Agenda and minutes

This meeting is to be webcast and the Chairman will read the following announcement:

“I would like to remind everyone that this meeting will be filmed live or recorded, and uploaded to the internet and will be capable of repeated viewing.

Therefore, by participating in this meeting, you are consenting to being filmed and to the possible use of those images and sound recordings.

If any public speakers on MS Teams do not wish to have their image captured, they should ensure that their video setting throughout the meeting is turned off and set to audio only.

Members and public speakersare reminded to turn on their microphones before speaking and turn them off when they have finished.”

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 Sub-Committee noted the Council’s Protocol for Webcasting of Council and Other Meetings.

To declare interests in any item on this agenda.

There were no declarations of interest pursuant to the Council’s Members’ Code of Conduct.

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting of the Sub-Committee held on 5 June 2024.

          Resolved:

That the minutes of the Sub-Committee held on 5 June 2024 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, 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.

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

To identify and agree requirements for formal site visits to be held with regard to any planning application listed in this agenda, prior to consideration of the application.

No site visits were requested by the Committee.

To consider the attached report for the demolition of existing workshop buildings and erection of 4 dwellings with associated access and parking (Identical scheme to refused applications EPF/1744/23 and EPF/2345/23).

Members of the Committee received a presentation from the Planning Officer and a representation from the applicant’s agent. The Committee discussed the planning merits of the application.

The Committee voted against the officer recommendation to refuse the application. Reasons for approval of the application were proposed, seconded, and voted for by the Committee.

Resolved:

The Committee voted to approve the application subject to S106 Agreement, as below.

Members were satisfied that since the proposal would result in the removal of the longstanding concrete hardstanding and dilapidated structures, it would improve the openness and visual amenity of the site. There were therefore sufficient very special circumstances to clearly outweigh the harm of the development to the purposes of containing land within the Green Belt and all other harms. As such, the Sub-Committee decided to approve the application subject to standard conditions and the completion of a S106 legal agreement to mitigate harm of the proposal on the integrity of the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation as a result of the additional air pollution and recreational pressure that the proposal generated.

To consider the attached report for the development of 8 detached homes, 2 semi detached homes, a block of 6 flats, conversion and extension of the former Kingsmead School into 10 flats, associated landscaping and improvements to the vehicular access and pedestrian footpaths (ROYD.R2).

Members of the Committee received a presentation from the Planning Officer and a representation from the applicant’s agent. The Committee discussed the planning merits of the application.

Resolved:

The Committee voted to approve the application subject to S106 agreement, as detailed below.

The Committee queried the financial contributions as part of the legal agreement. It was decided with the Planning Officer that the Harlow Library funds were to be directed towards improvements to Roydon Primary School and that officers were to explore the community facility need in Roydon. If there was no need, then the affordable housing provision was to be increased instead.

To consider the attached report for the outline planning application with all matters reserved except for access for the erection of 9 dwellings and associated parking and landscaping (Allocated Site - Ref: LSHR.R1)

The Committee noted that this application was to be determined by the Area Plans East Committee on 24 July 2024, as it was located in this geographical area.