Agenda and minutes

The Chair formally commenced the meeting and jointly welcomed all present and those externally viewing the Development Control Committee.

A number of housekeeping matters and remote meeting guidance were highlighted to all.

Lastly, the Chair advised that Agenda Item 6 Applications DC/20/0506/FUL & DC/20/0507/LB Pitchers Green Farm, Bradfield St George Road, Bradfield St Clare had been withdrawn from the agenda.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors David Palmer and David Roach.

Any member who is substituting for another member should so indicate, together with the name of the relevant absent member.

The following substitutions were declared:

Councillor Andy Neal substituting for Councillor David Palmer; and

Councillor Carol Bull substituting for Councillor David Roach

Following which the Democratic Services Officer verbally outlined all Members of the Committee who were present, together with any attending Councillors and the names of the Officers supporting the meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 4 November 2020 (copy attached).

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 November 2020 were confirmed as a correct record.

Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any pecuniary or local non pecuniary interest which they have in any item of business on the agenda, no later than when that item is reached and, when appropriate, to leave the meeting prior to discussion and voting on the item.

Members’ declarations of interest are recorded under the item to which the declaration relates.

Report No: DEV/WS/20/056

Planning Application - 66 no. residential units with parking, garaging and landscaping (to complete Phase 2 of approved development (SE/06/2414)) as amended by drawings received on 29th September and 5th October 2020

(Councillor Ann Williamson addressed the meeting as Ward Member for the application and stressed that she would keep an open mind and listen to the debate prior to voting on the item.)

Planning Application - 66 no. residential units with parking, garaging and landscaping (to complete Phase 2 of approved development (SE/06/2414)) as amended by drawings received on 29th September and 5th October 2020

This application was referred to the Development Control Committee at the request of the Ward Members (Southgate) Councillors Ann Williamson and Patrick Chung.

In addition, Officers were recommending that that the application be approved, subject to the completion of a S106 Agreement and conditions as set out in Paragraph 92 of Report No DEV/WS/20/056, which was in conflict with the views of Bury St Edmunds Town Council who had objected to the scheme.

The Senior Planning Officer advised the Committee that the former Hardwick Industrial Estate was allocated in the former St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Replacement Local Plan 2016 under Policy BSE1 (f), as a brownfield site for residential development. A Masterplan for the site was adopted in June 2006, which was then followed by an approved and partially implemented planning permission SE/06/2414.

Planning permission was granted in August 2007 for the construction of 125  residential units, 38 retirement units, replacement of Headway offices (B1 use class) following the demolition of all existing buildings and for the provision of public open space, vehicular and pedestrian accesses, garaging and parking, including underground parking.

This development had been partially completed, which included the completion of Phase 1 to provide 68 residential units including Affordable Housing Provision, 38 retirement units and the replacement of the Headway offices (Class B1).

Members were informed that during the course of the application amendments had been made to the layout of the scheme and additional information was submitted regarding ecology, highways and drainage.

Attention was drawn to two errors within the report:

·         Condition 25 – was not required as the details had already been agreed by the Planning Authority; and

·         Paragraph 93 – mistakenly made reference to Haverhill library, which should have read Bury St Edmunds library

Lastly, the Committee was informed that a further representation had been received from a neighbouring resident at 8 Lincoln Green.  This was read out to the meeting and principally raised concerns with regard to overlooking.

Speaker:      Laura Dudley-Smith (agent) spoke in support of the application

A number of questions were posed during the debate in relation to the flood risk of the adjacent water meadows.  In response, the Senior Planning Officer drew attention to the Environment Agency conditions included in the recommendation.

Comments were also made in connection with the height of the four-storey properties; the Officer explained that the proposed buildings in question were comparable in height and massing to those previously approved and which could be implemented under the extant consent.

Lastly, a query was raised in relation to the wording of one of the conditions.  The Service Manager (Planning – Development) addressed the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.

Report No: DEV/WS/20/057

Planning Application - Conversion of barns to form 3no. dwellings with ancillary accommodation and associated demolition, landscaping and access works (previous application DC/19/0503/FUL)

Application for Listed Buildings Consent - Conversion and refurbishment of existing agricultural buildings to form 3no. dwellings and associated ancillary accommodation, with associated demolition, landscaping and access works (previous application DC/19/0504/LB)

The Chair advised earlier in the meeting that this item had been WITHDRAWN from the agenda. 

Report No: DEV/WS/20/058

Subdivision of existing unit to create 2 no. self-contained flats (providing 3 apartments in total) and (ii) orangery on west elevation

Subdivision of existing unit to create 2 no. self-contained flats (providing 3 apartments in total) and (ii) orangery on west elevation

This application was referred to the Development Control Committee as it did not accord with Policies CS1 of the Forest Heath Core Strategy and Policies DM5 and DM27 of the Joint Development Management Policies Document and was advertised accordingly as a Departure from the Development Plan.

Officers were recommending that the application (and related Listed Building Consent) be approved, subject to conditions as set out in Paragraph 32 of Report No DEV/WS/20/058.

The Principal Planning Officer advised of two inaccuracies within the report:

·         Paragraphs 2 and 12 both incorrectly referenced the location of the Orangery, which should have read “off the lounge”; and

·         The change of use of the property from its previous use as an orthodontist practice had been omitted from the planning history section.

During the debate questions were raised in relation to the application being in conflict with policy, in response to which the Service Manager (Planning – Development) drew attention to the detailed section within the report which referenced the technical departure and reasons why Officers were recommending, on balance, that the scheme be approved.

Councillor Andy Neal proposed that the application be approved as per the Officer recommendation.  This was duly seconded by Councillor Richard Alecock.

Upon being put to the vote and with the vote being unanimous, it was resolved that

Decision

Planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:

1.  3-year permission time limit

2.  In accordance with approved plans

3.  Water, energy and resource efficiency measures

4.  Prior to first occupation, all dwellings shall be provided with an operational electric vehicle charge point at reasonably and practicably accessible locations, with an electric supply to the charge point capable of providing a 7kW charge

And, Listed Building Consent be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

1. 3-year permission time limit
2. In accordance with approved plans and documents
3. Schedule of works/specification for any works required in order for the proposed conversion to accord with the requirement of building regulations