Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed members of the public to the meeting and outlined the procedures and arrangements adopted by the Council to enable persons to address the Sub-Committee, in relation to the determination of applications for planning permission. The Sub-Committee noted the advice provided for the public and speakers in attendance at Council Planning Sub-Committee meetings.

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting of the Sub-Committee.

            RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 April 2006 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

(Head of Research and Democratic Services) To declare interests in any item on this agenda.

(a)            Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillors Mrs S Perry and C Whitbread declared a personal interest in the following items of the agenda, by virtue of being members of Epping Town Council. The Councillors had determined that their interest was not prejudicial and would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the applications and voting thereon:

·                    EPF/0630/06 – The Pump House, 9 Maltings Lane, Epping;

·                    EPF/0980/05 – 66/66a Bower Hill, Epping;

·                    EPF/0182/06 – Land adj Treetops Care Home, Station Road, Epping;

·                    EPF/0426/06 – 24 Vicarage Road, Coopersale, Epping; and

·                    EPF/0543/06 – 36 The Orchards, Epping.

(b)            Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillors M Colling, Mrs S Perry and D Stallan declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of having attended a public meeting regarding the application but had expressed no opinion at the public meeting. The Councillors had determined that their interest was not prejudicial and would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                    EPF/0980/05 – 66/66a Bower Hill, Epping.

(c)            Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor C Whitbread declared a personal interest in the following items of the agenda, by virtue of the applicants being known to the Councillor. The Councillor had determined that his interest was prejudicial and would leave the meeting for the consideration of the applications and voting thereon:

·                    EPF/0980/05 – 66/66a Bower Hill, Epping;

·                    EPF/0401/06 – 64 Morgan Crescent, Theydon Bois.

(d)            Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor S Metcalfe declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of being a member of the Abridge Youth Partnership of which the applicant was also a member. The Councillor had determined that his interest was prejudicial and would leave the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                    EPF/0145/06 – Abridge Village Hall, Ongar Road, Abridge.

(e)            Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Mrs A Grigg declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of being a member of North Weald Parish Council. The Councillor had determined that her interest was not prejudicial and would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                    EPF/0268/06 – Leader Lodge, Epping Road, North Weald.

(f)            Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor D Stallan declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of being the Housing Portfolio Holder, and in effect the applicant. The Councillor had determined that his interest was prejudicial and would leave the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                    EPF/0268/06 – Leader Lodge, Epping Road, North Weald.

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.

It was noted that there was no other urgent business for consideration by the Sub-Committee.

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

The Head of Planning Services presented the bi-annual Planning Appeals report and highlighted that there had been two appeal decisions allowed by the Inspector following the Sub-Committee’s decision to refuse permission, contrary to the Planning Officer’s recommendation. The Sub-Committee were further informed that the Council’s performance for the period had exceeded the Best Value Performance Indicator as well as the national average. The Sub-Committee congratulated the Planning Officers for their efforts in ensuring that only 24% of the Council’s decisions had been overturned during the period.

            RESOLVED:

That the Planning Appeal Decisions for the period October 2005 to March 2006 be noted.

(Head of Planning and Economic Development)  To consider planning applications as set out in the attached schedule

Background Papers:  (i)  Applications for determination – applications listed on the schedule, letters of representation received regarding the applications which are summarised on the schedule.  (ii)  Enforcement of Planning Control – the reports of officers inspecting the properties listed on the schedule in respect of which consideration is to be given to the enforcement of planning control.

The Sub-Committee considered a schedule of applications for planning permission. Councillor Mrs J Whitehouse departed the meeting at 8.35pm following consideration of the fifth planning application.

            RESOLVED:

That the planning applications numbered 1 – 10 be determined as set out in the attached schedule to these minutes.

(Head of Planning and Economic Development) Schedules of planning applications determined by the Head of Planning and Economic Development under delegated powers since the last meeting of a Plans Subcommittee may be inspected in the Members Room or at the Planning and Economic Development Information Desk at the Civic Offices, Epping.

The Sub-Committee noted that schedules of planning applications determined by the Head of Planning and Economic Development under delegated authority since the last meeting had been circulated and could be inspected at the Civic Offices.