Planning Committee 21 September 2011

BIDEFORD TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting

held in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bideford on

Wednesday 21 September 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
Councillor P J Pester (Substitute for S G Inch)
Councillor R I Wootton

East Ward:
Councillor M C Langmead

IN ATTENDANCE:    Mrs H J Blackburn (Deputy Town Clerk)
Councillor T J Johns (Town Mayor)
2 x Members of the Public
2 x Members of Redrow
1 x Member of Meeting Place Communications                         

040 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillor Mrs P Davies (East Ward - Meeting), Councillors S G Inch (South Ward – Personal).

041 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.

042 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

A member of the public who is the Chief Executive Officer of Wings South West advised that he was particularly interested in the Redrow presentation.   Wings are looking to build a youth and sports facility in the Bideford area and would like to acquire land in Bideford.  He advised that Wings would like to explore the possibility of working together with Redrow to achieve such a facility.

043 MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 31 August 2011 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 6 ,  Against: 0)

044 PRESENTATION BY REDROW

a. The Chairman welcomed Mr Nick Webb from Meeting Place Communications and two representatives from Redrow to the meeting.

b. The representatives from Redrow advised that they are interested in developing the Moreton Park site and that a Planning Application will follow in due course.  There will be a public exhibition on 8 October 2011 with a preview on 7 October 2011.  They are looking for an open discussion with those who know the area best and want to involve the community as much as possible at an early stage.  They are interested in finding out what the community would like to achieve.  The site is allocated for residential development and they are planning low density, family housing. The Planning Department at Torridge District Council has asked them to provide a sports pitch.  They have a problem with this in that they feel it would not be a good fit with a residential development and the site does not lend itself for a sports pitch.  They suggested providing a community play park and possible community centre and would like some feedback on this.  They advised that they plan to accommodate the TPO trees, that there will be two points of access from Abbotsham Road, footpath links, and an attenuation pond at the bottom of the site.  They then advised that they will have a separate discussion with Dr Paul Bowser from Wings.

c. The Chairman then invited Members to submit questions.

d. Questions and comments were raised as follows:

1. How many houses are planned for the site? (300 – 340 but this is not currently fixed).
2. The play space is mandatory. 
3. Who do they envisage running the possible community hall? (This is not currently decided).
4. How large is the green space?  Will the green space remain as it is? A shop and community centre would be welcome in this area.  How is the question of infrastructure being addressed?  (Redrow have checked capacity issues with the local schools and doctors and have been told they have capacity given notice).
5. There may be an overlooking issue onto established developments.
6. Have the access points been cleared with Highways?  (Yes).
7. Will Redrow facilitate a broadband connection? (Not something they have looked into).
8. How much affordable housing will there be?  (Torridge District Council is asking for 40%).
9. The community would welcome a multi-purpose community building.
10. What provision is being made for renewable energy within the houses? (They will be constructed to code 3 building level standards).
11. A community centre was being offered when the previous developers were planning to build 199 houses on this site.  What extra can Redrow offer in view of the fact they are planning 300+ houses on the same site? (They are currently trying to work out the community requirements, but having said that, this is a new planning application so the terms are reset).
12. If a community centre is offered, Redrow will need to suggest how it can be run – perhaps using a community group.
13. The Redrow representatives then asked for the Council’s view on the playing field.  The Chairman advised that Torridge District Council is looking to move the town’s football club and this may have some impact.
14. The Redrow representatives then asked for the Council’s view on the provision of allotments in this location.  The Chairman advised that there is still a requirement for more allotments in the town.

e. The Chairman then thanked Mr Webb and the representative from Redrow for attending the meeting and updating Members accordingly.

045 THE ATLANTIC ARRAY

Information on the Atlantic Array proposals is available on the internet and Members had received details of where to find these prior to the meeting.  In addition, the Chairman had attended a briefing event and summarised the main points for Members.  (During this briefing Councillor Christie declared a personal interest as he mentioned Petroc, who is currently his employer).  The Deputy Town Clerk was asked to try and source some CD Roms containing the Atlantic Array information for those Councillors who had not yet viewed it.  Members then went on to discuss the proposals and their concerns for the environment.  Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and

RECOMMENDED:  That the Council supports this idea and hopes this will aid the regeneration in Bideford through spin off jobs and investment.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

046 PLANNING APPLICATIONS

a. Application No 1/0801/2011/FUL:  Single storey side extension.  14 Oaklands, Bideford EX39 3HW.  – Application: Mr Endler (same address).  Agent:  Devon Care & Repair.  (Date received:  25 Aug 11)

Proposed by Councillor Pester, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

b. Application No 1/0745/2011/FUL:  Change of use of first floor storage to office use.  9 Willett Street, Bideford EX39 2NZ.  – Applicant:  Maynard Jones, 37 Mill Street, Bideford EX39 2JJ.  Agent:  George S Wilson Associates.  (Date received:  6 Sep 11)
Proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

c. Application No 1/0793/2011/COU:  Change of use of premises to dwelling.  “Edelweiss”, 2 Buttgarden Street, Bideford EX39 2AU.  – Applicant:  Messrs Jeffrey & Robert Hayward, C/o Agent.  Agent:  G Sturkey & Associates.  (Date received:  6 Sep 11)
Proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

d. Application No 1/0853/2011/ADV:  Replace of existing fascia signage and replacement and relocation of roundel.  HSBC Alexandra House, 11 The Quay, Bideford EX39 2AF.  – Applicant:  HSBC Alexandra House, 8 Canada Square, London E14 5HQ.  Agent: Fouin+Bell Architects Ltd  (Date received:  7 Sep 11)
Proposed by Councillor Wootton, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

e. Application No 1/0868/2011/FUL:  Proposed single storey side extension.  16 Moreton Avenue, Bideford EX39 3AY.  – Application: Mr R Hill (same address).  Agent:  Mr David Godfrey.  (Date received:  14 Sep 11)
Proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

047 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 7.25 pm.

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

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