Agenda and minutes

In the absence of both the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, the Democratic Services Officer opened the meeting and requested nominations for the role of Chairman. Following his acceptance by the Committee, a nomination was requested by the Chairman for the role of Vice-Chairman.

            RESOLVED:

(1)        That Councillor M Colling be elected Chairman for the duration of the meeting; and

(2)        That Councillor Mrs H Harding be elected Vice-Chairman for the duration of the meeting.

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 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 Sub-Committee meeting of 18 June 2008.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 18 June 2008 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 Ms J Hedges  declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of being a member of Epping Town 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:

·                     EPF/0956/08 – 2 & 3 Griffins Wood Cottage, High Road, Epping.

(b)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor J Phillip declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of being a member of Theydon Bois 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/0862/08 – Former Caretaker’s House, Wansfell College, Theydon Bois.

(c)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor C Whitbread declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of being acquainted with the applicant. The Councillor had determined that his interest was prejudicial and would leave the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/0862/08 – Former Caretaker’s House, Wansfell College, Theydon Bois.

(d)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Mrs J H Whitehouse declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of being a member of the Theydon Bois and District Rural Preservation 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/0862/08 – Former Caretaker’s House, Wansfell College, Theydon Bois.

Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, together with paragraphs (6) and (24) 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.

To confirm the attached Tree Preservation Order.

The Principal Planning Officer presented a report concerning the confirmation of a Tree Preservation Order in Shakletons in Ongar. The Tree Preservation Order had originally been made as a re-protection order in respect of trees that had been protected by an Essex County Council Tree Preservation Order at Shakletons in Ongar. Only one objection had been received relating to a horse chestnut tree outside the property of 9 Shakletons on 7 May 2008, however it was felt that due to its importance in the local landscape, priority should be given to its retention in this instance.

            RESOLVED:

That Tree Preservation Order TPO/EPF/12/08 be confirmed without modification.

To confirm the attached Tree Preservation Order.

The Principal Planning Officer presented a report concerning the confirmation of a Tree Preservation Order at Threeways House, Epping Road in Ongar. Tree Preservation Order EPF/05/08 had been made to protect five specimen trees at the site following a pre-application enquiry, in order to ensure that the trees were taken into account should a planning application be received for the site. An objection was received by the Council and the proposed order was reviewed. It was accepted by the Council that the nomenclature within the order had been incorrect but that all the trees within the site had been clearly identifiable despite some minor inaccuracies in the plotting of them. There had been five trees in the original order, but it was considered that prehaps two of the trees had limited public amenity value, despite being fine specimens, and could be deleted from the original order. Thus, the Sub-Committee was requested to confirm the amended order.

            RESOLVED:

That the modified Tree Preservation Order EPF/05/08 be confirmed such that the order only be applied to the Trees marked T1, T4 and T5 on the plan attached to the report.

(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.

RESOLVED:

That the planning applications numbered 1 – 4 be determined as set out in the schedule attached 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 Head of Planning and Economic Development under delegated authority since the last meeting had been circulated and could be inspected at the Civic Offices.