Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held in the Town Hall, Bideford on Wednesday 18 October 2023 at 6.00 pm.

PRESENT:

North Ward:

Councillor P Christie (Chairman)
Councillor K Bines

East Ward:

Councillor J McKenzie (Town Mayor)
Councillor J Hellyer (substitute)


IN ATTENDANCE:

Mrs Lesley Dixon-Chatfield – Town Clerk’s Assistant

045. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillor Mrs Hellyer (East Ward) – work.
Councillor D Bushby (North Ward) - personal.
Councillor M Taylor (West Ward) – personal (late apology received by email)

046.   DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor P Christie – Item 5(c) non-pecuniary.

047.   PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

There were no members of the public in attendance.

048.   MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 27 September 2023 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 3, Against: 0, Abstentions: 1)

049.  PLANNING APPLICATIONS

a.   Application No: 1/0896/2023/ADV. Internal works to first and second floor offices and external signage. HSBC, Alexandra House, 11 The Quay, Bideford Applicant: Slee Blackwell Solicitors, 10 Cross Street, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 1BA. Agent: None supplied. (Date received: 20 Sept 2023).
Members noted that the internal works shown had no relation to this application and that they would resolve on the signage alone.

Proposed by Councillor K Bines, and seconded

RESOLVED: That the two larger signs are approved but not the third and smaller sign over the doorway which members deemed excessive.

(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0)

b.   Application No: 1/0895/2023/LBC. Internal works to first and second floor offices and external signage. HSBC, Alexandra House, 11 The Quay, Bideford Applicant: Slee Blackwell Solicitors, 10 Cross Street, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 1BA. Agent: None supplied. (Date received: 20 Sept 2023).

Proposed by Councillor P Christie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the application is approved, on the proviso that the Conservation Officer has sanctioned the blocking up of the door on the first floor and is satisfied with the proposed works.

(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0)

c.   Application No: 1/0760/2023/FUL Part retrospective change of use from a micro bar (Sui Generis) to a cafe (Class E). 6A Bridgeland Street, Bideford, Devon, EX39 2PZ.
Applicant: Mr Karl Burns (same address). Agent: None supplied. (Date received: 20 Sept 2023).

Proposed by Councillor J McKenzie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the application is approved.

(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0)

d.   Application No: 1/0956/2023/FU. Demolition of garage and construction of extensions to rear and side of dwelling with new vehicular access, parking bay and associated landscaping. 38 Moreton Park Road, Bideford, Devon, EX39 3AX.  Applicant: Mr & Mrs J London (same address). Agent: Deborah Somerville Chartered Architect, Bideford. (Date received: 4 Oct 2023).

Members commented that the pedestrian visibility could be compromised with the high retaining wall as shown in the photograph.
Proposed by Councillor K Bines, seconded and

RESOLVED: That approval is recommended on the confirmation that the appropriate pedestrian visibility is available in a southern direction

(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0)

050.  PLANNING AUTHORITIES UPDATE BY CLERK

Members noted the decisions received from Torridge District Council since the last meeting.

The business of the meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked Members for their attendance and the meeting concluded at 6.30 pm.