Planning Committee – 8 April 2015
Chair: Councillor Bunyan
Venue: The Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Scunthorpe
Time: 2 pm
AGENDA
1. Substitutions.
2. Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests and Personal or Personal and Prejudicial Interests, significant contact with applicants, objectors or third parties (Lobbying) and Whipping Arrangements (if any).
3. To take the minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2015 as a correct record and authorise the chairman to sign.
4. Applications deferred from previous meeting for a site visit.
5. Major Planning Applications
6. Planning and other applications for determination by the committee.
7. Any other items, which the chairman decides are urgent, by reasons of
special circumstances, which must be specified.
Note: All reports are by the Head of Development Management unless otherwise stated.
MINUTES
PRESENT: – Cllr Bunyan (in the Chair)
Councillors Ali, Allcock, Bainbridge, Collinson, Glover, Grant, C Sherwood, N Sherwood and Wardle.
Councillors Evison, Ogg, Poole, Redfern, K Vickers, and P Vickers attended the meeting in accordance with Procedure Rule 1.37 (b).
The Committee met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.
1650 DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS, SIGNIFICANT CONTACT WITH APPLICANTS OR THIRD PARTIES (LOBBYING) AND WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) –
The following members declared a personal interest as follows: –
| Member (s) | Minute | Application(s) /Item |
Nature of Interest | |
| Cllr Collinson
Cllr Ali
|
1654 (iv)
1654 (vii)
|
2014/1157
2015/0043
|
Family member employed by Applicant’s company
Provides transport to children with SEN to the premises.
|
|
The following member declared a personal and prejudicial interest: –
| Member (s) | Minute | Application(s) /Item |
Nature of Interest | |
| Cllr C Sherwood | 1652 (iii) | 2014/1271
|
Friend of applicant
|
|
In addition, the following member declared that they had been lobbied: –
| Member (s) | Minute (s) | Application/Item (s) |
| Cllr C Sherwood | 1654 (i) | 2013/1304 |
The following members attending the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 1.37 (b) declared a personal interest as follows: –
| Member (s) | Minute | Application(s) /Item |
Nature of Interest |
| Cllr Evison Cllr Poole
Cllr Redfern
|
1652 (v)
1654 (i) 1654 (vi)
1654 (v) |
2015/0006
2013/1304 2015/0030
2014/1401 |
Chairman of Barton Town Council Knows applicant
Member of Epworth Town Council
|
The following members attending the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 1.37 (b) declared that they had been lobbied as follows: –
| Member (s) | Minute | Application(s) /Item |
| Cllr Evison
Cllr Poole |
1652 (v)
1652 (iv)
|
2015/0006
2014/1347
|
1651 MINUTES – Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of the meeting held on 11 March 2015, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and be signed by the chairman.
1652 (36) APPLICATIONS DEFERRED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING – In accordance with decisions taken at a previous meeting, members had undertaken site visits prior to the meeting. The Head of Development Management submitted a report.
(i) 2014/0786 by Mr W Hartley for outline planning permission to construct a vehicular access to serve 4 Hall Meadow, land at Church Lane, Bonby.
Cllr Allcock spoke on the application and expressed concerns about the siting of the proposed access and whether it was necessary. Concerns were raised that the access would be too close to a bend in the road, and that there was a nearby national speed limit. This could potentially lead to accidents. Clarification was received from Highways officers as to their position.
Resolved – That planning permission be refused on the following grounds.
The proposal represents non-essential development which could compromise road safety and as such was contrary to policies RD2 and T2 of the North Lincolnshire Local Plan 2003.
Informative
In determining the application, the council, as local planning authority, had taken account of the guidance in paragraphs 186 and 187 of the National Planning Policy Framework in order to seek to secure sustainable development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area.
(ii) 2014/1148 by the Trustees of The Elwes Children’s 1989 Settlement for outline planning permission for a dwelling (layout and scale to be considered) at the plot between 53-55 North Street, Roxby.
An objector addressed the committee, stating that the main concern of local residents was the potential impact of on-street parking. The main road through Roxby was narrow, and both school buses and farm machinery regularly drove through the village. The proposed conditions around parking were insufficient to require off-street parking for the proposed development.
