

Installation of 15 additional parking spaces.

Recommendation : Approval

Installation of 15 additional parking spaces.

Officers introduced the report giving a brief summary of the application and the amendment on the addendum sheet.

A member raised concerns about the flooding risks that may occur when the grassed and planted areas were taken away and replaced with parking. 

Officers advised that there was a condition seeking details of materials for the parking area to be provided, this would ensure that the correct materials were used.

A member suggested that a condition be added to provide under-ground water storage, which would provide flood risk measures.

Officers suggested and it was agreed that a SUDS (sustainable urban drainage system) condition be added with the wording to be agreed with the Chairman and Labour Lead. 

The recommendation for approval with the additional SUDS conditions was moved, seconded and on being put to the vote was agreed.

Resolved - That the application be approved, subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the officer's report and an additional SUDS condition, with the wording to be agreed by the Chairman and Labour Lead. 

Installation of 52 additional parking spaces

Recommendation : Approval

Installation of 52 additional parking spaces.

Officers introduced the report giving a brief summary of the application. The condition on a sustainable drainage system (SUDS) as added to Item 6 should also be added to this application.

The recommendation for approval with an additional SUDS condition was moved, seconded and on being put to the vote was agreed.

Resolved - That the application be approved, subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the officer's report and an additional SUDS condition, the wording to be agreed by the Chairman and Labour Lead.

Installation of 42 additional parking spaces

Recommendation : Approval

Installation of 42 additional parking spaces.

Officers introduced the report giving a brief summary of the application. The condition on a sustainable drainage system (SUDS) as added to Item 6 should also be added to this application.

The recommendation for approval with an additional SUDS condition was moved, seconded and on being put to the vote was agreed.

Resolved - That the application be approved, subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the officer's report and an additional SUDS condition, the wording to be agreed by the Chairman and Labour Lead.

Single storey, 3-bed detached dwelling including a rear dormer and two side rooflights, installation of vehicular crossover to front with associated parking and amenity space involving demolition of existing bungalow

Recommendation : Approval

Single storey, 3-bed detached dwelling including a rear dormer and two side rooflights, installation of vehicular crossover to front with associated parking and amenity space involving demolition of existing bungalow.

Officers introduced the report giving a brief summary of the application and informed the Committee that a survey of the property had been undertaken and had concluded that the dwelling was in a state of disrepair.

In answer to an issue raised in relation to the outbuilding and whether the distance from the windows was sufficient, officers advised the Committee that the outbuilding was not connected to this site and there were secondary windows, which would provide sufficient light to the proposed dwelling.

A member raised concerns about the dangerous access to the site and whether vehicles would be able to access and exit in forward gear.

Officers advised that vehicles would be able to access and exit the site in forward gear.

The recommendation for approval was moved, seconded and on being put to the vote was agreed.

Resolved - That the application be approved, subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the officer's report.

Single storey rear extension.

Recommendation : Refusal

Single storey rear extension.

Officers introduced the report giving a brief summary of the application and advised that a petition had been received in support of the application.

In accordance with the Council's constitution a representative of the petitioners in support of the application addressed the meeting.

The petitioner made the following points:-

·         The rules in relation to extensions changed at the end of September, prior to that the extension would have been approved under the prior approval process.

·         The extension was required due to the applicant having had a stroke.

·         If allowed the extension would provide a better quality of life for the applicant as he would be wheelchair dependent when he came out of hospital.

·         It was important to retain a large support network as the applicant was unable to do most things for himself.

·         Had looked at adaptations but an extension was the only suitable option.

·         The reduction of the garden area still met the guidelines for a 3 bedroom property and the shed and greenhouse were to be removed.

·         No. 93 has no extension but there were trees on the boundary, which were currently 5' in height and still growing.

·         The sun was on the rear of the properties for most of the day so there would be no loss of sunlight.

·         The neighbouring property at 89 had an extension and a canopy and the proposed extension would project slightly past this.

·         A wide gate would be put in, to give a step free access.

·         Officers have stated that there was not sufficient justification - a person being disabled after leading a full and active life was felt to be that justification.

·         Understood the need to control extensions but felt there must be exceptions in some cases.

·         Asked the committee to approve the application.

In answer to an issue raised in relation the Council's policy in regards to extenuating circumstances, officers advised that there was no mention of this in the guidance. Officers gave clarification of the article 4 direction in relation to extensions that had been agreed in September 2014. Members were advised that with the 21 day consultation period for planning applications this application fell outside of the prior approval process. 

The Committee felt that there may be good reasons for members to consider approving this application, as there were extenuating circumstances in this case.  Members felt that there would be no impact on No 89 Grosvenor Avenue as it had an existing extension and there was an alleyway between this and the application site The occupier at No. 93 had written in support of the application and there were existing trees on the boundary, there would be a minimal loss of impact for 93 Grosvenor Avenue.  The Committee had concerns about any future occupiers of No 93, and if the application was to be approved a condition safeguarding the trees on the boundary needed to be added.

A member asked whether a condition could be added to seek removal of the extension when  ...  view the full minutes text for item 150.

Details pursuant to Condition 2 (timetable for implementation) of planning application 15407/APP/2014/534 for the change of use of ground floor medical centre (Use Class D1) to 3 residential units (1x3bed and 2 x 2-bed) and regularisation of the departures from the approved drawings of application 15407/APP/2009/1838, to retain the building as constructed with amendments to the roof, glazing, elevation treatments and parking.

