Planning Committee Meeting Minutes 31 July 2013
Planning Committee Meeting Minutes 31 July 2013
Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting
held in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bideford on
Wednesday 31 July 2013 at 6.00 pm
PRESENT:
North Ward:
Councillor Mrs A Brenton
Councillor P Christie (chairman)
Councillor D Fulford
South Ward:
Councillor R Wootton
Councillor P Pester
East Ward:
Councillor M Langmead
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mrs Claire Scott (Assistant to the Town Clerk)
Mr Simon Maunder
Councillor S Inch (Mayor of Bideford)
Councillor T Johns
Councillor D Brenton
2 x members of the public
Councillor P Collins Torridge District Council (TDC)
(Leader and Chair of Community and Resources)
025 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None.
026 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Langmead declared that, as both a Town and District Councillor, he will reconsider the applications at District level, taking into account all relevant evidence.
Councillor Wootton declared a pecuniary interest in agenda item 7.g. (employee of the company).
027 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION
The Chairman explained that Standing Orders would be suspended, once the agenda reached item 5, to allow all those present to be able to put questions to Mr Maunder. He then asked if anyone present wished to speak on any other items on the agenda; but no one did.
028 MINUTES
The Chairman explained the naming of roads at Moreton Park, mentioned in the minutes, had now been finalised and the chosen names were:
Birdwood Crescent, Needs Drive, Hewetson Way, Colwill Walk, Wills Road, Blackmore Avenue, Hughes Gardens, Grant Court and Bailey Mews.
The Chairman explained TDC had requested that the Council establish a reservoir of agreed names for them to use in the future. All Councillors were asked to think of suitable names or themes for names, for roads in Bideford that Mrs Scott could collate and research ready, if possible, for the next meeting.
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 10 July 2013 were approved and signed as a correct record.
(Vote – For: 4, Against: 0, Abstention: 2)
029 SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS
Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and
RESOLVED: That Standing Orders be suspended to allow all present to ask Mr Simon Maunder questions concerning Brunswick Wharves.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
030 QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WITH MR MAUNDER RE BRUNSWICK WHARVES
The Chairman welcomed Mr Maunder to the meeting and explained that everyone present would be allowed to ask relevant questions on the proposed development by Mr Maunder at Brunswick Wharves. Questions and answers included:
What proportion of the development would be given to facilities like restaurants and workshops to regenerate the town?
The aim would be to enhance the connection of East of the Water with the river and to be a ‘go to’ destination, somewhere people can enjoy being in Bideford.
o Any balance of facilities would have to be discussed with TDC.
o Mr Maunder wants to see more leisure use like regattas and kayaking.
o In discussions with the Harbourmaster to balance leisure with the commercial port – e.g. the Oldenburg might berth on the eastern side rather than town side to allow more commercial traffic.
Will there be boulevards at the waters’ edge to encourage café culture and will the accommodation look like old wharves?
o There would be nice, wide boulevards, buildings to emulate old wharves, floating pontoons with small sailing boats and a cafe society.
o The buildings will be set back and angled, so noise will not bounce off them.
o There is also a need for something for the winter, perhaps under a glazed dome, or concertina glass doors that can be opened to create a complete riverside ambience.
Would the existing old building be preserved and used for craft workshops?
o The old building with the statues will stay, but usage is not defined yet. Everything has to be sustainable and commercially viable for example a famous chef’s restaurant to draw people into the central plaza.
Would the walkways link up with the Tarka Trail and would the number of boats be limited because of the turning space?
o Yes, there would be links with the Trail.
o The pontoons would be parallel to the Quay wall and boats would have their sterns to the pontoon-so pontoons could carry on right to the new bridge.
o No need to dredge, and it should help ease the pressure of mud on the bridge.
A Road Train, to link East-the-Water with the rest of Bideford, is in the Council’s list re mitigation money for the Atlantic Array; how would this fit in with these plans?
o Anything to help access for pedestrians would be welcome.
What opportunities will young people have to learn new and practical skills?
o Leisure industries and sports like kayaking, rowing and water sports
Who will be living in there and would one and two bedroom properties be better for elderly people?
o Mr Maunder hopes to live there himself.
o With no beach in walking distance, potential prices must be competitive and for local people with two and three bedrooms, but it might be semi- retired people.
o Mr Maunder wants to create a family element, so there will be town houses designed for families and flats too– to appeal to a wide cross section of people.
What can be done about the old ships rotting away by the Quayside?
o Those vessels cannot be removed as they are on Crown estate, but once the correct lease is obtained and the pontoons are ready they will be removed.
What extra or new entrances will you need and will it be a gated community?
o Highways want all the entrances opened, to spread the traffic flow.
o No, it will be open to everyone.
What timescale is the project on and what will you use to build up the Quay?
o Mr Maunder wanted it finished by now so will be pushing for the earliest completion possible –the first plans will be submitted to TDC very soon.
o No decision has been made regarding what to use to build up the Quay.
Who will make the decisions on which commercial ventures are established there and how will a mix of society be achieved?
o Market forces will decide what stays, but it is a multifaceted project, with commercial, residential and leisure interests.
o It will be a catalyst for growth-the centre might be exclusive but the rest will be less so and it will create spin-offs around the area of other enterprises.
What will happen to the car park after the lease to TDC has expired in 25 years’ time?
o TDC have first option to re-lease, but it is envisaged as remaining a car park to serve the community and facilities at the wharves.
Will there be further consultation with the people of Bideford?
o Yes, Mr Maunder would like to incorporate ideas from local people and he will hold an exhibition day at the Royal Hotel, with a preview for Councillors.
One member of the public asked about timescales for demolition of the old buildings and Mr Maunder explained the Quay had to be repaired first.
