Planning Committee 12 October 2011

BIDEFORD TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting

held in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bideford on

Wednesday 12 October 2011 at 6.00 pm

PRESENT:
North Ward:
Councillor P S Christie (Chairman)
Councillor Mrs M P Fulford (substitute for Mrs P Davies)

South Ward:
Councillor A T Inch (Vice-chairman)
Councillor S G Inch
Councillor R I Wootton

East Ward:
Councillor M C Langmead

IN ATTENDANCE:
Mrs H J Blackburn (Deputy Town Clerk)
Councillor T Johns (Town Mayor)
8 x Members of the Public
2 x Representatives from Newland Homes                         

048 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillor Mrs P Davies (East Ward – Personal)

049 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor Langmead declared that as both a Town and District Councillor he wanted to make it clear that he will reconsider the applications at District level, taking into account all the relevant evidence and representations at the District tier.

050 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

The majority of the members of the public present indicated that they had come to see the presentation by Newland Homes.

051 MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 21 September 2011 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 5 ,  Against: 0, Abstentions: 1)

052 PRESENTATION BY NEWLAND HOMES

a.The Chairman welcomed Mr T Sheppard and his colleague from Newland Homes to the meeting.

b. Mr Sheppard advised that he had previously presented the Newland Home’s proposals to Bideford Town Council and since this time had met with both Torridge District Council and local residents and received feedback on the initial plans.  The Company had taken on board these comments and had subsequently made some improvements to the original design.  He then presented the changes as follows:
·1 The height of the properties fronting the open space has been reduced.
·2 Dormer windows have been repositioned to the rear to keep the street scene at the front.
·3 More planting has been introduced to provide both a green back drop and separation.
·4 Detailed drainage proposals have been provided.
·5 A number of street scenes which demonstrate how the site will appear have been provided.
·6 There is a landscaped corridor through the site.

Mr Sheppard advised that they had held a consultation exercise on site today.  Feedback was generally good, although there was some concern about drainage.  His colleague explained how this is being addressed.

The Chairman informed the committee that although it had been hoped that the old theatre on site could have been saved, it has now become apparent it probably cannot be moved. He then asked how the drainage system would work and an explanation was provided.

053 SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That Standing Orders be suspended in order for Members of the Public to ask questions and provide information.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

c. The Chairman then invited Members and members of the public to submit questions.

Questions and comments raised were as follows:

·1 A hydrological survey was requested to look at the drainage flow.
·2 It was requested that the Council recommends the re-evaluation of the drainage issues following the demolition of the buildings, before the next stage is completed.
·3 Does the pond area, which releases water gradually, take into account flash flooding situations?
·4 What safety measures will there be around the pond?
·5 What will the water holding area be made of?  How will seepage be avoided?
·6 Could Newland Homes consider repositioning the play space so that it is not next to the pond? Could it not be an underground holding tank?
·7 Have Newland Homes talked to nearby developers with a view to joint co-operation regarding the drainage issues?
·8 The exit from the estate is on to a blind corner. How will Newland Homes ameliorate all the traffic coming out onto this corner?  Could a neighbouring developer exit into the Newland Homes development?
·9 Could the Council recommend that the three developers who are all next to each other perhaps have a dialogue concerning joint concerns?
·10 Lime Grove is far too narrow to have increased traffic on to that road.
·11 What is the provision for affordable homes?  Why are they clustered in one spot?  They do not seem to have any amenity space.
·12 Are shared ownership homes able to get mortgages?
·13 Have BT been contacted about connecting to fibre-optic lines?
·14 Information was sought regarding 106 contributions?
·15 How will the shifting boundary be stabilised?
·16 What provision is being made for renewable energy?

Mr Sheppard and his colleague answered the questions and points raised.

054 ORDER OF BUSINESS

Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the order of business be changed to allow for agenda item 6.f. to be taken next.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

055 PLANNING APPLICATIONS

a. Application No 1/0856/2011/FULM:  Demolition of derelict school buildings and construction of sixty seven dwellings and associated garages, roads, sewers and other associated works.  Former Grenville College, Belvoir Road, Bideford EX39 3JP.  – Applicant:  Newland Homes Ltd and Grenville College Ltd, c/o 8 Lansdown Place, Cheltenham, Gloucester GL50 2HU.  Agent:  Not recorded.  (Date received:  29 Sep 11)
Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the application is approved subject to the following recommendations:
a. That following demolition of the present buildings on the site, a full hydrological survey is carried out in case new flood alleviation measures need to be introduced.
b. That child proof security surrounding the proposed drainage pond and the North end of the site is provided.
c. That “pepper potting” of affordable homes around the development be attempted if at all possible.
d. That the whole concept of “shared ownership” and the availability of mortgages be examined to see if this is a viable possibility.
e. The traffic problems of Lime Grove need to be re-examined.
f. That all three developers within the Belvoir/Lime Grove area get together to discuss joint solutions to the problems outlined above.
g. The Council would like to see some form of renewable energy within the design and for the buildings to be as close to zero carbon as possible both in their sustainability and construction.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

b. Application No 1/0797/2011/FUL:  Change of use and conversion of dwelling to three self-contained flats.  3 Abbotsham Road, Bideford EX39 3AF.  – Applicant: Mr Chris Richards, 5a Northcott Gardens, Northam EX39 1EF.  Agent:  Mr Nick Marsland – NDM Designs.  (Date received:  16 Sep 11)

