Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs David Taylor and Rory Major.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registerable or non-registerable interests as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct. In making their disclosure councillors are asked to state the agenda item, the nature of the interest and any action they propose to take as part of their declaration.

If required, further advice should be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made at the meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 18^th March 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 18^th March 2025 were confirmed and signed.

Members of the public wishing to speak to the Committee on a planning application should notify the Democratic Services Officer listed on the front of this agenda. This must be done no later than two clear working days before the meeting. Please refer to the Guide to Public Speaking at Planning Committee.  Guide to Public Speaking at Planning Committee

The deadline for notifying a request to speak is 8.30am on Thursday 17^th April 2025.

Representations by the public to the Committee on individual planning applications are detailed below. There were no questions, petitions or deputations received on other items on this occasion.

Erect bungalow with associated access and parking.

With the aid of a visual presentation including plans and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and explained the proposal and relevant planning policies to members.

Public Participation

Mr Miel spoke in support of the proposal on behalf of the Applicant. He was a town planner with over 10 years of experience which included 2 years of working as a planning inspector. The application had been recommended for approval and the application followed a previous refused scheme which was challenged at appeal by the applicant. In assessing the previous proposal, the inspector found that the back land development was appropriate, and the proposal would have an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area and neighbouring amenity. The inspector raised no concerns on the impact of trees, highway safety and ecology and his sole concern was the lack of outdoor space and would not meet the standards for future occupiers. The applicant to overcome the issue has revised the scheme and increased the amount of private garden space by removing the garage. The dwelling has been repositioned to allow for the creation of 2 good sized garden areas and revised proposal would meet the needs of future occupiers and inspectors sole concern had been overcome.

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of all this entailed; having considered the officer’s report and presentation; the written representatives; and what they had heard at the meeting, a motion to APPROVE the officer’s recommendation to GRANT planning permission as recommended, was proposed by Cllr Rideout, and seconded by Cllr Jeanes.

Decision: To grant planning permission subject to a S106, restricting the dwelling to self-build, and the conditions outlined in the Officer’s report.

An amendment was made to the following visibility splay condition for the 10 Manor Road item:

Prior to the occupation of the development all land within the area of the visibility splays, apart from the two trees identified on drawing ITB19370-GA-001 to be retained, must have been cleared/excavated to a level not exceeding 0.60 metres above the relative level of the adjacent carriageway.  Thereafter, the visibility splay area must be maintained and kept free from obstruction in perpetuity.

Reason: In the interest of highway safety. the following conditions outlined in the Officer’s report. 

Permanent retention of gypsy & traveller transit site for 25no. caravans.

With the aid of a visual presentation including plans and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and explained the proposal and relevant planning policies to members. The site had been used as a seasonal travellers site every year since the 2012 application with 2024 being the only year it had not been used. Location and visual amenity were acceptable with no concern about flooding, highways or neighbouring amenity.

Public Participation

No public speakers.

Members questions and comments

• Cllr Jespersen asked if the application had come to committee before.
• Cllr Fry knew the site well, visited professionally, and added that it was very much needed and well run.

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of all this entailed; having considered the officer’s report and presentation; the written representatives; and what they had heard at the meeting, a motion to APPROVE the officer’s recommendation to GRANT planning permission as recommended, was proposed by Cllr Fry, and seconded by Cllr Jespersen.

Decision: To grant planning permission subject to conditions set out in the officer’s report.

Erect a statue of Sylvia Townsend Warner, information board & associated foundations.

With the aid of a visual presentation including plans and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and explained the proposal and relevant planning policies to members. She showed sketches of the proposed statue which would be life sized and sit slightly above the bench, independent of it. It was a popular place for people to sit. The statue was life size and acceptable in terms of scale. It would present no harm to the character of the conservation area and the setting of the listed buildings. Proposal would not introduce significant obstruction given to the existing street furniture arrangements.

Public Participation

No public participation.

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of all this entailed; having considered the officer’s report and presentation; the written representatives; and what they had heard at the meeting, a motion to APPROVE the officer’s recommendation to GRANT planning permission as recommended, was proposed by Cllr Fry, and seconded by Cllr Jespersen.

Decision: To grant planning permission subject to conditions outlined in the Officer’s report.

To consider any items of business which the Chairman has had prior notification and considers to be urgent pursuant to section 100B (4) b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

The reason for the urgency shall be recorded in the minutes.

There were no urgent items.

There are no exempt items scheduled for this meeting.  

There was no exempt business.