The agent for the applicant explained the background to the application and the role of the Settlement, before reiterating that the officer recommendation was to approve the outline planning permission. As common in these circumstances, as the intention would be to put the site on the market, the purchaser would have an input to the property’s appearance and access. Concerns around the size, appearance and highways issues were misplaced, and the intention was to ensure the property was in keeping with the surrounding area. Consultation with Highways had led to no objections.
Cllr Glover stated that he believed the application should be deferred for further consideration, particularly around highways and parking issues.
Resolved – That a decision on this application be deferred until a future meeting.
Reason:
To seek more information about the access and parking arrangements.
(iii) 2014/1271 by Mr J Lawton for planning permission to erect a detached bungalow (resubmission of PA/2014/0385) at land adjacent to 16 Bigby High Road, Brigg.
The applicant thanked the committee for visiting the site, and stated that the proposal would be in keeping with the surrounding area. There would be no impact on neighbouring properties, and there were no objections from the Town Council, Environmental Health or neighbours.
Cllr Allcock stated that the site would be very cramped if the development went ahead, and supported the recommendation within the report.
Resolved – That planning permission be refused in accordance with the recommendations within the report.
(iv) 2014/1347 by Mr R Raddish, R D Raddish, for planning permission to retain a portable horse shelter, erect two further portable horse shelters and replace a caravan with a small container.
The applicant stated that their key points were addressed to the committee at the last meeting, but that information submitted by objectors was potentially misleading.
Cllr Poole stated that he had been contacted by many local residents with concerns about the site. There had been a history of horse-related paraphernalia left across the fields, which had required action to address. Access to the site was also just before a national speed limit sign, and there were no dedicated signs to warn drivers of the proximity to horses. Cllr Poole suggested a two year grant may be a useful compromise to ensure that there would be a limit if any problems came to light.
The Head of Development Management advised the committee on the appropriateness of such a limit.
Cllr C Sherwood stated that the current site represented an idyllic country scene, as would be expected in any rural area. The proposal was very limited and any structures were very far from the existing housing. A limit of five years was therefore suggested.
Resolved – That planning permission be approved in accordance with the recommendations within the report, and with the following additional condition.
The development hereby approved shall be limited to a period of five years only and the buildings and structures shall be removed and the site restored to its former condition on or before 8 April 2020 unless an application was submitted and approved for their retention before this date
Reason
To protect the appearance of the area in accordance with policy DS6 of the North Lincolnshire Local Plan as the buildings are of a temporary construction and in need of regular maintenance.
(v) 2015/0006 by the Neal Group Ltd. for planning permission to demolish an existing sales building, canopy link and washing facilities, part removal of rear retaining wall and embankment and erect a new retaining wall and an A1 shop building to the rear of the site.
Cllr P Vickers, on behalf of an objector, stated that there was a desire locally for sympathetic development. The proposal would mean the objector’s view would be of a large roof, and that the nature of the development would lead to an increase in noise and anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of the area, which was directly next to a conservation area. Local residents also had concerns about a potential increase in traffic on an already-busy road.
Cllr Evison summarised sixteen objections that he had had sight of. Concerns included the appearance of the development, and the major increase that the development would have on traffic levels. The shop would lead to increased footfall in the area, and an increase in light and noise pollution, impacting on local residents. There was a feeling locally that Barton was at a ‘tipping point’ and any increase in traffic would lead to major problems, particularly at peak hours, and if the proposed Wren housing development was built. Cllr Evison also stated that, as Barton was a historic Saxon site, there was likely to be a need for an archaeological survey. In summary, Cllr Evison stated that the proposal would lead to major issues with traffic, a number of other problems, and that there was a need for additional conditions to address this.
Cllr N Sherwood stated that, whilst it was acknowledged that Barton was a busy market town, the site was currently a working petrol station with an accompanying shop. Naturally, petrol stations are situated on busy roads in and out of towns, and the proposal would not change this. The current site had no planning restrictions on opening hours, which would be addressed within the new application, therefore it was possible that there would be less noise and anti-social behaviour in the area. Cllr N Sherwood queried whether conditions could be added to the application to reduce the possibility of noise pollution.
The Head of Development Management confirmed that proposed conditions around noise pollution were included in the report.
Resolved – That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the report.