Another member of public highlighted the need for any enterprises involved to be multi-channelled if possible.
The Chairman highlighted the Council’s feeling that Brunswick Wharves must have a commercial element and then thanked Mr Maunder for attending the meeting.
031 RETURN TO STANDING ORDERS
Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the Meeting return to Standing Orders
(Vote- For; 6, Against: 0)
032 ATLANTIC ARRAY –UPDATE BY THE CHAIRMAN
The Chairman updated Councillors with the current status of the RWE Atlantic Array Application and the feedback from the latest Five parishes meeting. He confirmed that the period to register as an interested party commences on 01.08.2013 and finishes on 16.09.2013. The Committee then discussed the outlined submission in light of the application form on line at the planning portal. Points included:
• Bideford and Littleham have prepared their submissions.
• Bideford will submit one as a town and a joint one with the Five Parishes as some issues do vary.
• There is one known archaeological site on Mr Bellew’s land of a lost village, which is on the planned service lane for the cables near Tennacott Lane.
• The contractors intend to bring large equipment and vehicles through Torrington Lane to a service depot behind Jewsons.
• There has been little feedback from the general public so far; Councillors felt people were unable to envisage the reality of the situation yet.
• If Brunswick Wharves went ahead it might clash with the Atlantic Array and overload East-the–Water with traffic and contractors.
• Subcontractors might decide to tunnel beneath roads rather than close them as it may be cheaper.
• All Councillors agreed that the wording by Councillor Christie was acceptable for submission as the initial application to RWE.
• A barrage for hydro-electric power with a third bridge on top was suggested as an addition to the wish list but the Chairman emphasised the finalised list had to be agreed and discussed by full Council so that would be the best time to add any other projects.
033 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
a.Application: No 1/0481/2013/LBC: Internal alterations. 20 Allhalland Street, Bideford, EX39 2JD. Applicant: Holiday Cottages, 5 The Quay, Bideford, EX39 2XX. Agent: NPAS Devon Ltd. (Date received: 4 July 13).
Proposed by Councillor Pester, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
b.Application: No 1/0537/2013/FULM: Change of use of building from non-residential educational use (class D1) to 11 dwelling houses (Class C3) and associated works. Old School House, Belvoir Road, Bideford. Applicant: Tom Sheppard, Newland Homes, 8 Lansdown Place, Cheltenham, GL50 2HU. (Date received: 4 July 13).
Proposed by Councillor Fulford, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved but the Council would like the Planning Authority to consider two points carefully: The amount of amenity space seems limited, especially for drying washing; and secondly that the Council would prefer not to have the single parking space located so close to the main entrance to Belvoir Road.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
c.Application: No 1/0575/2013/COU: Change of use from B1/B2/B8 to D2 assembly and leisure use for a fitness studio. Unit 3 Little Court, Gammaton Road, Bideford. Applicant: Mr Mark Cann, 33 Bay View Road, Northam, Bideford EX39 1BH, Agent: None recorded. (Date received: 9 July 13).
Proposed by Councillor Langmead, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 6 , Against: 0)
d.Application: No 1/0577/2013/FUL; Removal of condition 7 of application 1/0153/2012 to permit conversion of garage to living accommodation. 4 Speedwell Close, Bideford EX39 5XU. Applicant: Mr Jason Turner, (same address). Agent: Mal Brown (Date received: 9 July 13).
Proposed by Councillor Langmead, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
e.Application: No 1/0616/2013/FUL: First floor extension. 6 Forest Hill, Bideford EX39 5HS. Applicant: Mr Chris Heath (same address). Agent: Philip Hinton (Date received: 17 July 13).
Proposed by Councillor Langmead, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
f.Application: 1/0607/2013/ADV: Display of free standing totem sign. Units 1-2 Craze Properties Fletcher’s Industrial Estate, Bideford. Applicant: Tim Craze (same address). Agent; None recorded. (Date received: 17 July 2013).
Proposed by Councillor Wootton, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved, provided it does not exceed the other existing signs in the immediate area.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
g. Application: 1/0614/2013/FUL: Construction of a new home shopping van loading canopy and associated works. Asda Stores Ltd, Clovelly Road, Bideford. Applicant: Asda Stores Ltd. Agent: Gleneagles Project Services . (Date received: 17 July 2013).
Proposed by Councillor Langmead, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0, Abstention: 1)
h.Application: 1/0617/2013/EXT: Extension of time limit for residential development, new estate entrance and associated alterations. Land off Clovelly Road, Bideford. Applicant: BGF Developments. Agent: Steven Sherry. (Date received 24 July 2013).
Proposed by Councillor Pester, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
i.Application: 0631/2013/EXT: Extension of time limit for proposed redevelopment of workshops to 2 dwellings re 1/0258/2006/FUL. C & A Developments, Flagstaff House, Northam. Agent: Steve Clements. (Date received: 24 July 2013).
Proposed by Councillor Mrs Brenton, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the application is approved.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
034 PLANNING APPLICATIONS – NOTIFICATION OF DECISIONS BY PLANNING AUTHORITIES AND UPDATE BY CLERK
The Clerk ran through a list of decisions received from TDC since the last meeting and then explained that TDC wanted a decision on the name of an Industrial Unit at Land at Datton Moor Business Park 1/0977/2008/FUL.
Councillors discussed the merits of the name and all agreed to the developer’s suggestion of Ashlaur Court.
The Chairman emphasised that the Council wanted streets to be named with names having local connections.
The business of the Meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the Members for their attendance and the Meeting concluded at 7.55 pm.
Signature of Town Mayor: ………………………………. Date: …………………............
Signature of Chairman:…………………………………… Date: ………………………
