Planning Committee – 2 September 2015
Chair: Councillor N Sherwood
Venue: The Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Scunthorpe
Time: 2 pm
AGENDA
- Substitutions.
- 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).
- To take the minutes of the meeting held on 29 July 2015 as a correct record and authorise the chairman to sign.
- Applications deferred from previous meeting for a site visit.
- Major Planning Applications
- Planning and other applications for determination by the committee.
- 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: – Councillor N Sherwood (Chair).
Councillors Allcock (Vice-Chairman), Armitage, Bainbridge, Carlile, Collinson, England, Poole, Longcake, and Ogg.
Councillors Briggs, Marper, and Redfern attended the meeting in accordance with Procedure Rule 37 (b).
The committee met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.
1679 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 interests
| Member (s) | Minute | Application (s) | Nature of Interest |
| Cllr Allcock | 168 (ii) | 2015/0382 | Member of Isle of Axholme & North Notts Water Level Management Board |
| Cllr Briggs | General
General |
Member of Humberside Fire Authority.
Member of the Isle of Axholme and North Nottinghamshire Water Management Board. |
|
| Cllr Cllr Carlile
Cllr England Cllr Poole |
1683 (iii)
1681 (iv) 1683 (iii) |
2015/0580
2015/0737 2015/0580 |
Personal GP Practice
Knows applicant Knows agent and a GP at the practice. |
| Cllr Cllr Redfern | 1681 (i)
1683 (i) |
2014/0995
2015/0200 |
Member of Epworth Town Council
Member of Belton Parish Council |
The following members declared that they had been lobbied: –
| Member (s) | Application | Minute |
| Cllr Allcock
Cllr Bainbridge Cllr Carlile Cllr Collinson Cllr Longcake Cllr Ogg Cllr Poole Cllr Redfern Cllr N Sherwood |
2015/0580 2015/0382 2015/0836
2015/0580 2015/0580 2015/0580 2015/0382 2015/0580 2015/0580 2015/0737 2014/0995 2015/0580 |
1683 (iii) 1683 (ii) 1683 (iv)
1683 (iii) 1683 (iii) 1683 (iii) 1683 (ii) 1683 (iii) 1683 (iii) 1681 (iv) 1681 (i) 1683 (iii) |
1680 MINUTES – Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of the meeting held on 29 July 2015, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and be signed by the chairman.
1681 (10) APPLICATIONS DEFERRED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING – In accordance with the decision at a previous meeting, members had undertaken a site visit prior to the meeting. The Head of Development Management submitted a report.
(i) 2014/0995 Mr R Bassindale, an application for certificate of lawfulness for the implementation of planning permissions PA/2010/008 and PA/2011/0911, with a condition varied by application PA/2013/0874 at Hillcrest, 33 High Street, Epworth.
The agent for the applicant stated that the application was solely to decide whether the applicant had met the requirements of the certificate. It was confirmed that this was the case, with a range of activities commencing in 2011. A list of these developments was given, and it was highlighted that these had been confirmed by officers and reflected within the report.
An objector raised a number of concerns, including alterations from the original agreed plans and potential issues with parking and access. The objector stated that substantial work had not commenced within the timescales, and that there was now an opportunity for the local authority to regain control of the land and its use.
Cllr Redfern reiterated these concerns, stating that there was very little evidence that the site had been developed. Concerns were raised about an ancient hedgerow and a nearby wall, and it was felt that the evidential test required for the Certificate of Lawfulness had not been met.
Cllr Poole sought clarification from the Head of Development Management and the council’s legal representative on the level of activity that would meet the requirements. It was confirmed that the applicant had discharged all pre-commencement conditions and that activity had occurred on site which indicated the access point had been widened and a curved wall erected in accordance with the planning permission. Only very minor works were sufficient to indicate the implementation of the permission.
Resolved – That the application be approved and a Certificate of Lawfulness issued in accordance with the recommendations contained within the report.
(ii) 2015/0488 by Mr D Hansard for planning permission to retain a horticultural workshop at land to the rear of Gaunt, Front Street, Alkborough.
Cllr Marper stated that some concerns had been raised by the Parish Council. These included the proposal being situated across a public footpath, and that the premises may be used for purposes other than those set out in the report. It was suggested that an additional condition be agreed, limiting the premises to horticultural work.
Resolved – That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the report, with the following additional condition.
- The buildings hereby approved shall only be used for horticultural purposes.
Reason
To define the terms of the permission and to safeguard nearby residential property from noise and disturbance. (iii) 2015/0503 by Mr J Stanton for outline planning permission for the erection of a dwelling (all matters reserved for subsequent approval) at Tout Pres, Little Lane, Wrawby. The applicant stated that the proposed new property would be more suited to their evolving family structure, that there had been no objections from Highways, and that similar proposals had been given permission in recent times. Sustainable building and energy-generating methods would be built into the proposal, and there would be no detrimental impact on neighbouring properties. It was acknowledged that the proposal fell partway outside of the development boundary, but there were others in close proximity that were also outside. There was widespread support locally for the proposal. An objector stated that they were speaking on behalf of local residents. There was a history locally of such proposals being refused, including on appeal, and the proposal would lead to significant concerns around a loss of wildlife and views of the open countryside. The site doesn’t meet the exception criteria, has few local facilities and there was no need for additional housing in the village.
Members engaged in a general discussion of the proposal.
Resolved – That planning permission be refused in accordance with the recommendations contained within the report. (iv) 2015/0737 by Mr Slinsgby for planning permission for a roof loft conversion for additional living accommodation at Orchard House, 16 Cross Tree Road, Messingham.
