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 1 June 2005 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, Councillor K Wright declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda for the meeting, by virtue of the Councillor being a Governor of Chipping Ongar County Junior School. The Councillor had determined that his interest was prejudicial and would leave the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                    EPF/310/05 – Chipping Ongar County Junior School, Greensted Road, Ongar.

(b)               Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Mrs M McEwen declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda for the meeting, by virtue of her grandchild being a pupil at Chipping Ongar County Junior School. 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/310/05 – Chipping Ongar County Junior School, Greensted Road, Ongar.

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 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 one appeal decision allowed by the Inspector following the Sub-Committee’s decision to refuse permission, contrary to officer’s recommendation. The Sub-Committee were further informed that the Council’s performance for the period was below last year’s exceptional performance but consistent with previous periods, and had exceeded the Best Value Performance Indicator as well as the national average.

            RESOLVED:

That the Planning Appeal Decisions for the period October 2004 to March 2005 be noted.

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

The Head of Planning and Economic Development presented a report regarding the use of Birch Field, Epping Lane, Stapleford Tawney as a Traveller’s caravan site, which sought approval for the recommended legal proceedings in order to secure compliance with the enforcement notice. It was explained to the Sub-Committee that the occupants had changed since the Secretary of State had considered the appeal in May 2004, but there had been no material change in the planning considerations. The continued use of the site for human habitation remained unacceptable. The options to secure compliance with the varied enforcement notice were either to start proceedings in the Magistrates Court or commence Injunctive Proceedings in the High Court, which was considered the most effective course of action. The Sub-Committee were requested to give authority for officers to take either course of action.

            RESOLVED:

(1)              That, as varied by the Secretary of State in his decision letter dated 13 May 2004, the Head of Legal, Administration and Estates be authorised to commence criminal and/or civil proceedings to secure compliance with the enforcement notice; and

(2)            That the Head of Legal, Administration and Estates be authorised to commence Injunctive Proceedings in the High Court.

(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.

            RESOLVED:

That the planning applications numbered 1 – 5 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.