Minutes of the meeting of the Environment and Planning Committee held on Tuesday, 7th July 2009 at 7 pm in the Corn Exchange Complex, Hungerford
Present: Cllrs Booth, Buckwell, Cardwell, Harries, Wilson, Bullock, Gaines, Wynell Sutherland, Parry, Acworth and Hudson. Seven members of the public.
1. Apologies for absence: Cllrs Werrell, Liddiard and
2. Declarations of interest: Cllr Acworth: Little Hidden Farm; Cllrs Gaines and Bullock: the Catholic church
3. Minutes of meeting held on 22nd June 2009: Cllr Booth requested the following amendment re 25 Church Way, move the last sentence, 'Cllr Booth informed the committee … concerns regarding access' to before the sentence, 'Cllr Gaines proposed objecting … all in favour'. They were then proposed by Cllr Gaines, seconded by Cllr Wilson, 2 abstentions, rest in favour.
4. LDF: Cllr Gaines postponed this item to the next meeting.
5. Planning applications:
09/00962/FULMAJ
Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, Priory Road - The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth
A new church building and 14 new residential units adjacent to it
Cllr Bullock proposed suspending Standing Orders, seconded by Cllr Buckwell, majority in favour.
Caroline Ness (Catholic church) read out a letter from the architect received following the Full Council meeting 6 June 09 (copy attached). Afterwards, Cllr Gaines proposed reinstatement of Standing Orders, seconded by Cllr Harries, all in favour.
Comments from Councillors:
Cllr Bullock thought the proposal was attractive and would enhance the area. The congregation should appreciate the parking problems and be considerate and courteous when parking in a residential area.
Cllr Harries said the Church should accept some responsibility for parking of its parishioners. The proposal would enhance the town, but may be too many houses.
Cllr Cardwell pointed out that parking for the residents will be 7 days/week, and considers the project was slightly over-developed but that the idea is agreeable.
Cllr Hudson is impressed with the design but site is over-developed. Three points: (1) concerned about the effects of privacy and amenity from the one-bedroom houses, and suggest change to single storey; (2) concerned about narrowness of Priory Road and positioning in front of the site – suggest widening Priory road along site frontage and highway; (3) add a planning condition or S.106 agreement that encourages more responsible parking by users of the church.
Cllr Acworth thought the sight lines should be left to Highways Dept; supports widening road and one-bedroom houses would be better as single storey, and two rather than four of them.
Cllr Buckwell echoed comments by Cllrs Harries and Hudson and we should ensure our comments are attached to WBC form.
Cllr Bullock approved Cllr Hudson's comments, and said this is a brown field site thus saving a green field site. She suggested that re-aligning the church would improve site line.
Cllr Harries said that people have a right to privacy and agreed with Cllr Bullock’s realignment idea.
Cllr Parry considered it cramped, and single storey preferable to double with just two houses.
Cllr Hudson proposed Objection with his three comments added, seconded by Cllr Acworth, 6 voted in favour, 3 voted for No Objection. Cllrs to attend the WBC Planning Committee (AB & EC). Cllr Cardwell summarised saying that the committee liked the overall development but needs to try to guide WBC because this is important for Hungerford. Action: Clerk to draft letter with above 3 points and email to councillors.
The public left the meeting at 7.55 pm
09/00500/HOUSE
10 Wantage Road, Eddington – Mr J Stephens
Balcony & Fire Escape including 2 sets of PVC French doors
Cllr Acworth proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Bullock, vote unanimous.
09/01139/HOUSE
1 Little Hidden Farm Cottage – Mr W Ballantyne and Ms C Hill
Demolition of existing conservatory, single storey flat roof kitchen extension, single storey utility /store, first floor rear dormer. Construction of 2 storey rear extension, double garage with adjacent driveway parking and glazed front porch
Cllr Harries proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Bullock, 1 abstention, rest in favour.
09/01041/FUL
1 Bath Road – HSBC Bank PLC
The installation of a free standing automated teller machine and anti-ram bollards
Cllr Wynell Sutherland proposed No Objection, seconded by Cllr Parry. Vote unanimous.
09/01137/HOUSE
Hayward Holt – Mr & Mrs Bullen
Installation of PV units within the grounds
Cllr Bullock proposed Support seconded by Cllr Hudson. Vote unanimous.
09/001138/LBC2
Hayward Holt - Mr & Mrs Bullen
Installation of PV units within the grounds
Cllr Gaines proposed No Objection seconded by Cllr Wilson. Vote unanimous.
Cllr Booth read out one of the reasons for the Case Officer refusing Application No: 09/00788/HOUSE. ‘The proposal by nature of its overlooking dormer windows would be harmful to the privacy of the neighbouring properties to the west and south west of the site. This would be contrary to policy OVS2 of the West Berkshire District Local Plan Saved Policies 2007 and Policy CC6 of the South East Regional Spatial Strategy Plan May 2009 which seek to safeguard the amenities of adjoining properties’. It was suggested that these policies should be remembered for future application considerations.
6. Risk Assessments: Nothing to add
7. Finance: No implications.
The meeting closed at 8.15 pm