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 29 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, Councillors K Wright, P Gode and D Jacobs declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda for the meeting, by virtue of the Councillors all being members of Ongar Parish Council. 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/760/05 – Smith’s Brasserie, Fyfield 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 other urgent business for consideration by the Sub-Committee.

The Head of Research and Democratic Services informed the Sub-Committee that the fifth application on the Development Control Schedule - EPF/1480/04 Ongar Motors & Transport Company, The Borough, Greensted Road, Ongar – had been withdrawn from the meeting as late information had been received from Essex County Council that required further consideration and assessment by officers.

The Sub-Committee expressed concern over the withdrawal as it was felt that this was not the first occasion when the County Council had responded late to a planning application, after the agenda had been produced, and had necessitated a delay in its determination. It was highlighted that in this particular instance, the County Council had not responded until two days before the meeting, which had not allowed sufficient time for their views to be considered by all concerned in respect of the determination of this application. The Sub-Committee felt that the County Council should respond to planning applications prior to the production of the agenda in order to permit sufficient time for officers, members and the applicant to consider any representations made.

            RESOLVED:

That the Chairman of the Sub-Committee be authorised to write a letter to Essex County Council:

(a)            highlighting the concerns of the Sub-Committee in respect of the late submission of information to the Council in relation to the determination of planning applications; and

(b)            requesting that, in future, the County Council respond to planning applications prior to the production of the agenda.

(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.