1653 (37) MAJOR PLANNING APPLICATIONS – The Head of Development Management submitted a report containing details of a major application for determination by the Committee, including a summary of policy context, representations arising from consultation and publicity and assessment of the applications.
(i) 2014/1435 by North Lincolnshire Council for outline planning permission for 11 dwellings and access road on land at the end of Mill House Lane, Winterton.
A local resident addressed the committee, welcoming that the development was on brownfield land rather than greenfield. However, they had concerns that large houses to the rear of their property could restrict natural sunlight, and also that an increase in traffic could lead to accidents. It was suggested that a small package of land could be made available for existing properties to extend their gardens, and also that some or all of the properties could be bungalows.
A second local resident welcomed the reduction in housing density compared to previous plans. It was felt that this would be more in keeping with existing nearby properties. Most residents would prefer bungalows on the site, as they would be more fitting, and would prevent any overlooking or blocking of light.
The Head of Development Management provided the committee with an explanation of the memorandum of understanding concerning funding for public open spaces, and confirmed that the types of property would normally be made clearer further into the planning process, albeit with a requirement to be sympathetic to light, etc. It was also confirmed that additional conditions regarding archaeological considerations were necessary and would be monitored throughout the construction phase.
Cllr Ogg stated that there was a need for affordable bungalow housing in Winterton. A discussion then took place amongst members around possible options.
Resolved – That planning permission be approved (i) in accordance with the recommendations within the report, (ii) to hold notice until the Memorandum of Understanding was signed, and (iii) to include additional conditions as follows:
3 x standard archaeology conditions + informative; and
All the proposed dwellings shall be of single-storey construction.
Reasons
To ensure archaeology issues are addressed and to ensure satisfactory appearance of the development and to safeguard the amenities of the occupiers of adjoining property.
1654 (38) PLANNING AND OTHER APPLICATIONS – The Head of Development Management submitted a report incorporating a schedule containing details of applications for determination by the committee including summaries of policy context, representations arising from consultation and publicity and assessment of the applications. The Head of Development Management updated the reports orally where appropriate. Other officers attending gave advice and answered members’ questions as requested.
(i) 2013/1304 by Mrs C Gossop for planning permission for granddad accommodation in existing derelict storage shed/garage at Lea Farm, Brigg Road, Barton-upon-Humber.
Resolved – That consideration of this application be deferred to a future meeting.
Reason – to enable further neighbour notification to be undertaken.
(ii) 2014/0689 by Mr D Shafer for planning permission for change of use of a café to a hot food takeaway and installation of an extraction flue at 4 High Street, Kirton-in-Lindsey.
A representative of the applicant stated that the proposed conditions requiring the takeaway to close on Sundays and Bank Holidays were inconsistently applied, as there were similar businesses in the locality which had a licence to trade on these days.
An objector stated that they were speaking on behalf of a number of residents, who believed that not enough weight was being given to their concerns. The change of use from a sandwich bar to a kebab shop was likely to attract a different clientele, and there would be no loss of jobs if the committee refused the application. The objector made reference to the Local Plan, which stated that proposals should take into account the existing character of the street. The High Street was not typical for such a proposal, and there were a large number of residential properties within the existing shops. The locality was a conservation area, and residents were concerned about noise, odours, littering and anti-social behaviour. In addition to these concerns, the road was a very narrow one-way street, and there were no parking spaces available. It was noted that many of the supporters referred to in the report were from out of the area.
Resolved – That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the report.
(iii) 2014/0921 by Mr J Mullen, Marine Technologists Ltd, for listed buildings consent to retain colour scheme to the shop front and seven LED lights, and decorative fronting to windows, at 60-62 Wrawby Street, Brigg.
Resolved – That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the report
(iv) 2014/1157 by Miss O Turley, Creative Support, for planning permission for change of use from A1 to mixed use of B1 office use and a drop-in advisory centre and training facility (D1) at 6-8 Market Hill, Scunthorpe.
The agent for the application provided an overview of the proposal, stating that the intention was to provide local residents with housing advice and support, and also provide facilities to enable volunteering, peer mentoring and befriending. Whilst this would remove shop use, there were a number of empty shop units nearby. The application would provide facilities for residents, attracting people into the town centre. It would also be possible to revert use back to A1 at the end of the contract if required.
