Planning Committee – 25 April 2007

Chairman: Councillor Wardle
Venue: The Angel Ballroom, Exchange Place, Brigg
Time: 2 pm

AGENDA

  1. Substitutions.
  2. Declarations of Personal and 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 29 March 2007 as a correct record and authorise the chairman to sign.
  4. Applications deferred from previous meeting for site visit.
  5. Planning and other applications for determination by the committee.
  6. Enforcement Update
  7. Any other items, which the chairman decides are urgent, by reasons of special circumstances which must be specified.

Note: Reports are by the Service Director Highways and Planning unless otherwise stated.

Minutes

PRESENT: – Councillor Wardle (Chairman).

Councillors Long (Vice–Chairman), Bunyan, Collinson, Eckhardt, England, Grant, Phillips, Rowson, Swift and Whiteley.

Councillors Glover, Muir and Regan attended the meeting in accordance with Procedure Rule 37(b).

The committee met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.

907 DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS, SIGNIFICANT CONTACT WITH APPLICANTS OR THIRD PARTIES (LOBBYING) AND WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY)

The following member declared a personal and prejudicial interest:

Members
Minute
Applications
Nature of Interest
Cllr England 910 (v) 2007/0188 Had declared support for the application

The following members declared personal interests :

Members
Minute
Applications
Nature of Interest
Cllr Eckhardt 909 (ii) 2006/1742 Member of Haxey Parish Council
Cllr Rowson 909 (ii) 2006/1742 Know applicant
910 (vi) 2007/0209 Know applicant
910 (xiv) 2007/0395 Know of applicant
Cllr Bunyan 909 (i) 2007/0137 Member of Broughton Town Council
Cllr Wardle 910 (vii) 2007/0256 Member of Barrow Parish Council
Know applicant
Know objector

The following members, attending the meeting in accordance with Procedure Rule 37 (b), declared the following personal interests –

Members
Minute
Application
Nature of Interest
Cllr Glover 909 (i) 2007/0137 Member of Broughton Town Council
Cllr Muir 910 (v) 2007/0188 Supporter of applicant
Cllr Regan 910 (xiv) 2007/0395 Supported application

The following members declared that they had been lobbied: –

Members
Application
Cllr Eckhardt 2006/1742
Cllr Bunyan 2007/0137
Cllr Wardle 2006/1742
Cllr Rowson 2006/1742
2007/0209
2007/0395

908 MINUTES – Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of the meeting held on 29 March 2007, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and be signed by the chairman.

909 (79) APPLICATIONS DEFERRED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING – In accordance with the decisions at the previous meeting, members had undertaken site visits on the morning of the meeting. The Head of Planning submitted reports and updated them orally.

(i) 07/0137 by Mr J Chatterton for outline planning permission to erect eight two-bedroom residential apartments with associated parking and gardens (including demolition of 81 and 83 Brooklands Avenue, at 81 and 83 Brooklands Avenue, Broughton.

Prior to consideration of this application the applicant and an objector addressed the committee.

The applicant stated that he was surprised to hear of complaints about traffic problems, as no objections had been raised previously. The application had been well thought out and he was not aware of any problems with sewerage.

The objector did not believe that the proposal was in keeping with the surrounding area, and that traffic problems were most significant between 8-9 am. He did not believe that the proposal had sufficient on-site parking provision, and he also had a letter from Anglian Water dated 1999 stating that alterations were required to alleviate problems with sewerage, since which no work had been done.

Councillor Glover, attending the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 37 (b) spoke on this application.

Councillor Glover was not against development of the site per se, but felt that bungalows would be more in keeping with the area. The proposal was not on the same footprint as the existing building and was for more dwellings, and also he felt that there would be subsequent traffic problems.

The Head of Planning stated that further details e.g. parking spaces etc., would be submitted with the application for Reserved Matters. The site was brownfield, within the development boundary and in an area of mixed styles and character. The drainage board had been consulted on the application but no comments had been received. It would be possible to impose a condition regarding sewerage and drainage,

Motion by Councillor Bunyan, seconded by Councillor England –

That permission not be granted as the application was out of character with the area, there would be an adverse impact on neighbouring properties and there were concerns regarding highway safety.

Motion Lost

Moved by the chairman, seconded by the vice chairman – That permission be granted in accordance with the recommendation contained in the report subject to the addition of the following condition.

No development shall take place until a scheme for the disposal of foul and surface water has been agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority and none of the dwellings shall be occupied until it is connected to the approved drainage system.

Reason: To ensure satisfactory drainage is provided in accordance with policy DS14 of the North Lincolnshire Local Plan.

Motion Carried

(ii) 06/1742 by Lesley Ogg for planning permission to retain the use of an agricultural barn for the rearing of livestock (formerly granted under prior notification) and retain a change of use of a former equine centre as a rare breeds visitor centre with play areas and tea room, at Shepherds Place, Akeferry Road, Westwoodside, Haxey.

Prior to consideration of this application the applicant’s representative and an objector addressed the committee.

The objector stated that the property had a small household cesspool which could not cope with visitors. There were already too many facilities sited on the 3.5 acres owned by the applicant, and the remaining 2 acres were not suitable for pasture. Seven letters of complaint had been submitted by nearby residents. The equine proposals had been implemented already and the objector was concerned about the disposal of manure.

The applicant’s representative stated that the applicant had worked with council officers in setting up the establishment, the site had been inspected by health and safety officers and environmental health, and had certificates granted. The business provided an educational and tourism facility.

The Head of Planning stated that although the applicant had requested opening times of 10 am until dusk, he felt that a closing time of 6 pm was more appropriate. Condition 2 should read ‘rare breeds centre’ instead of ‘equine centre’, and the tea room was only to be used in connection with the rare breeds centre, not as a separate entity.

Resolved – That permission be granted in accordance with the recommendation contained in the report, subject to the amendment of condition 2 to read ‘rare breeds centre’ instead of ‘equine centre’.

910 (80) PLANNING APPLICATIONS – The Head of Planning 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.

(i) 06/1195 by Mr and Mrs B Churn for planning permission to vary condition 5 of planning permission 2001/1655 and change the use of an existing equestrian centre and stables to commercial kennels and private greyhound racing school, at Forbeck Farm, Godnow Road, Crowle.

Resolved – That permission be granted in accordance with the recommendation contained in the report.

(ii) 06/1656 by Mr L Adams for planning permission to erect a detached four-bedroom house and a detached double domestic garage with a new access onto The Slack, adjoining 8 The Slack, Crowle.

Resolved – That permission be granted in accordance with the recommendation contained in the report.

(iii) 07/0109 by Mr and Mrs Arrand for planning permission to erect extensions and alterations to an existing dwelling and shop (resubmission of 2006/1449), at 152 High Street, Crowle.

Resolved – That permission be granted in accordance with the recommendation contained in the report.

(iv) 07/0176 by Boots the Chemist for advertisement consent to display an externally illuminated fascia and internally illuminated projecting signs, at Boots the Chemist, 7 Wrawby Street, Brigg.

Resolved – That permission be granted in accordance with the recommendation contained in the report.

Councillor England, having declared a personal and prejudicial interest left the meeting for consideration of the following item.

(v) 07/0188 by Klassic for planning permission to change the use of agricultural land to a sports and recreational facility, at land south of Ings Road, Kirton in Lindsey.

Prior to consideration of this application the applicant and an objector addressed the committee.

The objector stated that the site was outside the development boundary and was mainly agricultural. There was no suitable footpath to the proposed facility and no public transport provision. If the demand for the facility was genuine then it was felt that the proposal would not be big enough anyway, so subsequent applications may be submitted. Many facilities already existed within Kirton Lindsey.

The applicant stated that he was disappointed with the recommendation for refusal, he had worked with council officers in his search for suitable land and found no other appropriate sites. Some facilities in the town were shortly to be lost to the community. The land in question was of unremarkable landscape, was within walking distance of a bus stop, would provide a much needed facility to the area and had received a lot of local support including from the police.

Councillor Muir, attending the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 37 (b) spoke on this application.

Councillor Muir stated that he supported the application, there was a demand for such a facility and there were no other suitable sites. The project was to be community run, not a private enterprise. He suggested that a site visit would be useful.

Resolved – That consideration of this application be deferred and that members undertake a site visit.

Councillor England returned to the meeting.

(vi) 07/0209 by T C Brears and Sons for planning permission to extend a general purpose agricultural building, at OS field No 2400, Godnow Road, Crowle.

Resolved – That permission be granted in accordance with the recommendation contained in the report.

(vii) 07/0256 by Castle Building Ltd for planning permission to erect eight residential units (resubmission of application 2006/0338 granted 23/06/2006), on land at the site of The Garage, Barton Lane, Barrow on Humber.

Resolved – That permission be granted in accordance with the recommendation contained in the report.

(viii) 07/0269 by Mr and Mrs D Spencer for planning permission to erect a two-storey extension to the rear of an existing detached house and a detached domestic garage with alterations to existing access (resubmission of 2006/1757, at Torridon, Howe Lane, Goxhill.

Resolved – That consideration of this application be deferred and that members undertake a site visit.

(ix) 07/0296 by Copperfield Developments AP Ltd for planning permission to erect 26 one and two-bedroom apartments together with communal facilities, including the demolition of 13 and 15 Pasture Road, outbuildings and sheds, on land between and to the rear of 13-19 Pasture Road, Barton on Humber.

Prior to consideration of this application the applicant and an objector addressed the committee.

The applicant stated that the existing site was run down and the proposal would restore the conservation area. The dwellings were specifically for people aged over 55 who wanted to downsize and retain their independence but with help available if required. Local facilities in the area would benefit. Frontage properties would be sympathetically restored. There would be parking facilities for residents and no additional traffic hazards created. The proposed balconies had been withdrawn and also south facing windows so neighbouring properties would not be overlooked. There would be a weekly collection from the designated waste bin facility.

The objector stated that the local residents had no objection to development on the site but that the proposal was not in keeping with the surrounding area. There were concerns regarding traffic hazards in the area, as large vehicles were already a problem, and a study three years ago counted 12,000 vehicles in five days. He stated that a site visit would be useful.

Resolved – That consideration of this application be deferred and that members undertake a site visit.

(x) 07/0297 by Copperfield Developments AP Ltd for conservation area consent to demolish 13 and 15 Pasture Road, outbuildings and sheds to the rear of the building, at on land between and to the rear of 13-19 Pasture Road, Barton on Humber.

Resolved – That consideration of this application be deferred and that members undertake a site visit.

(xi) 07/0322 by City Scrap for planning permission for the change of use to vehicle reclamation including the delivery/collection of motor vehicles, the crushing and processing of vehicles and the collection/storage of scrap, including non-ferrous and scrap metal, and the recycling of parts, including oils and batteries (resubmission of 2006/1810 refused 22/01/07) at former Normanby Construction premises, Mannaberg Way, Scunthorpe.

Resolved – That permission be granted in accordance with the recommendation contained in the report.

(xii) 07/0330 by Mr B Reynolds for planning permission to erect single storey extensions to front and rear, at 19 Eastfield Road, Brigg.

Prior to consideration of this application an objector addressed the committee.

The objector stated that there were concerns regarding the privacy of neighbouring properties, existing trees and shrubbery had been removed and two mounds of earth had been levelled, altering the ground level of the site.

The Head of Planning stated that the proposed extensions were small in size, neighbouring properties were far enough distant for there not to be overlooking issues, and there were no Tree Preservation Orders on the trees, so permission would not be required for their removal.

Resolved – That permission be granted in accordance with the recommendation contained in the report.

(xiii) 07/0358 by Mr J Cook for planning permission to construct a new vehicular access onto Rectory Street, at 58 Rectory Street, Epworth.

Resolved – That permission be granted in accordance with the recommendation contained in the report.

(xiv) 07/0395 by Mr and Mrs M Thompson for planning permission to erect a two storey domestic dwelling, at land off Darby Road, Burton on Stather.

Prior to consideration of this application a supporter of the application addressed the committee.

The speaker stated that Burton on Stather was a non selected settlement in the Humberside Structure Plan and Policy S6 applied. The proposal was within the local hamlet and opposite Darby Grange, the foundations from the previous building were still in existence and had historical significance with agricultural dwelling reasons.

Councillor Regan, attending the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 37 (b) spoke on this application.

Councillor Regan stated that he supported the application, the site was brownfield land, would provide regeneration and economic opportunities for the area, and would be an asset to the community.

The Head of Planning stated that the remains of a previous dwelling did not guarantee permission for new development, there was not enough of the original building to merit replacement. To meet planning policy the dwelling had to be for agricultural or forestry purposes. The application failed the functional test as the applicant already lived nearby, the financial test also failed and security was not relevant. Policy S7 applied and there was no justification for a dwelling.

Resolved – That consideration of this application be deferred and that members undertake a site visit.

(xv) 07/0408 by Mr and Mrs Robinson for outline planning permission to erect a detached dwelling and detached garage with means of access not reserved for subsequent approval, at land to the rear of Southlands, Churchtown, Belton.

Prior to consideration of this application the applicant addressed the committee.

The applicant stated that she wished to retain the local business of a tree surgery. She wanted to diversify but was not proposing a retail outlet. Capital was required to establish a nursery but the proposal was to become the family home. The business served the local community and she would like the committee to visit to see containerised trees.

Resolved – That permission be refused in accordance with the recommendation contained in the report.

(xvi) 07/0447 by Mr S Moore for planning permission to retain a front porch and boundary wall, at 8 Church View, Churchtown, Belton.

Resolved – That permission be granted in accordance with the recommendation contained in the report.

911 (81) ENFORCEMENT UPDATE – The Head of Planning submitted a schedule giving details of progress in respect of matters on which he had taken enforcement action under delegated authority.

Resolved – That the report be noted.