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 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 9^th  November 2011 (attached).

Resolved:

(1)        That the minutes of the meeting held on 9 November 2011 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 P Gode declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of being a member of Ongar Town 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/0207/11   Fyfield Business & Research Park, Fyfield Road, Ongar.

(b)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor K Avey declared a personal interest in the following items of the agenda, by virtue of being a member of Epping Town Council. The Councillor had determined that his interest was not prejudicial and would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the applications and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/1603/11   St Johns C of E School, Tower Road, Epping; and

·                     EPF/1604/11   St Johns C of E School, Tower Road, Epping.

(c)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Mrs J H Whitehouse declared a personal interest in the following items of the agenda, by virtue of being a member of Essex County Council. The Councillor had determined that her interest was not prejudicial and would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the applications and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/1603/11   St Johns C of E School, Tower Road, Epping; and

·                     EPF/1604/11   St Johns C of E School, Tower Road, Epping.

(d)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor D Stallan declared a personal interest in the following items of the agenda, by virtue of his daughter being a pupil at St Johns C of E School. The Councillor had determined that his interest was not prejudicial and would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the applications and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/1603/11   St Johns C of E School, Tower Road, Epping; and

·                     EPF/1604/11   St Johns C of E School, Tower Road, Epping.

(e)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor J M Whitehouse declared a personal interest in the following items of the agenda, by virtue of being a member of Epping Town Council. The Councillor had determined that his interest was not prejudicial and would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the applications and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/1603/11   St Johns C of E School, Tower Road, Epping;

·                     EPF/1604/11   St Johns C of E School, Tower Road, Epping;

·                     EPF/1675/11   11 Hartland, Epping;

·                     EPF/2087/11   6 Buttercross Lane, Epping.

(f)         Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Mrs S Jones declared a personal interest in the following item of the agenda by virtue of being a customer of the Kennels. 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/1655/11   Theydon Mount Kennels, Epping Lane, Stapleford Tawney.

(g)        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 being a member of Sheering Parish Council. The Councillor had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

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.

The Sub-Committee noted that there was no other urgent business for consideration.

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

The Principal Landscape Officer presented a report concerning Tree Preservation Order EPF/21/11 at 24 Cannons Lane in Fyfield.

The Principal Landscape Officer reported that a planning application had been received to demolish the existing dwelling at the site and construct a new dwelling in its stead. The plans had indicated the loss of the majority of the trees at the site with limited replanting, and the Order had sought to protect seven of the more prominent trees on the site. Three objections had been received to the Order, citing that the trees were too large for the current setting, not all the trees were native to the local area, and that the trees did not add value to the local landscape.

Subsequently, discussions had taken place with the Applicant and it had been agreed that a new screen of native trees would be planted along the rear boundary of the site. Consequently, it was felt that this Order did not need to be confirmed, as a landscaping condition for any future planning application would ensure adequate replanting at the site to replace the lost trees.

Resolved:

(1)        That Tree Preservation Order EPF/21/11 at 24 Cannons Lane in Fyfield not be confirmed.

(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:

(1)        That the planning applications numbered 1 – 12 be determined as set out in the schedule attached to these minutes.

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

The Principal Planning Officer presented the biannual Probity in Planning Report for the appeal decisions during the period April to September 2011.

The Sub-Committee was informed that the Council received decisions on 50 appeals during the period, of which 17 were upheld (34%). There was one appeal upheld where the Sub-Committee had resolved contrary to the Planning Officer’s recommendation:

(i)         EPF/1097/10 – removal of agricultural occupancy condition at Oaklee Farm, Manor Road in Lambourne.

The Sub-Committee was further informed that there were three awards of costs made against the Council during this period; the costs for the Oaklee Farm appeal detailed above had amounted to £6,783.49.

The Principal Planning Officer stated that, although the Council’s performance in defending appeals had improved, there should be justifiable reasons in each case where Members refused planning permission contrary to Officer recommendation  which were relevant, necessary, sound and defendable.

The Committee felt that the report should also be submitted to the next available meeting of the Planning Services Scrutiny Panel, where it would receive wider consideration.

Resolved:

(1)        That the Planning Appeal decisions for the period April to September 2011 be noted; and

(2)        That the report be submitted to the next available meeting of the Planning Services Scrutiny Panel for consideration.

(Director of Planning & Economic Development) Schedules of planning applications determined by the Head of Planning & Economic Development under delegated powers since the last meeting of the Sub-Committee could be inspected in the Members’ Room or on the Planning & Economic Development Information Desk at the Civic Offices in Epping.

The Sub-Committee noted that schedules of planning applications determined by the Director of Planning and Economic Development under delegated authority since the last meeting had been circulated and could be inspected at the Civic Offices.