Cllr Collinson stated that he would prefer to see the site utilised for a shop, but that the proposal would provide useful facilities and occupy an empty unit.
Resolved – That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the report.
(v) 2014/140 by Mr Heydari-Begvand for planning permission for change of use from A1 to A5 (hot food takeaway) and to extend existing premises (resubmission of PA/2014/0104) at Essential Interiors, High Street, Epworth.
The agent for the applicant addressed the committee and explained that the previous submission had now been revised, taking into account the views of members. Proposed timings had been reduced to a terminal hour of 11pm, and there was no application to open on Sundays and Bank Holidays. This helped to address residents’ concerns about the 11pm-12pm ‘nuisance hour’. The site was in the town centre, and activity and movement around that time were to be expected. It was noted that there was no objection from Highways, Environmental Health and that the recommendation was to approve, subject to conditions.
An objector stated that the site was directly opposite their premises, which was a listed building. As such, it was very difficult to fit double glazing to reduce noise. There were already problems associated with the site, including noise and anti-social behaviour, and granting permission would exacerbate these issues. The objector’s job meant that they had to rise early, which would be difficult with late-night noise. There were also concerns about the potential devaluing of their property. It was suggested that 10 pm might be a reasonable compromise to shut the business.
Cllr Redfern questioned why Highways hadn’t objected, when there was a history of cars driving onto the footpath to wait for food. It was explained that, whilst this did happen from time to time, the impact was minimal.
Resolved – That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the report.
(vi) 2015/0030 by Concrete Contracting Ltd for planning permission to erect two dwellings at land south of 30 Eastfield Road, Barton-upon-Humber.
An objector stated that his property was sited to the west / rear of the proposed development, and it was envisaged that this would appear as a three storey construction as their property laid down an incline from the proposal, a large part would be overlooked. This overlooking would impact on their family’s lives and amenity.
Resolved – That the application be deferred for a site visit.
(vii) 2015/0043 by Mr L Wardlaw, Demeter House (England) Ltd for planning permission to erect a three-bay portacabin to provide office, staffroom and meeting room facilities for Demeter House, Bigby Street, Brigg.
The agent for the application gave an explanation of the work of Demeter House, stating that there was a growing level of need. This had led to offices being converted into classrooms. The portacabin would enable sports facilitation to continue on-site, as requested by local residents, whilst also placing the portacabin as far away from the residents as possible. The proposed structure would be for staff use only, and there would be no adverse impact on residents.
Resolved – That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the report.
(viii) 2015/0160 by Mr D Williamson for planning permission to erect a two-storey extension (resubmission of PA/2014/0877) at Cleatham House Farm, unnamed road through Cleatham from B1400 to B1398, Manton.
Resolved – That consideration of this application be deferred to a future meeting and that members visit the site prior to that meeting.
(ix) 2015/0161 by Mr D Williamson for listed building consent to erect a two-storey extension (resubmission of PA/2014/0880) at Cleatham House Farm, unnamed road through Cleatham from B1400 to B1398, Manton.
Resolved – That consideration of this application be deferred to a future meeting and that members visit the site prior to that meeting.
(x) 2015/0177 by Mr M Chipp for outline planning permission to erect a detached house and garage with appearance, layout, scale and landscaping reserved for subsequent approval at land adjacent to 33 Brethergate, Westwoodside, Haxey.
The Head of Development Management advised the committee that a strong objection had subsequently been received from Haxey Parish Council.
The agent for the application stated that the proposal was outside of the development area, but in recent years there had been a number of other developments nearby, including a large house directly opposite the site and a housing estate to the side and rear. The proposed area was in Flood Risk Area 1, so there was minimal risk of flooding. The proposal was from a local resident and represented a ‘windfall’ site, which would assist North Lincolnshire in meeting its challenging housing targets. In addition, it would help to increase the vitality of the area.
It was confirmed by the Chairman that the council’s five year Housing Land Supply Statement was now in place.
Cllr Allcock stated that it would not be advisable to allow development beyond the boundary. The proposal was not for agricultural or forestry purposes, so the proposal should be refused in accordance with the recommendation within the report and the council’s policies.
Resolved – That planning permission be refused in accordance with the recommendations within the report.