Agenda and minutes

Resolved:

That in the absence of the Chairman, Councillor L Wagland be elected Chairman for the duration of the meeting.

Resolved:

That Councillor R Morgan be appointed as Vice-Chairman for the duration of the meeting.

1.         This meeting is to be webcast. Members are reminded of the need to activate their microphones before speaking.

2.         The Chief Executive will read the following announcement:

“This meeting will be webcast live to the Internet and will be archived for later viewing. Copies of recordings may be made available on request.

By entering the chamber’s lower seating area you consenting to becoming part of the webcast.

If you wish to avoid being filmed you should move to the public gallery or speak to the webcasting officer”

The Chairman reminded everyone present that the meeting would be broadcast live to the Internet, and that the Council had adopted a protocol for the webcasting of its meetings.

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting of the Committee (circulated separately).

Resolved;

That the minutes of the meeting held on 2 February 2010 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

(Assistant to the Chief Executive)  To report the appointment of any substitute members for the meeting.

The following substitutes were noted:

Councillor A Grigg for Councillor R Gadsby

Councillor J Knapman for Councillor G Mohindra

Councillor A Lion for Councillor A Green

Councillor J Phillip for Councillor M Colling

Councillor B Rolfe for Councillor J Hart

(Assistant to the Chief Executive) To declare interests in any item on this agenda.

Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillors J Knapman, Wyatt, K Chana, B Rolfe, J Phillip and A lion declared a personal interest in item 8 of the agenda (EPF/1753/09 The Elms Caravan Site, Lippitts Hill, Waltham Abbey IG10 4AL) by virtue of the applicants relationship to a district councillor. The Councillors had determined that their interest was not prejudicial and would stay in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon

Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor P Turpin declared a personal interest in item 8 of the agenda (EPF/1753/09 The Elms Caravan Site, Lippitts Hill, Waltham Abbey IG10 4AL) by virtue of knowing some of the objectors and the site manager. The Councillor had determined that his interest was not prejudicial and would stay in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon.

Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor R Frankel declared a personal interest in item 7 of the agenda (EPF/2366, 45 Rayfield Epping) by virtue of being a member of Area Planning Subcommittee East. The Councillor had determined that his interest was not prejudicial and would stay in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon.

(Head of Planning and Economic Development) To consider the attached report.

The Committee considered an application referred from Area Planning Subcommittee East on 3 March 2010 for the erection of a single storey side extension and rear extensions and a loft conversion at 45 Rayfield, Epping.

The Committee noted a petition received in objection to the development and heard from an objector to the application.

The Committee noted that much of the application could be constructed under permitted development rights. Members agreed with the view of officers that the hipped roof form was more desirable than a flat roof which could constructed under permitted development and as such should be granted permission. The Committee asked that the removal of further permitted development rights should be attached as a condition to the approval.

Resolved:

That Planning Application EPF/2366/09 at 45 Rayfield, Epping be granted subject to the following conditions:

(1)        The development hereby permitted must be begun not later than the expiration of 3 years beginning with the date of this notice.

(2)        Materials to be used for the external finishes of the proposed extensions shall match those of the existing building.

(3)        The development including site clearance, must not commence until a tree protection plan, to include all the relevant details of tree protection has been submitted to the Local Planning Authority and approved in writing.

The statement must include a plan showing the area to be protected and fencing in accordance with the relevant British Standard (Trees in relation to  Construction-Recommendations: BS.58837:2005).  It must also specify any other means deeded to ensure that all trees to be retained will not be harmed during the development, including by damage to their root system, directly or indirectly.

The statement must explain how the protection will be implemented, including responsibility for site supervision, control and liaison with the LPA.

The trees must be protected in accordance with the agreed statement throughout the period of development, unless the Local Planning Authority has given prior written consent to any variation.

(4)        Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning General Permitted Development Order 1995 as amended (or any other order revoking, further amending or re-enacting that order) no development generally permitted by virtue of Part 1, Class A shall be undertaken without the prior written permission of the Local Planning Authority. Reason:- The specific circumstances of this site warrant the Local Planning Authority having control over any further development. 

(Head of Planning and Economic Development) To consider the attached report.

The Committee considered an application to extend the use of the recreational caravan site at Elms Caravan Site from 8 to 11 months of the year from 2 February to 2 January.

The Committee noted representations made by an objector and the applicant.

The Committee were of the view that the proposed time extension would result in an increase in noise and disturbance to the existing residential caravan owners on the site and therefore the application should be refused.

Resolved:

That Planning Application EPF/1753/09 be refused for the following reason:

(1)        The proposed extension of time that the site can be occupied would result in additional noise and disturbance to the residents of the adjacent Elms Caravan Site, through which traffic and pedestrians would pass through, and therefore would be contrary to policies DBE9 and RST1 of the Adopted Local Plan and Alterations.

(Head of Planning and Economic Development) To consider the attached report.

The Committee received a request for the return of sums paid to the Council under a section 106 agreement linked to the grant of planning permission for conversions and new dwellings at Fyfield Hall, Fyfield.

The Committee noted that save £10,000 of the monies (set aside for a play facility in Fyfield) all monies received had been spent. The Committee also noted legal advice on the request did not support its return.

The Committee concurred with the view of officers that the original sums were appropriate and proportionate to the original application and should not be returned.

Resolved:

That the request to return the sum of £100,000 paid to the Council under a Section 106 Agreement relating to development at Fyfield Hall, Fyfield be refused for the following reason:

(i)         The obligations in the Section 106 Agreement were appropriate, proportionate and necessary and related to the development granted under planning permission EPF/2230/05.

Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, together with paragraphs 6 and 25 of the Council Procedure Rules contained in the Constitution requires that the permission of the Chairman be obtained, after prior notice to the Chief Executive, before urgent business not specified in the agenda (including a supplementary agenda of which the statutory period of notice has been given) may be transacted.

In accordance with Operational Standing Order 6 (non-executive bodies), any item raised by a non-member shall require the support of a member of the Committee concerned and the Chairman of that Committee.  Two weeks' notice of non-urgent items is required.

There was no further business for transaction at the meeting.