Proposed by Councillor Langmead, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 4, Against: 2)

(Councillor Christie left the meeting and Councillor A T Inch took the Chair for the remainder of the meeting.)

c. Application No 1/0831/2011/OUT:  Residential re-development comprising three new dwellings.  Pen Pont, Belvoir Road, Bideford.  – Applicant:  Mr P Latham, Sovereign House, Draxmont, Wimbledon, London SW19 7PG.  Agent:  Philip Hinton.  (Date received:  21 Sep 11)

Proposed by Councillor Wootton, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the application is approved although the Council   voiced concern at the loss of such an outstanding property in Bideford. The Council recommend that the developers have a dialogue with Newland homes to discuss issues that affect both sites. The traffic problems of Lime Grove need to be reviewed again.  The Council would like to see some form of renewable energy within the design and for the buildings to be as close to zero carbon as possible both in their sustainability and construction.

(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0, Abstentions: 1)

d. Application No 1/0898/2011/FUL:  Proposed installation of twenty four ATM cash machine into existing elevation.  The Cooperative, 62 Mill Street, Bideford EX39 2JT.  – Applicant:  The Cooperative Bank, 2nd Floor, Miller Street, Manchester M60 0AL.  Agent:  Not recorded.  (Date received:  29 Sep 11)

Proposed by Councillor S G Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the application is approved.

(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)

e. Application No 1/0877/2011/FUL:  Single storey side extension.  21 Gammaton Road, Bideford EX39 4DG.  – Applicant:  Mr David Johnson, 1 Hillview, Taddiport, Torrington EX38 8AT.  Agent:  Mr Paul Pethick.  (Date received:  21 Sep 11)

Proposed by Councillor Langmead, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the application is approved.

Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)

f. Application No 1/0862/2011/COU:  Change of use from C2 (residential institution) to C3 (dwelling house).  Higher Hallsannery, Hallsannery, Bideford EX39 5HE.  – Applicant:  Mr P Jollands (same address).  Agent:  Not recorded.  (Date received:  27 Sep 11)

Proposed by Councillor S G Inch, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0, Abstention: 1)

g. Application No 1/0911/2011/FUL:  Retrospective application for continued use as a B&B and detached building as a self-catering unit. Proposed new access and parking.  Riverside Cottage, New Road, Bideford EX39 5HB.  – Applicant:  Mr & Mrs Henry (same address).  Agent:  Not recorded.  (Date received:  29 Sep 11)

Proposed by Councillor Langmead, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved although the Council has reservations about visibility on to the main road. It is also concerned about the removal of trees on the site, when there is already provision for two cars in the area where the trees are located.  There is further concern about the inclusion of the mobile home in the Design and Access statement which doesn’t form part of the planning application.
(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)

h.Application No 1/0915/2011/FUL:  Proposed dormer window, area of decking, balcony, porch and replacement pitched roof to garage. Treen, Slade, Bideford EX39 3LZ.  – Applicant:  Mr P Elliott (same address).  Agent:  Not recorded.  (Date received:  29 Sep 11)
Proposed by Councillor S G Inch, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)

i. Application No 1/0954/2011/FUL:  Provision of car parking in front garden.  46 Tennacott Heights, Bideford EX39 4DH.  – Applicant:  Miss S Holliman (same address).  Agent:  Devon Care & Repair.  (Date received:  3 Oct 11)
Proposed by Councillor Langmead, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)

j. Application No 1/0937/2011/FUL:  Insertion of gate in boundary fence.  17 Greenfield Close, Bideford EX39 3RY.  – Applicant:  Mr Andrew Nichols (same address).  Agent:  Not recorded.  (Date received:  5 Oct 11)
Proposed by Councillor Langmead, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)

056 PLANNING APPLICATIONS – NOTIFICATION OF DECISIONS BY PLANNING AUTHORITIES

The Committee noted the content of those Planning Applications which had been granted/refused by Planning Authorities since the last meeting.

The business of the Meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the Members for their attendance and the Meeting concluded at 8.00 pm.

Signature of Town Mayor: ……………………………….     Date: …………………............

Signature of Chairman: ………………………………….    Date: ……………………………