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 10^th October 2012 as a correct record (attached).

         RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Sub-Committee held on 10 October 2012 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, Councillors M Sartin, S Stavrou, R Bassett, E Webster and J Wyatt declared a non pecuniary interest in the following item of the agenda by virtue of being a member or deputy member of the Lea Valley Regional Park Authority. The Councillor declared that their interests were not prejudicial and indicated that she would remain in the meeting during the consideration and voting thereon:

• Agenda item 8 – National Grid Application.

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 the planning applications 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 – 2 be determined as set out in the annex to these minutes.

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

The Sub-Committee considered the National Grid application for a Development Consent Order to the Secretary of State to upgrade one of two existing 275kV overhead power lines running between Waltham Abbey and Tottenham to operate at a higher voltage (400kV). The upgrade was required to facilitate the increased flow of electricity into and through London and meet its growing demand for power.

The project was defined as a “Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project”. Such projects are not decided by the local planning authority, but by the Secretary of State after consultation and assessment.

As part of our response officers had expressed disappointment that the hard-standing was not being removed as part of the redevelopment. Members on commenting on the scheme thought that the area had contamination issues, discovered when the surrounding land was surveyed prior to the Olympic development; they asked if the land could be reinstated to its original condition as part of the redevelopment.  Officers said this was something they could raise and be considered as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment to be carried out.

Members were generally in agreement with officers comments that they were disappointed that the redundant hard surfaced area would not be removed and soft landscaping put in its place. They wanted officers to be more forceful and not just state that they were ‘disappointed’ and should ask, as forcefully as possible, that they institute a landscaping project.

            RESOLVED:

(1)    That on consideration of the officers response to the Development Consent Order, the Director of Planning  and Economic Development be authorised to submit a response of ‘No Objection’ but express (forcefully) disappointment that part of what appears to be redundant hard surfaced area in the decommissioned existing sub-station area is remaining when there is an opportunity here to provide planting and thereby reduce the overall footprint of the proposed substation area; and ask that the Environmental Impact Assessment consider the possible contamination of the area.

(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.