Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Richard Alecock and Jason Crooks.

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

The following substitution was declared:

Councillor Andy Neal substituting for Councillor Richard Alecock

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 2 March 2022 (copy attached).

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 March 2022 were unanimously confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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/22/010

Planning Application - a. metal container for storage purposes and b. 1.8 metre high close boarded fence and gates

Planning Application - a. metal container for storage purposes and b. 1.8 metre high close boarded fence and gates

This application was referred to the Development Control Committee because the proposal was on land owned by West Suffolk Council.

The Committee was advised that the metal container, fence and gates had benefitted from three successive temporary consents. Therefore, in light of it having been in-situ for over a decade the application before Members now sought permanent retention.

Attention was drawn to the supplementary ‘late papers’ which had been circulated following publication of the agenda, and which set out amended wording in respect of Condition 2 which related to the paint colour to be utilised, and which was displayed in the meeting to the Committee.

Officers were recommending that approval be granted, subject to conditions as set out in Paragraph 21 of Report No DEV/WS/22/010, inclusive of the amendment as outlined above.

As part of her presentation the Planning Officer showed videos of the site by way of a virtual ‘site visit’.

In response to questions posed by Members the Officer advised that the existing fence was to be retained.

It was proposed by Councillor John Burns that the application be approved, as per the Officer recommendation, and this was duly seconded by Councillor Andy Drummond.

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.   Compliance with plans

2.   Within six months from the date of this permission the container hereby approved for permanent retention shall be painted externally using colour ‘Emerald Delight 1’.

Report No: DEV/WS/22/011

Application for listed building consent - roofing remedial works to Samson's tower as amended by plan received 04 March 2022

Application for listed building consent - roofing remedial works to Samson's tower as amended by plan received 04 March 2022

This application was referred to the Development Control Committee as West Suffolk Council was the applicant and owner.

Members were advised that consideration of proposals such as this were governed by The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990. Those regulations required that for applications submitted by the Council to the same Local Planning Authority relating to the execution of works for the demolition, alteration, or extension of Listed Buildings, the Authority should apply to the Secretary of State for that consent.

The Committee was therefore asked to note the recommendation before them at Paragraph 36 of Report No DEV/WS/22/011. Whilst Officers were satisfied that, having considered all material matters, the proposal was acceptable, this was not a decision for West Suffolk Council to take. The recommendation therefore was to note the Officer position in relation to the acceptability of the scheme, but thereafter to refer the matter to the Secretary of State for determination.

Attention was drawn to the supplementary ‘late papers’ which had been circulated following publication of the agenda, and which set out comments received in relation to ecology matters. These matters would require resolution prior to notifying the Secretary of State of the application in relation to the determination process.

As part of his presentation the Planning Officer showed videos of the site by way of a virtual ‘site visit’.

It was proposed by Councillor Andy Drummond that Listed Building Consent be granted and that the matter be sent to the Secretary of State for determination, as per the Officer recommendation. This was duly seconded by Councillor Peter Stevens.

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

Decision

1.  Delegated Authority be given to Officers to conclude considerations in relation to the biodiversity related implications of this proposal, and for the matter to only be referred to the Secretary of State in the event that such impacts are considered acceptable;

2.  Subject to 1. the LPA confirms that it is content that, all matters considered, it is minded to GRANT Listed Building Consent; and

3.  The matter be sent to the Secretary of State for determination, and that it be recommended to the Secretary of State that consent be granted subject to the following conditions:

            I.        The works to which this consent relates must be begun not later than three years from the date of this notice

          II.        The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out except in complete accordance with the details shown on the approved plans and documents.