Agenda and minutes

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

2.         The Chief Executive will read the following announcement:

“This meeting will be webcast live to the Internet and will be archived for later viewing. Copies of recordings may be made available on request.

By entering the chamber’s lower seating area you consenting to becoming part of the webcast.

If you wish to avoid being filmed you should move to the public gallery or speak to the webcasting officer”

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 last meeting of the Sub-Committee held on 22 July 2009 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 22 July 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 Morgan declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda by virtue of occasionally being a customer. 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/1020/09 – Caffe Nero, 271 High Street, Epping

(b)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Mrs 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/1020/09 – Caffe Nero, 271 High Street, Epping

(c)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Mrs M McEwen declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda. The Councillor had determined that her interest was prejudicial and would leave the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/0979/09 -  Dame Annys Farm, Norwood End, Fyfield

(d)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillors G Pritchard and D Jacobs declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda by virtue of occasionally being a customer. The Councillors had determined that their interest was not prejudicial and would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

• EPF/0648/09 – Mulberry House, Chelmsford Road, High Ongar

(e)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor D Stallan declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda. The Councillor had determined that his interest was prejudicial and would leave the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

• EPF/0994/09 – Stapleford Tawney Trout Farm, Epping Lane, Stapleford Tawney.

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

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

The Principal Planning Officer presented a report regarding the confirmation of a Tree Preservation Order on a Field Maple tree at 5 Kensington Grove, Oakhill Road, Stapleford Abbotts. The Sub-Committee were informed that the Tree Preservation Order had been made to protect trees retained on a development comprising of 7 properties. The tree was originally protected under Tree Preservation Order TPO/EPF/11/08, however as a result of a transcription error, had been incorrectly named as an Oak tree. The Tree Preservation Order EPF/01/09 had been made to avoid any doubt and ensure that the tree was protected. One objection had been received regarding the tree from No. 5 Kensington Grove. The Director of Planning & Economic Development had responded as follows:

i) In relation to potential damage to the dwelling, providing that the building had been built to modern NHBC standards it would be unlikely, the tree was relatively young and a reasonable distance from the front of the property . The objector had been advised that he could provide evidence as part of an application to justify felling the tree.

ii) In relation to the scarcity, it was not part of the rationale for the order . 

iii) In relation to the trees public value. The tree provides an attractive, healthy, good form with a long life expectancy that would make a positive visual contribution to the immediate locality for the foreseeable future.

RESOLVED:

That the Tree Preservation Order EPF/01/09 be confirmed.

(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.