Minutes of the Environment and Planning Committee meeting held on Monday, 11th January 2010 in the Corn Exchange Complex, Hungerford at 7.00pm
Present: Cllr Booth (Chair), Cllrs Cardwell, Buckwell, Hudson, Bullock, Gaines, Harries, Wilson, Pope, Liddiard, Acworth, Parry, Crane and Ravenhill
Also approximately 30 members of the public.
Chris Scorey spoke on behalf of 2010 Plan – Principle concern was timing in relation to LDF which it was argued should be received before development. This would allow time for a public consultation. The plot is outside the town boundary and on green field land.
Sue McKillop spoke on behalf of the people of Eddington – Concerns made included ruining the character of Eddington, the impact on wildlife, habitat and fishing, access to rear of properties, traffic and light pollution.
John Cornwell (Planning Consultant acting for Chilton Estates) spoke in favour of application 02450 and 02451. He advised that the LDF could take another 2 year and 6 years from the adopted plan is too long. Architects carried out a sustainability assessment and considered the whole of Hungerford of which these 2 sites came out top. It was argued that there would be minimal visual impact. Chris Stapleton commented that an EIP is only required for size above ˝ hectare to 5 hectares, for SSSI and where there is significant impact on the environment. An EIA was not required (as advised by WBC) as the site was too small although all the screening have been completed. An EIA would prove time consuming and costly. They have been guide by Natural England and have adjusted their proposals to avoid environmental impact.
1. Apologies: None
2. Declarations of Interests: Cllr Crane and Cllr Parry for application 09/02450/OUTMAJ
3. Minutes of the Meeting held on 14th December 2009:
G Bullock proposed we agree minutes, seconded by Cllr Gaines. 2 abstained. Rest in favour.
4. Planning Applications
09/02450/OUTMAJ
Land to rear of Garden Centre – Southern Management Ltd
Erection of up to 82 dwellings with access roads, footpaths, garages, play - spaces, open space and associated development – Matters reserved – Access
WBC has advised absence of LDF does not stop us building. Anything built from 2006 comes off our figures. Both this site and 02451 are identified on SHLAA map. However plot is outside town boundary and doesn’t meet the criteria of the Town plan or SHLAA and concern was voiced over view from common. Previously the town boundary has not been exceeded without going through the usual planning process and a precedent could be created. Local services would have to accommodate a population increase. Cllrs Hudson and Crane urged rejection.
Cllr Gaines proposed we object (with comments, 1. appose application in advance of receiving LDF) Cllr Acworth seconded proposal. 5 in favour (Cllrs Gaines, Hudson, Wynell-Sutherland, Ravenhill, Acworth), 7 against (Cllrs Bullock, Harries, Liddiard, Wilson, Cardwell, Buckwell, Booth) 2 abstentions. Notion Failed.
Cllr Harries proposed a Public meeting be held in a month’s time. Seconded by Cllr Wilson. 5 in favour. 4 against, 5 abstentions. Vote carried.
WBC will be taking application to committee on 17th Feb so decision needs to be made or no comment will be filed. LDF figures are not available and likely not to be released until the year end.
Cllr Buckwell proposed no objection to plans (with comments: 1.Figures must be part of LDF allocation. 2. Town boundary is being eroded and precedent set. 3. Absence of LDF figures blighting decision).
Seconded by Cllr Liddiard. 7 in favour (Cllrs Bullock, Harries, Buckwell, Cardwell, Wilson, Liddiard, Booth) 5 against (Cllrs Gaines, Hudson, Wynell-Sutherland, Ravenhill, Acworth), 2 abstentions. Vote carried.
2451/OUTMAJ
Allotments, Upper Eddington
Erection of 24 dwellings, with access roads, footpaths, garages, play spaces, open space and associated development
Cllr Liddiard proposed suspend standing orders for Chilton estates to speak. Cllr Acworth seconded. 1 against rest in favour.
Chalk stream is an area of SSSI and WWF and a habitat for otters. There will be some disturbance to the wildlife along the 85m river frontage when the houses are being built and further by occupancy. Of particular concern are dogs and cats. Chilton Estates supports protection of river and a management system could be put in place. Cllr Buckwell proposed reinstate standing orders. Seconded by Cllr Harries. All in favour.
It is a brown-field site and outside the town boundary.
Cllr Bullock proposed no objections. Cllr Liddiard seconded. 3 in favour (Cllrs Bullock, Booth, Liddiard) 8 against (Cllrs Buckwell, Harries, Wilson, Acworth, Hudson, Gaines, Wynell-Sutherland, Ravenhill) 3 abstentions (Cllrs Cardwell, Crane, Parry). Not carried
Cllr Gaines proposed we object (with comments). Seconded Cllr Parry. 9 in favour (Cllrs Buckwell, Harries, Acworth, Hudson, Gaines, Wynell-Sutherland, Parry, Crane, Ravenhill) 4 against (Cllrs Bullock, Booth. Liddiard, Wilson). 1 abstention Cllr Cardwell.
Vote carried objecting to planning at Eddington with following comments:
1. Outside settlement boundary. 2. Environmental impact on chalk stream
09/02462/FUL
Five Bar and Grill (formerly The Lamb Inn), 5 Charnham Street – TK Trading Ltd
Change of use and refurbishment of existing courtyard cottage and conversion of existing laundry room and store to kitchen/dining room. New timber windows and re-roof of the buildings.
Cllr Harries proposed no objections, seconded by Cllr Hudson. 1 against, rest in favour.
09/02281/LBC
Lamb Cottage, Charnham Street – Mr John Smith
Convert a barn, bedsit cottage and cottage into a single dwelling with the addition of a courtyard garden to the south by reconfiguring the gravel car park belonging to ‘Five’ Bar and Restaurant. Retain the parking space for the dwelling to the north.
Cllr Gaines proposed no objections, seconded by Cllr Hudson. 1 against, rest in favour.
09/02283/FUL
Lamb Cottage, Charnham Street – Mr John Smith
Change of use – Conversion of a barn, bedsit cottage and cottage into a single dwelling with the addition of a courtyard garden to the south by reconfiguring the gravel car park belonging to ‘Five’ Bar and Restaurant. Retain the parking space for the dwelling to the north.
Cllr Gaines proposed no objections, seconded Cllr Hudson. 1 against, rest in favour.
09/02553/FUL
Hungerford Rugby Club – Hungerford RFC
Erection of floodlights
Cllr Harries proposed object due to insufficient information. Seconded Cllr Hudson. No support.
Cllr Gaines proposed no objections, (with conditions 1. Cut off lights are used 2. Timing considered 3. Confirmation of letter received (dated May 08) showing support 4. Confirmation of who will pay for electric) seconded by Cllr Cardwell, 1 against, rest in favour. Vote carried.
5. Case Officers reports
09/01968/FULD
47A High Street – Jayborth Properties Ltd
Change of use from office to two 1 bed houses with 4 new dormer windows. GRANTED
09/02076/CERTP
The Old Manse, 6 Charnham Street – Mr G Ness
Single storey brick build extension to existing double garage to be used for storage/workshop
Certificate of Lawfulness – REFUSED
(NB: this refusal of a Certificate of Lawfulness means that the matter will now require planning permission in the usual way.)
ACTION: A site visit will need to be arranged.
6. Risk Assessments – Nothing to report
Meeting closed at 9.15pm
Amendments ______________________________________________________________
Signed_______________________________Chairman of E & P
Dated________________________________