The applicant stated that there would be no adverse impact on the street scene, and there were various properties on Cross Tree Road that were higher than the applicant’s premises. The applicant’s family was growing, and there was a need for more room to enable them to stay in their home. There had been no complaints from the Parish Council or local residents.
Resolved – That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions: 1. The development must be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.
Reason
To comply with section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
- The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: SR/14/TVM/33A and SR/14/TVM/34A.
Reason
For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.
- The bricks and roofing materials shall match those of the existing building in colour and texture.
Reason
To ensure a satisfactory standard of development and in the interests of visual amenity.
1682 (11) 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) 2015/0597 by Persimmon Homes (Yorkshire) Ltd. for planning permission to erect 71 dwellings with associated access, open space, landscaping and infrastructure (resubmission of PA/2014/0178) on land at Ashby Decoy Golf Club, Burringham Road, Scunthorpe.
The applicant stated that the site had been identified in the Land Allocation Plan. Steps had now been taken to reduce the risks associated with road safety, and a detailed access strategy had been completed, including consideration of speed, traffic flows, and options for mitigation. The proposal would see a 30mph limit on the road, with improved signage and road markings.
Cllr Allcock asked the Head of Development Management about issues related to affordable housing which should be in accordance with the Affordable Housing Policy, the provision of older people’s housing and drainage. It was explained that some properties would be suitable for older people, and there would also be a number of properties for discounted rent. A detailed response on flooding considerations was provided.
Resolved – That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the report, including the completion of a Section 106 Agreement.
1683 (12) 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.
(i) 2015/0200 by Mr D Dennett, Croftsdun Enterprises Ltd for outline planning permission for the erection of four dwellings with appearance and scale reserved for subsequent approval at land to the south of King Edward Street, Belton.
The agent for the application stated that the key consideration was whether there would be a harmful impact on the locality. The site was currently inaccessible, and covered with vegetation and weeds, including Japanese Knotweed. There were no trees worthy of retention, and no notable wildlife due to the thick, overgrown nature of the site. As such, the site could not be considered as an area of local amenity. If the plans proceed, a managed area could be provided on the periphery to encourage wildlife and trees. This would create a more pleasant area for residents, neighbours and the local community. This would be a small scale development within the development boundary, and should be supported. The four proposed properties would be similar to lots of others in the area, and there would be no overlooking concerns. Highways have not objected.
Cllr Redfern suggested that a site visit may prove useful to the committee.
Resolved – That consideration of this application be deferred to a future meeting and that members visit the site prior to that meeting.
(ii) 2015/0382 by G R Bletcher & Son Ltd for planning permission to erect a 500kW wind turbine with a hub height of 53m and height blade to tip of 80m including associated cabling, access track and substation at land off Bonnyhale Road, Ealand, Crowle.
The agent for the applicant stated that the purpose of the proposed turbine was to raise income, reduce carbon emissions and offset electricity usage. The turbine has the potential to provide power to 300 homes, with a smaller structure unable to prove sustainable or productive. There would be no significant impact on biodiversity, neighbouring properties or local amenity, as confirmed within the report, and steps could be taken to address the limited number of objections. There was no public concern, as would be expected where there would be an adverse impact on the area. The proposal was not a commercial enterprise, but wholly to support the successful operation of one farm. Overall, the benefits of the proposal far outweighed the negatives.
Cllr Briggs stated that a line had to be drawn in the sand, and that there were many operational turbines in the area. Local residents were rightly concerned by the numbers, and there was a widespread feeling that ‘enough was enough’. The recent Ministerial Statement supported this position, and there was a general view that North Lincolnshire had ‘done our bit’ for the environment. Cllr Briggs asked the committee to support the recommendation within the report.
Resolved – That planning permission be refused in accordance with the recommendations contained within the report. (iii) 2015/0580 by Cedar Medical Practice for planning permission to increase car parking facility to rear and install lighting at 275 Ashby Road, Scunthorpe.
The Head of Development Management confirmed that there had continued correspondence with an objector, reiterating their view that there was no need for this proposal to go ahead. Further, it was confirmed that, if the proposal was granted, a detailed landscaping scheme would need to be submitted and agreed in the usual manner.
The agent for the application stated that the proposal would increase car parking spaces from 20 to 33, with some trees being removed. Changes had been proposed around landscaping and staff parking to minimise the impact on neighbouring properties. Additional screening towards the rear had also been proposed. The lighting scheme specified that the lights would automatically switch off half an hour after the practice closed, so there would be no concerns around light pollution. Only one objection had been made. Generally, this would have a positive contribution to patients, the local area, and the practice, with no adverse impact on neighbouring properties.
Resolved – That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the report.
(iv) 2015/0836 by Mr P Chapman for planning permission to remove condition 3 of PA/2011/0984 concerning ground-floor windows opening onto public highways at 1 Market Place, Owston Ferry.
The Committee’s legal representative provided guidance on the applicability of Section 153 of the Highways Act 1980. It was confirmed that this section applied only to gates, doors or bars opening onto the public highway, but not windows, therefore it did not apply to this application.
Resolved – That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the report.
(v) 2015/0848 by Mr & Mrs S Burnett for planning permission to increase the roof height to incorporate habitable accommodation at first-floor level, replace flat roof over conservatory with pitched roof and construct double garage, at Le Wold, Horkstow Road, South Ferriby.
Resolved – That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the report.