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 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.

In view of the unavailability of the Chairman, Councillor A Green, it was noted that the Vice Chairman, Councillor G Pritchard, would be acting as Chairman for the meeting. Consequently the Sub-Committee was asked to appoint a Vice Chairman for the meeting.

RESOLVED:

That, Councillor R Frankel, be appointed Vice Chairman for the duration of the meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the Sub-Committee meeting of 22 October 2008.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 22 October 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 C Whitbread declared a personal interest in the following items of the agenda. The Councillor had determined that his interest was prejudicial and that he would leave the meeting for the consideration and voting on the application:

(item 8)            EPF/1501/08 – 39 Theydon Park Road, Theydon Bois Epping.

(item 10)          EPF/1931/08 – Former Caretaker’s House, Wansfell Cottage, 30a Piercing Hill, Theydon Bois.

(b)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor 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 and voting on the application:

(item 1)            EPF/1350/08 – St Margaret’s Hospital, The Plain, Epping.

(item 2)            EPF/1790/08 – 4 Creeds Cottages, High Road, Epping.

(c)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillors M Colling and C Whitbread declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of having attended a meeting on this application. The Councillors had determined that their interest was not prejudicial and would remain in the meeting for the consideration and voting on the application:

(item 1)            EPF/1350/08 – St Margaret’s Hospital, The Plain, Epping.

(d)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor J Philip declared a personal interest in the following items of the agenda, by virtue of being a member of Theydon Bois Council. The Councillor had determined that his interest was not prejudicial and would remain in the meeting for the consideration and voting on the application:

(item 8)            EPF/1501/08 – 39 Theydon Park Road, Theydon Bois, Epping.

(item 9)            EPF/1584/08 – 27 Piercing Hill, Theydon Bois, Epping.

(item 10)          EPF/1931/08 – Former Caretaker’s House, Wansfell Cottage, 30a Piercing Hill, Theydon Bois.

(e)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor G Pritchard declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of having a past working relationship with the applicant’s agent. The Councillors had determined that his interest was not prejudicial and he would remain in the meeting for the consideration and voting on the application:

(item3)             EPF/1757/08 – Sheering Lodge, Church Lane, Sheering.

(f)         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 Councillors had determined that her interest was not prejudicial and would remain in the meeting for the consideration and voting on the application:

(item 8)            EPF/1501/08 – 39 Theydon Park Road, Theydon Bois, Epping.

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.

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

To consider the attached report.

The Principal Planning Officer presented a report regarding the planning appeal decisions for the period April to September 2008. The Sub-Committee were informed that during the six-month period in question, the Council received 78 decisions on appeal, of which 75 were planning and related appeals and 3 were enforcement appeals. Of these appeals, 24 of the planning appeals were upheld (32%) and 2 of the 3 enforcement appeals were allowed, to give a combined total of 33.33% of the Council’s decisions overturned. 

In the previous year, 2007/08 as a whole, a total of 132 decisions were received – 120 planning appeals and 12 enforcement appeals. Of the 120 planning appeals 36 were allowed but none of the enforcement appeals - a total of 27.3% of the Council’s decisions being overturned.

The Principal Planning Officer reported that the proportion of appeals that arose from decisions of the committees to refuse contrary to the recommendation of officers during the 6 month period was 24% and of the 18 decisions that this percentage represents, the Council was successful in sustaining its objection in 7 of them, the remaining 11 were lost.

            RESOLVED:

That, as part of the probity in planning, the appeal decisions for the period April to September 2008 be noted.

(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.