Agenda and minutes

The Chairman made a short address to remind all present that the meeting would be broadcast on the Internet, and that the Council had adopted a protocol for the webcasting of its meetings.

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 11 June 2008 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Following the receipt of apologies for absence from the Vice-Chairman, the Chairman invited nominations from the Sub-Committee to appoint a Vice-Chairman for the duration of the meeting.

            RESOLVED:

That Councillor M Cohen be appointed Vice-Chairman for the duration of the meeting.

(Assistant to the Chief Executive) To declare interests in any item on this agenda.

(a)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Mrs J Sutcliffe declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of being a member of the Parish Council. 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:

·                     TPO/EPF/08/08 – 224-230 Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill.

(b)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor M Cohen declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of being the Portfolio Holder with responsibility for the Estates Section. The Councillor had determined that his interest was prejudicial and would leave the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/0730/08 – Langston Road Depot, Langston Road, Loughton.

(c)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillors R Law and Mrs P Richardson declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of being a member of the Town 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/0730/08 – Langston Road Depot, Langston Road, Loughton.

(d)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor D Dodeja declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of being a member of the Parish Council. The Councillor had determined that his interest was prejudicial and would leave the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/0820/08 – 1 Albert Road, Buckhurst Hill.

(e)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Mrs A Haigh declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of being a member of the Buckhurst Hill Residents Society. 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/0820/08 – 1 Albert Road, Buckhurst Hill.

(f)         Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor P Spencer declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of being a member of the Parish Council. The Councillor had determined that his interest was not prejudicial and would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/0820/08 – 1 Albert Road, Buckhurst Hill.

(g)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillors K Chana, J Knapman and B Sandler declared a personal interest in the following items of the agenda, by virtue of being a member of the Parish Council. The Councillors had determined that their interest was not prejudicial and would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the applications and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/0679/08 – 118 High Road, Chigwell; and

·                     EPF/0688/08 – Belmont Lodge, 392 Fencepiece Road, Chigwell.

(h)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor G Mohindra declared a personal interest in the following items of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

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.

(Director of Planning & Economic Development) To consider the attached report.

The Principal Planning Officer presented a report regarding the confirmation of a Tree Preservation Order at 224-230 Queens Road in Buckhurst Hill. The Sub-Committee were informed that Tree Preservation Order EPF/08/08 had been made to protect a beech tree at this site following the receipt of a plannning applicaton. Four objections had been received but these had been responded to by the Director of Planning & Economic Development as follows:

(i)         it was a poor specimen and not very healthy – the tree had been analysed as a category ‘B’ tree with a life expectancy of 20 – 40 years;

(ii)        it was causing shading to the garden – this could be overcome by suitable pruning;

(iii)       it was not aesthetically pleasing – this was subjective but it had been unprofessionally loped in the past; and

(iv)       it does not have public amenity value – it was considered that the tree made an important contribution to the visual amenity of the area.

As it was felt that the tree contributed considerably to the character of the landscape in this area, confirmation of the Order without modification had recommended for approval by the Sub-Committee.

            RESOLVED:

            That Tree Preservation Order EPF/08/08 be confirmed without modification.

(Director 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 – 4 be determined as set out in the attached schedule to these minutes.

(Director 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 Director of Planning and Economic Development under delegated authority since the last meeting had been circulated and could be inspected at the Civic Offices.