Recommendation : Approval

Details pursuant to Condition 2 (timetable for implementation) of planning application 15407/APP/2014/534 for the change of use of ground floor medical centre (Use Class D1) to 3 residential units (1x3bed and 2 x 2-bed) and regularisation of the departures from the approved drawings of application 15407/APP/2009/1838, to retain the building as constructed with amendments to the roof, glazing, elevation treatments and parking.

Officers introduced the report giving a brief summary of the application.

The recommendation for approval was moved, seconded and on being put to the vote was agreed.

Resolved - That the application be approved, subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the officer's report.

Details pursuant to condition 5 (noise) of application 15407/APP/2014/534 for 'Change of use of ground floor medical centre (Use Class D1) to 3 residential units (1x3bed and 2 x 2-bed) and regularisation of the departures from the approved drawings of application 15407/APP/2009/1838, to retain the building as constructed with amendments to the roof, glazing, elevation treatments and parking.

Recommendation : Approval

Details pursuant to condition 5 (noise) of application 15407/APP/2014/534 for 'Change of use of ground floor medical centre (Use Class D1) to 3 residential units (1x3bed and 2 x 2-bed) and regularisation of the departures from the approved drawings of application 15407/APP/2009/1838, to retain the building as constructed with amendments to the roof, glazing, elevation treatments and parking.

Officers introduced the report giving a brief summary of the application.

The recommendation for approval was moved, seconded and on being put to the vote was agreed.

Resolved - That the application be approved, subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the officer's report.

Replacement of existing 15m street works pole with a 17.5m high street works pole

Recommendation : Approval

Replacement of existing 15m streetworks pole with a 17.5m high streetworks pole

Officers introduced the report giving a brief summary of the application.

The recommendation for approval was moved, seconded and on being put to the vote was agreed.

Resolved - That the application be approved, subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the officer's report.

To consider whether or not to confirm TPO 726 (with or without modification).

Recommendation : To confirm TPO 726 without modification

To consider whether or not to confirm TPO 726 (with or without modification).

Officers introduced the report giving a brief summary of the application.

A member asked about the issue of liability in relation to the trees as they were on private land and caused any damage to the public footpath, and whether the Council take any action against the owner.

Officers advised the Committee that there were ways of overcoming the issue of possible damage to the footpath without the loss of the tree and was not an issue that was un-surmountable.  The trees were very visible and consideration had to be given to their amenity value, therefore it was the Tree Preservation Officers view that the trees concerned warranted a preservation order.

Members were still concerned about the liability issue in relation to the stability and the cost of the works that would be required for the owner to undertake. 

Officers suggested that the application be deferred to enable further clarification from the tree officer in relation to council policy in relation to damage to pavements by tree roots.

It was moved, seconded that the report be deferred to seek clarification from the Tree Preservation Officer regarding council policy in relation to the damage caused by tree roots on private land.  On being put to the vote deferral was agreed.

Resolved - That the application be deferred to enable clarification to be sought from the Tree Preservation Officer of Council policy on damage to pavements from tree roots on private property.

Resolved -

1. That the enforcement action as recommended in the officer’s report was agreed.

2. That the Committee resolved to release their decision and the reasons for it outlined in this report into the public domain, solely for the purposes of issuing the formal breach of condition notice to the individual concerned.

This item is included in Part II as it contains information which a) is likely to reveal the identity of an individual and b) contains information which reveals that the authority proposes to give, under an enactment, a notice under or by virtue of which requirements are imposed on a person. The authority believes that the public interest in withholding the Information outweighs the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraphs 2 and 6(a) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended).

Resolved -

1. That the enforcement action as recommended in the officer’s report was agreed.

2. That the Committee resolved to release their decision and the reasons for it outlined in this report into the public domain, solely for the purposes of issuing the formal breach of condition notice to the individual concerned.

This item is included in Part II as it contains information which a) is likely to reveal the identity of an individual and b) contains information which reveals that the authority proposes to give, under an enactment, a notice under or by virtue of which requirements are imposed on a person. The authority believes that the public interest in withholding the Information outweighs the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraphs 2 and 6(a) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended).

Resolved -

1. That the enforcement action as recommended in the officer’s report was agreed.

2. That the Committee resolved to release their decision and the reasons for it outlined in this report into the public domain, solely for the purposes of issuing the formal breach of condition notice to the individual concerned.

This item is included in Part II as it contains information which a) is likely to reveal the identity of an individual and b) contains information which reveals that the authority proposes to give, under an enactment, a notice under or by virtue of which requirements are imposed on a person. The authority believes that the public interest in withholding the Information outweighs the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraphs 2 and 6(a) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended).

Resolved -

1. That the enforcement action as recommended in the officer’s report was agreed.

2. That the Committee resolved to release their decision and the reasons for it outlined in this report into the public domain, solely for the purposes of issuing the formal breach of condition notice to the individual concerned.

This item is included in Part II as it contains information which a) is likely to reveal the identity of an individual and b) contains information which reveals that the authority proposes to give, under an enactment, a notice under or by virtue of which requirements are imposed on a person. The authority believes that the public interest in withholding the Information outweighs the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraphs 2 and 6(a) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended).

Resolved -

1. That the enforcement action as recommended in the officer’s report was agreed.

2. That the Committee resolved to release their decision and the reasons for it outlined in this report into the public domain, solely for the purposes of issuing the formal breach of condition notice to the individual concerned.

This item is included in Part II as it contains information which a) is likely to reveal the identity of an individual and b) contains information which reveals that the authority proposes to give, under an enactment, a notice under or by virtue of which requirements are imposed on a person. The authority believes that the public interest in withholding the Information outweighs the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraphs 2 and 6(a) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended).