Planning Committee – 24 August 2011

Chair: Councillor Bunyan
Venue: The Council Chamber, Pittwood House, Scunthorpe
Time: 2pm

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 27 July 2011 as a correct record and authorise the chair to sign.
  4. Applications deferred from previous meeting for site visits
  5. Planning and other applications for determination by the committee.
  6. Isle of Axholme Historic Landscape Designation – Report of the Director of Infrastructure Services.
  7. Supplementary Planning Document – Planning for Renewable Energy Development – Report of the Head of Regeneration and Planning.
  8. Any other items, which the chair decides are urgent, by reasons of special circumstances, which must be specified.

Note: All reports are by the Head of Planning unless otherwise stated.

MINUTES

PRESENT:  Councillor Wardle (Vice-Chairman in the chair).

Councillors Ali, Allcock, Bainbridge, Collinson, Grant, Poole, Rowson, N Sherwood and K Vickers

Councillors Barker, Briggs, Mrs Bromby, Glover and Waltham attended the meeting in accordance with Procedure Rule1.36 (b).

The committee met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.

1367  DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS, SIGNIFICANT CONTACT WITH APPLICANTS OR THIRD PARTIES (LOBBYING) AND WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY)

The following members declared personal and prejudicial interest: 

Members Minute Applications Nature of interest
Councillor Allcock 1370 (ii) 11/0735 Applicant was president of local Conservative Association
Councillor Rowson 1370 (ii) 11/0735 Applicant was president of local Conservative Association
Councillor N Sherwood 1370 (ii) 11/0735 Applicant was president of the Brigg and Goole Conservative Association of which he was a member
Councillor Poole 1370 (i) 11/0278 Had supported residents and Kirton Town Council in
objecting to the application

 

The following members declared a personal interest:

Members Minute Applications/item Nature of interest
Councillor Allcock 1370 (vi) 11/0661 Member of the Isle of Axholme and North Notts Local Management Board
Councillor Poole 1370 (ii) 11/0735 Applicant was member of the Conservative Party
Councillor Bainbridge 1370 (i) 11/0278 Knew the applicant
Councillor Ali 1370 (i) 11/0278 Knew the applicant
Councillor Wardle 1369 (i)

1370 (i)
1370 (iii)

1370 (ii)

11/0630
11/0278
11/0312
11/0735
Knew the applicant

Knew the applicant and the landowner

Knew the applicant and agent

Knew the applicant

Councillor Grant 1370 (i) 11/0278 11/0278
Councillor K Vickers 1370 (ii)
1370 (i)
110735
11/0278
Knew the applicant
Knew the applicant

 

The following member, attending the meeting in accordance with Procedure Rule 1.36 (b) declared a personal interest:

Member Minute Application(s)/item Nature of interest
Councillor Waltham 1370 (ii) 11/0735 Knew the applicant

 

The following members declared that they had been lobbied:

Members Minute Application/item
Councillor Poole 1369 (ii) 11/0315
Councillor Allcock 1371 Isle of Axholme Historic Landscape Designation

The following members, attending the meeting in accordance with Procedure Rule 1.36 (b) declared that they had been lobbied:

Member Minute Application/item
Cllr Glover 1369 (ii) 11/0315

Mr W Hill (Acting Head of Planning) declared a non-pecuniary interest in Minute 1369 (i), application 11/0630 as he knew the applicant.

Mr S Whittemore (Regulatory Support Officer) declared an interest in Minute 1370 (i) (application 11/0278), as he knew the applicant’s agent.

1368  MINUTES – Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of the meetings held on 27 July 2011, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and be signed by the chair.

1369  (17)  APPLICATIONS DEFERRED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING – In accordance with the decisions at a previous meeting, members had undertaken site visits on the morning of the meeting. The Acting Head of Planning submitted  reports and updated them orally.

Prior to consideration of the following application, 11/0630, Mr W Hill, having declared interests, left the meeting.

(i) 11/0630 by Mr and Mrs D Cutts for the carrying out of alterations and extensions and amending the design and layout of a dwelling previously approved under PA/2006/0149 dated 26/04/2006 (resubmission of PA/2010/1320) at Mill Farm House, Barrow Road, Goxhill.

Prior to consideration of this application the applicant addressed the committee. He stated that he had had informal meetings with officers. There was only one aspect of the application that they were not happy with. The design remained within the footprint of the existing building. It was proposed to change the roof material to Goxhill pantiles to fit in with its surroundings. Raising the roof height by 1.5 metres would not significantly change the character of the building. He had commissioned a bat and bird survey.

Members considered that the proposal would not have any detrimental impact on the character or appearance of the open countryside.

Resolved – That permission be granted subject to a standard time limit condition and conditions relating to the development being in accordance with the submitted plans, removal of permitted development rights, and an agreed biodiversity management plan.

Mr Hill returned to the meeting.

(ii) 11/0315 by Locate Developments Ltd for the erection of a building for A1 retail use together with associated parking, servicing and landscaping at The Dog and Rat, 128 High Street, Broughton.

Prior to consideration of this application the applicants’ agent addressed the committee. She stated that the proposals had been the subject of extensive pre and post application discussions with the council’s officers. There had been no objections from statutory objectors. The application was supported by customers of the existing Co-op in Broughton and would create additional jobs as well as meeting a need. A transport statement had been submitted. The scheme would have no adverse impact on neighbours.

Councillor Glover, attending the meeting in accordance with Procedure Rule 1.36 (b) spoke on this application.

Members were concerned that due to its proximity to neighbouring properties and its height, the proposal would have an overbearing impact on those properties.

Resolved – That consideration of this application be deferred to enable officers to discuss site levels with the applicants in order to attempt to minimise the impact on neighbours.

1370  (18)  PLANNING AND OTHER APPLICATIONS – The Head of Regeneration and 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. The Acting Head of Planning updated the reports orally where appropriate. Other officers attending gave advice and answered members’ questions as requested.

Prior to consideration of the following application, 11/0278, Councillor Poole and Mr S Whittemore, having declared interests, left the meeting.

(i) 11/0278 by Messrs T Ellerby and H Collins, Orchard Caravans (Norfolk) Ltd. for change of use of land for the siting of 49 self-contained mobile leisure lodges on field north of Redbourne Mere, Kirton-in-Lindsey.

The Acting Head of Planning advised that it had been drawn to his attention that this application was a major application, as defined in the General Development Order, but had not been advertised as such.

Resolved – That consideration of this application be deferred to enable it to be advertised as a major application.

Councillor Poole and Mr Whittemore returned to the meeting.

Councillors Allcock, Rowson, N Sherwood and Waltham having declared personal and prejudicial interests in the following application, 11/0735, left the meeting.

(ii) 11/0735 by Mr J Mason for the erection of a detached dwelling and garage (resubmission of PA/2011/0399) at The Tustings, 120 North Street, Winterton.

The Acting Head of Planning reported that the applicant had asked for consideration of this application to be deferred, as Winterton Town Council had not responded to consultation.

Resolved – That consideration of this application be deferred to give Winterton Town Council an opportunity to respond.

Councillors Allcock, Rowson, N Sherwood and Waltham returned to the meeting.

(iii) 11/0312 by Mr and Mrs G Maddison for the erection of a dwelling (resubmission of PA/2010/0785)

Prior to consideration of this application the applicant addressed the committee. He stated that the dwelling was intended to be for his daughter to live in. The application had been the subject of pre and post application discussions with officers. It was supported by local residents and the parish council.

Members considered that the proposal would not lead to any overlooking of adjacent properties or harm the street scene.

Resolved – That permission be granted subject to conditions relating to landscaping, a biodiversity management plan and construction of the access.

(iv) 11/0464 by Mr M Coupland for the change of use of part of a shop from A1 to takeaway (A5) at 51 Holme Hall Avenue, Bottesford.

Prior to consideration of this application an objector addressed the committee. She referred to problems experienced in the vicinity of the site with anti social behaviour, litter and vermin and was concerned that an additional takeaway would attract more youths to the area.

Councillor Mrs Bromby, attending the meeting in accordance with Procedure Rule 1.36 (b) spoke on this application.

Resolved – That consideration of this application be deferred to enable the views of the Police to be sought.

(v) 11/0648 by Mr and Mrs F Fretwell for alterations, extensions and raising of the height of the roof and building at The Old Chapel, School Lane, South Ferriby.

Prior to consideration of this application the applicant addressed the committee. He stated that it was proposed to raise the roof height by one metre. The proposal would be more “eco friendly” with solar panels and loft installation. The proposal had been amended to reflect the concerns of the objectors. There were other 3 storey buildings on the street.

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

(vi) 11/0661 by Mr K Harrison for the erection of two detached dwellings with detached garages at Fern Cottage, Station Road, Garthorpe.

Councillors Barker and Briggs, attending the meeting in accordance with Procedure Rule 1.36 (b) spoke on this application. 

Members considered that as there was a need for housing in the village, all of which was within flood zone 3a, permission should be granted. 

Resolved – That permission be granted subject to conditions relating to time limit, highways and the development to be in accordance with the approved flood risk assessment. 

(vii) 11/0737 by Mr and Mrs G Orrell for the erection of a two-storey building for holiday accommodation and a replacement domestic garage at 82 Mill Road, Crowle.

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

The objectors were concerned at a potential loss of privacy for three neighbouring properties, noise and fumes from cars, inadequate access, and the removal of tress and hedges resulting in loss of habitat. 

The applicant stated that there was an existing “Nissan hut” style garage on the site. The replacement garage would be no bigger. The separation distance from the nearest properties was adequate to protect the amenities of those properties. The materials proposed would be in keeping with the existing property. 

Resolved – That consideration of this application be deferred until a future meeting and that members visit the site prior to that meeting. The reason for the site visit is the significant public interest in this application. 

1371  (19) TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 – TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (GENERAL PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT) ORDER 1995 (AS AMENDED 2010) – THE ISLE OF AXHOLME HISTORIC LANDSCAPE ARTICLE 4 DIRECTION  – The Director of Infrastructure Services submitted a report  inviting the committee to consider making an Article 4 Direction to control “minor works” in parts of the Isle of Axholme Historic Landscape designation. 

In the Isle of Axholme, (especially in the Parishes of Belton, Epworth and Haxey), there was what was left of a very old landscape. Studies had shown this to be a rare and extensive survival of a medieval open field system. It had been  laid over 1000 years ago and was now thought to be the most extensive and best-preserved survival of this kind of landscape in the country. 

The landscape of the Isle was important in its own right and was of particular cultural importance to local people. It was already identified as an important historic landscape and protected through planning policy. This landscape was very unusual and was a very important asset to the area. Article 4 Directions could be used to better protect historic areas.  Making a direction for the old Isle landscape should be seen as part of our attempt to better manage all North Lincolnshire’s historic areas.

Making a direction would allow the council and local people to think about applications for minor works that could damage the look and feel of the open fields and would allow local people to have their say about these things.  Directions were not about stopping people from doing what they want.  They were more to do with managing changes by letting local people have their say about things that were important to them.

Resolved – (a) That a series of Article 4 Directions be made as necessary to control minor works within the extent of the open field system as identified in Appendix A (critical landscape capital) to this report and as detailed in paragraph 2.8 of the report, and (b) that the making and confirmation of any direction follow the set procedures as detailed in paragraph 2.9 of the report. 

1372  (20) DRAFT SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT ON RENEWABLE ENERGY –The Head of Regeneration and Planning submitted a report seeking approval to carry out consultation on a Draft Supplementary Planning Document on Renewable Energy. 

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) were prepared under the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004, and formed part of the Local Development Framework (LDF) which delivered the Spatial Strategy for a council’s area. Whilst SPDs did not have the status of the statutory development plan they did have material weight in the consideration of planning applications. Their purpose was to expand or supplement policies within development plan policies where necessary. 

This SPD had been prepared by North Lincolnshire Council to supplement the policies in the Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD) that related to renewable energy proposals (Policy CS18: Sustainable Resource Use and Climate Change). Since its adoption the Core Strategy now formed part of the development plan for North Lincolnshire.

The draft SPD set out North Lincolnshire Council’s approach to planning for renewable energy proposals. It aimed to promote the development of renewable energy technology in those locations in North Lincolnshire which had the capacity to accommodate such development without it having an adverse effect on the natural and built environment. The document aimed to provide guidance for developers in preparing planning applications for renewable energy developments in North Lincolnshire, as well as assisting elected members and council officers in determining planning applications. 

Moved by Councillor Collinson and seconded by Councillor Grant   – 

Recommended to Council – (a) That the Head of Regeneration and Planning be authorised to (i) approve the carrying out of pre-deposit consultation on the draft SPD for 28 days, (ii) to make any adjustments to the draft SPD and prepare a Statement of SPD Matters for approval by this committee; (iii) to publish on the council’s website the SPD and Statement of SPD Matters, and allow a further four week period of public consultation, and (b) that the outcomes of consultation to be reported to Full Council and that the SPD be recommended for adoption.  

Motion Lost 

Moved by Councillor N Sherwood and seconded by Councillor Rowson – 

Recommended to Council (a) That the Head of Regeneration and Planning be authorised to (i) approve the carrying out of pre-deposit consultation on the draft SPD for 21 days; (ii) in consultation with the Leader make any adjustments to the draft SPD and prepare a Statement of SPD Matters, and (iii) publish on the council’s website the SPD and Statement of SPD Matters, and allow a further four week period of public consultation, and (b) that the outcomes of consultation to be reported to Full Council and that the SPD be recommended for adoption.

Motion Carried