Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed members of the public to the meeting and outlined the procedures and arrangements agreed by the Council, to enable persons to address the Sub-Committee in relation to the determination of applications for planning permission.

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting of the Sub-Committee held on 19 April 2006 as correct record (attached).

         RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Sub-Committee held on 19 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, Councillor Ms S Stavrou declared a personal interest in agenda items 10 (1) (EPF/0444/05 Leverton Junior, Infants and Nursery School, Honey Lane, Waltham Abbey) by virtue of being a former governor of that school.  The Councillor declared that her interests were prejudicial and indicated that she would not remain in the meeting during the consideration and voting on the items.

(b)               Pursuant to the Council's Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Ms S Stavrou declared a personal interest in agenda items 10 (2) (EPF/0464/06, Waltham Abbey Swimming Pool) and 10(3) (EPF/0635/06 Land at Manor Farm, 15 & 16 Mott Street, High Beech).  The Councillor declared that her interests were not prejudicial and indicated that she would remain in the meeting during the consideration and voting on the item.

(c)               Pursuant to the Council's Code of Member Conduct, Councillor D Spinks declared a personal interest in agenda items 10(3) (EPF/0635/06 Land at Manor Farm, 15 & 16 Mott Street, High Beech).  The Councillor declared that her interests were not prejudicial and indicated that she would remain in the meeting during the consideration and voting on the item.

(d)               Pursuant to the Council's Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Mrs J Lea declared a personal interest in agenda items 10 (2) (EPF/0464/06, Waltham Abbey Swimming Pool).  The Councillor declared that her interests were not prejudicial and indicated that she would remain in the meeting during the consideration and voting on the item.

(e)               Pursuant to the Council's Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Mrs R Gadsby declared a personal interest in agenda items 10 (5) (EPF/0792/06, 17 Thaxted Way, Waltham Abbey) by virtue of knowing the applicant.  The Councillor declared that her interests were not prejudicial and indicated that she would remain in the meeting during the consideration and voting on the item.

(f)                 Pursuant to the Council's Code of Member Conduct, Councillor D Stallan declared a personal interest in agenda items 10(3) (EPF/0635/06 Land at Manor Farm, 15 & 16 Mott Street, High Beech) by virtue of being a member of the North Weald Bassett Preservation Society.  The Councillor declared that his interests were not prejudicial and indicated that he would remain in the meeting during the consideration and voting on the item.

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 reported that there was no urgent business for consideration at the meeting.

The Chairman announced that item 10 (Development Control) would be taken next. He also announced that item 10 (3) (EPF/0635/06, Land at Manor Farm, 15 & 16 Mott Street and land adj. to High Beech Primary School, Mott Street, High Beech) had been withdrawn by the applicant.

(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, Planning applications numbered 1 – 5 be determined as set out in the annex to these minutes.

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

The Sub-Committee, in compliance with the recommendation of the District Auditor, received a report detailing all successful appeals, particularly those refused by Committee contrary to officers recommendations. The purpose was to inform the Committee of the consequences of their decisions in this respect and in cases where the refusal has found to be unsupportable on planning grounds, an award of costs may be made against the Council.

It was noted that over the six-month period between October 2005 and March 2006, the Council received 53 decisions on appeals – 49 planning appeals and 4 enforcement appeals.  Of the 49 planning appeals, 12 were allowed (24%) and of the 4 enforcement appeals, 1 was allowed (25%) – a combined total of 24% of the Council’s decisions overturned.

This meant that for the year April 2005 to March 2006 as a whole, the number of planning appeals allowed was 22 from 103 decisions – 21%, and the number of enforcement appeals allowed was 3.5 from 11 decisions - 31%, a combined total of decisions overturned being 22%, exceeding both the national average and our local target.

To complete the picture, officers were successful in sustaining a committee decision to refuse, when officers had recommended granting permission, in seven cases.

No awards of costs were made in this six-month period, either for or against the Council. 

The Council’s performance for this six-month period and the year as a whole continues to be a reflection of the quality of decision-making by both officers and members at committee, once again exceeding the performance indicator target and the national average.  

            RESOLVED:

            That the Outcomes of the Planning appeals be noted.

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

The Sub-Committee noted the report that detailed the temporary alternative arrangements made for Sainsbury’s lorries during the Holmesdale Tunnel roadwork’s currently being carried out. Officers had agreed the new route for a temporary period of three months, allowing the vehicles to use the A121 through Waltham Cross to access the A10, but only for those vehicle destinations that would have exited the motorway at junction 25 to access the A10. All other lorry deliveries would have to continue to use the M25 if travelling further west than junction 25.

The members expressed concern that the decision to carry out this trial was made without any member consultation.

            RESOLVED:

That the officer’s action regarding the current, temporary arrangement be noted and that a further report be required for the meeting on 6 September 2006 with consultation responses.

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

On consideration the Sub-Committee turned down the officer’s recommendation that consent be given to vary the definition of Business Starter Unit Space.

            RESOLVED:

That permission be refused to vary the definition of Business Starter Unit Space to permit a maximum size not exceeding 5,000 sq, ft (or in the case of Units 1&2 – 7,300 sq. ft); and a minimum of 2 units of 2,400 sq. ft or less.

(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 details of planning applications determined by the Head of Planning Economic Development under delegated authority since the last meeting had been circulated to all members and were available for inspection at the Civic Offices.