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. He also informed those present, that this meeting was to be webcast live and would be capable of repeated viewing.

The Chairman announced that item 7(4) (EPF/1680/06 The Limes/ White Lodge, Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey) would be considered first, as the Head Of Housing Services, who was there to answer any questions on the Affordable Housing aspects of this application had to attend another meeting that evening.

He also announced that item 7(5) (EPF/1989/06, 2 Hollyfield Cottages, Hollyfield, Waltham Abbey) had been withdrawn from the agenda.

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting of the Sub-Committee held on 1^st November 2006 as correct record (attached).

         RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Sub-Committee held on 1 November 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-A Stavrou declared a personal interests in agenda items 7 (4) (EPF/1680/06 The Limes/ White Lodge, Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey) by virtue of being the ward councillor.  The Councillor declared that her interest was not prejudicial and indicated that she would remain in the meeting during the consideration and voting on the item.

(b)            Pursuant to the Council's Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Mrs D Borton declared a personal interest in agenda items 7 (1) (EPF/1843/06 64 & 66 North Street, Nazeing) and 7(2) (EPF/1908/06 Land rear of Pecks Hill/ Maplecroft Lane, Pecks Hill, Nazeing) by virtue of being a member of Nazeing Parish Council.  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 Stallan declared a personal interest in agenda items 7 (4) (EPF/1680/06 The Limes/ White Lodge, Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey) by virtue of being the Portfolio Holder for Housing.  The Councillor declared that his interests were not prejudicial and indicated that he would remain in the meeting during the consideration of 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.

(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 Principal Planning Officer presented a report advising of the results of all successful appeals, particularly those refused contrary to officer recommendations. The purpose was to inform the panel of the consequences of these decisions and advise on cases where an award of costs might be made against the Council. Over the six-month period between April and September 2006, the Council received 59 decisions on appeals, 54 planning and related appeals and 5 enforcement appeals. Of the 54 planning and related appeals, 13 were allowed (or part-allowed contrary to the Council’s case) (24%) and none of the 5 enforcement appeals – a combined total of 22% of the Council’s decisions being overturned.

Of those 13 appeals allowed, 5 were allowed following decisions by committee to refuse contrary to officer’s recommendation. No awards of costs were made in this 6-month period against the Council, but the Council were successful in obtaining a partial award of costs when an appellant withdrew his enforcement appeal at a very late stage, relating to Magdalen Laver Hall.

            RESOLVED:

That the Planning Appeals Decision for the period April to September 2006 be noted.

(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.