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 16 November 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 Mrs M McEwen declared a personal interest in the following items of the agenda, by virtue of having been kept informed of the progress of both applications as ward member. 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/1657/05 – Site at former Brass Yard, Mill Lane, High Ongar; and

·                    EPF/1658/05 – High Ongar Village Hall, The Street, High 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.

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

The Principal Planning Officer presented the Planning Appeals report for the period April to September 2005 in order to comply with the recommendation of the District Auditor. It was highlighted that the three planning appeals that had been allowed within the Sub-Committee’s area had been delegated decisions made by officers rather than decisions made by the Sub-Committee itself. The Sub-Committee were further informed that the Council’s performance for the period had been an improvement on last year but consistent with the previous year’s exceptional performance, and had again exceeded the Best Value Performance Indicator as well as the national average.

The Chairman highlighted the fact that 75% of the appeals pertaining to the Sub-Committee had been dismissed, which illustrated the validity of the decisions contrary to officer recommendation that the Sub-Committee had taken during the period.

            RESOLVED:

That the Planning Appeal Decisions for the period April 2005 to September 2005 be noted.

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

The Principal Planning Officer presented a report concerning a request to discharge a Section 52 Agreement at Stonehall Farm, Downhall Road, in Matching. The agreement related to a grade II listed barn that was currently not in use. In 1984, planning permission had been granted for change of use for the barn from agricultural storage to storage and restoration of antique furniture, subject to a legal agreement under Section 52 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971. This legal agreement was still in force, and prevented the barn from being disposed of separately from the rest of the application site, which at that time consisted of a Farmhouse since converted to three residential units. The agreement had been considered necessary at the time in order to prevent undue traffic generation in the area.

However, the Principal Planning Officer informed the Sub-Committee that in July 2005 permission was granted for a further change of use of the barn to a single residential unit, under delegated powers. The owners had been unable to let the barn for the approved use during the previous three years and the application had been deemed to be in accordance with the policies of the Local Plan. Thus, it was felt that the Section 52 Agreement was no longer relevant, and should be discharged in order to enable the new planning consent to be implemented.

            RESOLVED:

That the discharge of the Section 52 Agreement at Stonehall Farm, Downhall Road in Matching be approved.

(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.