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 26 September 2012 (attached).

Resolved:

(1)        That the minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2012 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record, subject to amending the Apologies for Absence to include Councillor D Jacobs.

(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 T Church declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following item of the agenda by virtue of being acquainted with the applicant. The Councillor indicated that he would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/0457/12   Coppice Farm, Coppice Row, Theydon Bois.

(b)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor C Whitbread declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following item of the agenda by virtue of being acquainted with the applicant. The Councillor indicated that he would leave the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/0457/12   Coppice Farm, Coppice Row, Theydon Bois.

(c)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor K Avey declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following item of the agenda. The Councillor indicated that he would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/0817/12   Upper Clapton Football Club, Upland Road, Thornwood.

(d)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor T Church declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of being a former member of the club. The Councillor indicated that he would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/0817/12   Upper Clapton Football Club, Upland Road, Thornwood.

(e)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillors M McEwen and B Rolfe declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of a member of the club having acted as their election agent in the past, although neither Councillor had any other connection with the Club. The Councillors indicated that they would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/0817/12   Upper Clapton Football Club, Upland Road, Thornwood.

(f)         Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillors A Grigg and J H Whitehouse declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of having attended public meetings regarding the site. The Councillors indicated that they would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/0817/12   Upper Clapton Football Club, Upland Road, Thornwood.

(g)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor J H Whitehouse declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following item of the agenda. The Councillor indicated that she would leave the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/1391/12   30 Bower Hill, Epping.

(h)        Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor M McEwen declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following item of the agenda, by virtue of her son residing in the same road. The Councillor indicated that she would remain in the meeting for the consideration of the application and voting thereon:

·                     EPF/1632/12   Homecroft, Norwood End, Fyfield.

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 consider the attached report.

The Principal Planning Officer presented a report concerning a Tree Preservation Order at Beechwood on Theydon Road in Epping.

The Principal Planning Officer reported that an application was submitted for a new dwelling on this site in 2010, however prior to submitting the application the applicant felled a considerable number of mature trees to provide space in which to build the new dwelling. The purpose of this Order was to protect the newly planted trees to ensure a continuance of tree cover on the site for the long term. Six of the trees were on the front boundary of the property, and over time would screen the new house. A seventh tree, a beech, was intended to become a future ‘landmark’ tree; the location for its planting had been chosen with this specifically in mind and because there was sufficient space around it for it to develop to its natural shape and size. There had previously been a visually important beech tree on this site, so it was particularly significant that a replacement was planted and retained in this location.

The Principal Planning Officer informed the Sub-Committee that an objection had been received from the owner of the property, the basis of which was that the trees were already protected by planning conditions and to make a Tree Preservation Order was excessive and unnecessary. Officers felt that, given the significant tree loss that occurred on the site prior to an application for the new house being submitted, it was considered that in making this order the long term future of trees on this site would be secured, and that the new dwelling would be adequately screened. The Sub-Committee was therefore requested to confirm the order without modification.

Resolved:

(1)        That Tree Preservation Order EPF/11/12 be confirmed without modification.

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

(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.