Agenda and minutes

1.         This meeting is to be webcast. Members are reminded of the need to activate their microphones before speaking.

2.         The Chairman will read the following announcement:

“I would like to remind everyone present that this meeting will be broadcast live to the Internet and will be capable of repeated viewing and copies of the recording could be made available for those that request it.

If you are seated in the lower public seating area it is likely that the recording cameras will capture your image and this will result in the possibility that your image will become part of the broadcast.

This may infringe your human and data protection rights and if you wish to avoid this you should move to the upper public gallery”

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.

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 August 2009 as correct record (attached).

         RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Sub-Committee held on 19 August 2009 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

(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 R Bassett declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda by virtue of being the Ward Member. The Councillor had determined that his interest was not prejudicial and he would stay in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

• Dobbs Weir Quarry, Nazeing New Road, Broxbourne, Herts, EN10 6TD

(b)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Mrs A Cooper declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda by virtue of being the Ward Member and a member of Nazeing Parish Council. The Councillor had determined that her interest was not prejudicial and she would stay in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

• Dobbs Weir Quarry, Nazeing New Road, Broxbourne, Herts, EN10 6TD

(c)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Mrs M Sartin declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda by virtue of being a Council representative of the Lea Valley Park Authority. The Councillor had determined that her interest was not prejudicial and she would stay in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

• Dobbs Weir Quarry, Nazeing New Road, Broxbourne, Herts, EN10 6TD

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.

(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, planning applications be determined as set out in these minutes.

To consider the planning apllication at Moorlands, Bury Road, Waltham Abbey.

The Sub-Committee considered the application for planning permission.

            RESOLVED:

            That, the planning application be determined as set out in these minutes.

To consider the planning application submitted to Herts. County Council.

The Principle Planning Officer presented a report on a planning application submitted to Hertfordshire County Council regarding Dobbs Weir Quarry with the proposed mineral extraction and processing including a North-Eastern extension with restoration to a flood plain habitat using suitable inert materials and the retention of a concrete batching plant. Epping Forest District Council had been consulted owing to the sites adjoining District boundaries.

The sub-committee discussed the application and requested that officers respond to Hertfordshire County Council in writing and attend the relevant meeting to represent Epping Forest District Council views and concerns.

            RESOLVED:

That, officers respond to the consultation in writing and represent EFDC at the Hertfordshire County Council planning meeting with the following comments;

·                     Access, traffic and HGV movements:  request that all HGV access is from Essex Road to the North of the site and that HGVs can only turn left out of the site.  Essential that Southern access is not used.  Requested that the applicant be advised to look into transporting materials by barge on the River Lea to reduce traffic impact.

·                     Concerns raised with regard to noise and dust disturbance.  Need strict conditions and enforcement to protect neighbouring amenity.  Concern over noise from reversing lorries.

·                     Concerned that supporting documents do not include ‘discussion of impacts on Epping Forest District’.

·                     Wish to ensure that the 106 agreement will provide mitigation to neighbours for the effects of noise, dust and vibration.  Possible monies for local road improvements and lorry restrictions.

·                     Concerned that the Hydrology report does not provide site specific details and that there could be considerably impacts on the water table.  (Members requested that EFDC Land Drainage be consulted on the Hydrology report and that their comments are incorporated in the Council’s response.

·                     Request clarification that there will be no working at all on site on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

(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 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.