Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence

An apology for absence was received from Cllr Hobbs-Chell.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or personal interest as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct.  In making their decision 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.

Cllr Florek and Cllr Sowry-House declared an interest in application P/FUL/2025/06825 due to having made comments on the application as Ward Members, they left the room for the discussion and vote for this item.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 22 April 2026.

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 April 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 Monday 18 May.

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.

Erection of 8no. flats (demolition of existing dwelling).

The Development Management Team Leader presented the application for the demolition of an existing dwelling and the erection of eight flats. A map of the town centre was shown with the application site and areas of Special Character identified.

The site context was illustrated through photographs showing the current condition of the land and surrounding area. It was explained that the proposed flats would be positioned at a similar distance from neighbouring properties as existing buildings. Attention was given to the relationship with Flat No. 14, where the proposal would impact the outlook from that property. It was considered necessary to require additional obscure glazing to certain proposed windows, up to a height of 1.7 metres, to protect privacy. The main impact identified would be a reduction in outlook from two flats. A rooflight at No. 14 was also proposed, and further obscure glazing to a height of 1.7 metres was proposed to prevent overlooking. The inclusion of a balcony and windows was addressed, with a screening solution proposed to avoid harmful overlooking.

Properties to the rear of the site, located on Ringwood Road, were described as chalet bungalows. The proposed three‑storey building was acknowledged as having the potential to create overlooking; however, the it was advised that the separation distances were sufficient to avoid unacceptable harm.

Flood risk was considered in light of updated National Planning Policy Framework guidance and new data received during the course of the application. The area was identified as having high groundwater levels, with the potential for shallow flooding of up to approximately 10 centimetres at the rear of the site. The site was not located on a flood flow path, and the predicted depths were considered modest. An indicative drainage plan had been requested and provided, demonstrating that flood risk could be managed through measures such as permeable paving. A sequential test was not considered necessary, as sufficient mitigation had been demonstrated.

Highway safety was also assessed. The proposed parking provision was in line with relevant guidelines. The road was described as relatively narrow, and existing on‑street parking could result in a single lane of traffic, which had been raised as a concern by local residents. It was noted that congestion had occurred previously during construction works at No. 14 due to vehicles parking on the highway. A construction traffic management plan would therefore be required by condition. It was explained that parking on the highway was lawful, and any restrictions, such as double yellow lines, could be pursued separately by the Town Council if required.

In relation to habitats and biodiversity, the proposal included provision for a bat roost within the cycle store, and elevations showing this feature were presented. A temporary bat roost would also be provided during the construction phase.

The development would result in a net increase of seven dwellings, which carried significant weight given the current lack of a five‑year housing land supply. It was also confirmed that there would be no substantial harm arising  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Change of use of an existing residential bungalow (Use Class C3) to a Children’s Day Nursery (Use Class E(f)) including erection of secure boundary fencing to rear.

The Senior Planning Officer presented the application for the change of use of an existing residential bungalow to a children’s day nursery, including the erection of secure boundary fencing to the rear. It was explained that no external changes to the building were proposed. The site context was shown on a map, highlighting that the surrounding area was predominantly residential, with Upton Heath located approximately 35 metres to the south. Photographs illustrated the site and its setting, including a continuous hedge across the frontage.

Members were shown the proposed parking plan, which involved the removal of a short section of hedging to allow the access road to be widened. New hard surfacing was proposed, with parking spaces to be reserved for staff. Cycle storage was indicated to the east of the existing dwelling. An outdoor play area was also shown on the plan, located adjacent to a neighbouring property.

It was advised that the principle of the development was considered acceptable, as the site was located within a main settlement with access to services, facilities, and public transport. Highways safety concerns raised by Ward Members and members of the public were acknowledged. It was noted that approximately 75% of drop-off and pick-up times would be staggered, reducing the number of cars attending the site at one time. Allocated time slots for drop-off and collection would be implemented, and the nursery would encourage active travel. Visibility from the existing access was considered acceptable, and the Council’s Highway Engineer had raised no objection. It was confirmed that a condition would be imposed requiring adherence to a submitted traffic management plan, and that the proposal was not expected to result in an unacceptable impact on highway safety. It was further noted that the proposed new access would require an additional condition to ensure that the first five metres of the vehicular access were laid out and constructed before it was brought into use.

It was acknowledged that the site was located immediately adjacent to residential dwellings and that there would be some noise associated with the use of the outdoor play area and general use of the site. A noise impact assessment had been submitted, which concluded that, with mitigation, noise levels would remain within acceptable thresholds. Proposed mitigation measures included an acoustic fence at the rear of the site to reduce noise levels, staff-supervised play sessions with a maximum of ten children at any one time, and the absence of static play equipment. A complaint response procedure would be in place, and no amplified sound equipment would be used. The submitted noise management plan was considered acceptable, subject to a condition requiring the nursery to operate in accordance with it.

In terms of the character of the area, it was noted that there would be some increased visibility of parking associated with the new access; however, this would generally be at a low level and would not result in significant harm. Overall, the proposal was considered to provide an early year’s facility  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

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.

To move the exclusion of the press and the public for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph x of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended). The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered.  

There are no exempt items scheduled for this meeting.  

There was no exempt business.