MINUTES OF THE

ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING, 28/04/08

Present:  Cllrs Thompson, Harries, Nesbitt, Booth, Wilson, Liddiard, Pope, Buckwell, Hudson, Bullock

1. Apologies for absence
Cllr  Gaines

2. Declarations of Interest
None

3. Minutes of  meeting held on 15th April 2008
Paragraph 4 heading and 3rd line from bottom of page:  Mr Keel's company is Broadway Malyan (not Melyan). 

Paragraph 4, line 10:  should say that Adrian Keel has spoken to Network Rail (not Cllr Hudson)

With these amendments, the minutes were proposed by Cllr  Harries, seconded Cllr Liddiard, 2 abstentions, all others in favour:  the minutes were accepted as a true record.

4.         Outcome of the Oakes site presentation and forward planning
Discussion took place on the proposals for the old Oakes site, including provision for improved access and adding residential use to the current use for employment.  It was agreed that this is a prime site, and,  in the current economic climate, although it is important to keep sight of the longer term view, in the short term, we must wait and see what proposals are put forward by Broadway Malyan and accept that development of the area piecemeal may be the only economic way forward..  Cllr Hudson said that he has been in contact with West Berkshire Council who suggest that, since the site is currently earmarked for employment area development  a submission would be appropriate  to influence the outcome of the LDF regarding the longer term development of the whole of that area of the town.,

Action:  Cllr Hudson to draft letter to WBC Forward Planning Team, and circulate to committee members for comment.

5.         Planning Applications

08/00514/FUL – Meadowview – Erection of close boarded bin store and removal of

one visitors parking space.  No objections.  Proposed Cllr Bullock, seconded Cllr Booth, all in favour.

08/00643/HOUSE – 4 North View – Demolish detached garage, build new 2 storey extension and single storey extension.  No objections.  Proposed Cllr Buckwell, seconded Cllr Harries, 1 abstention, remainder in favour.

08/00662/HOUSE – 20 Park Street – New dormer window.  No objections.  Proposed Cllr Liddiard, seconded Cllr Booth, all in favour

08/00678/HOUSE – 35 Ramsbury Drive – Single storey extension to front elevation. No objections.  Proposed Cllr Acworth, seconded Cllr Harries, all in favour.

08/02700/FULD – 1 Lancaster Close – to make existing dwelling into two separate dwellings with an extension to side.  No objections.  Proposed Cllr Liddiard, seconded Cllr Booth, 2 abstentions, 9 in favour.  (This application received general support from members.)

6.         Case Officer's Reports

0800345/FUL – St Mary's church, Newtown, Hungerford – variation of 07/02228/HOUSE, 2 storey rear extension.  Cllr Thompson summarised this application for members.

7.         Report from Chairman on Exception Site visits

Of the three sites visited by Cllrs Booth, Buckwell, Gaines and Thompson, Ramsbury Drive was considered the most suitable since it was large, with good access, an adjacent play area, a shop nearby and in a pleasant environment. Cllr Thompson drew attention to the copy of a report by Cllr Gaines to the 2010 committee. There was discussion about the relationship of the 2010 committee with the Council.  

The meeting closed at 8.15 pm

Amendments...................................................................................................................

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Signed…………………………………              Chairman of Environment and Planning

                                                                                    Committee

Date…………………………………..