Agenda and minutes

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 Assistant to the Chief Executive reminded everyone present that the meeting would be broadcast live to the Internet, and available as an archive for repeated viewings.

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

The Committee noted that Councillor Grigg was substituting for Councillor Mohindra and Councillor Philip was substituting for Councillor Wyatt.

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

Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor A Grigg declared a personal interests in item 9 of the agenda (EPF/1370/10 – Land at Brent House Farm, Harlow Common) by virtue of being local Parish Councillor and from personal contact with a local resident. The Councillor 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, a non member of the Committee, Councillor D Stallan declared a personal interest in item 9 of the agenda (EPF/1370/10 – Land at Brent House Farm, Harlow Common) by virtue of being la ocal Parish Councillor and the Housing Portfolio Holder. The Councillor had determined that their interest was not prejudicial and would stay in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon.

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting of the Committee held on 3 August 2010 (attached).

            Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 3 August 2010 were taken as read and signed as a correct record.

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 to be considered at the meeting other than that specified on the agenda.

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

The Committee considered an application referred to it Area Planning Subcommittee East on 4 August 2010.

The application sought planning permission for a side extension and loft conversion to the application property (a bungalow) which, although having some material changes, was very similar to a application approved in April 2009. The original permission had been partially implemented insofar as the applicant had demolished garages at the site that had been taken into account in the previous permission.

The Committee received the views of the Parish Council and hear from the applicants agent.

The Committee were of the view that the revised application contained only minor revisions and should therefore be granted.

            Resolved:

That planning permission EPF/1237/10 be granted subject to the following conditions:

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

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

(3)        A line of ridge tiles shall remain across the full width of the roof of the main dwelling.  As shown on the approved plan (50210/03 rev.D) the rear dormer windows shall be located below the ridge tiles.

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

The Committee considered an application referred to it by Area Planning Subcommittee East on 15 September 2010.

The application sought the demolition of commercial buildings and associated structures and cessation of uses at a site at Brent Farm, Harlow Common together with the construction of eight residential dwellings.

The Committee heard from the local parish council, who supported the application and the applicant.

The Committee noted that the site currently had no planning restrictions and a Certificate of Lawful Development for service, repair, maintenance and storage of motor vehicles. Local residents were in favour of the scheme. The sites was well screened and had less impact on the green belt. The Committee considered that, given local support, the sites history and current applicable planning uses, that these amounted to very special circumstances to overcome green belt policy.

The committee also concurred with the view of the Parish Council as to the application of the proposed Section 106 contributions, which the Committee felt should be used to facilitate improvements to local roadside footways and for the renovation works to the Hastingwood Village Hall.

Resolved:

That planning permission EPF/1370/10 at Land at Brent House Farm, Harlow Common, North Weald be granted subject to:

(a)        a planning obligation through Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to secure the following contributions, to be completed within 6 months of the date of this decision:

-           £100,000 contribution to be transferred to North Weald Parish Council to be spent on community benefit in the local area,

(b)        the following conditions:

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

(2)        No development or preliminary groundworks of any kind shall take place until the applicant/developer has secured the implementation of a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a written scheme of investigation which has been submitted by the applicant and approved by the Planning Authority.

Reason:-  The site lies a short distance from previous archaeological findings  where any remains are irreplaceable and are an interest of acknowledged importance which may be highly vulnerable to damage or destruction.  Unless the Local Authority is satisfied that a proper scheme for investigation has been agreed the remains should be left undisturbed.

(3)        Details of the types and colours of the external finishes shall be submitted for approval by the Local Planning Authority in writing prior to the commencement of the development, and the development shall be implemented in accordance with such approved details.

Reason:-  To ensure a satisfactory appearance in the interests of visual amenity.

(4)        Wheel washing or other cleaning facilities for vehicles leaving the site during construction works shall be installed in accordance with details which shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority and these facilities installed prior to the commencement of any building works on site, and shall be used to clean vehicles leaving the site.

Reason:-  To avoid the deposit of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.