Agenda and minutes

The Chief Executive to notify the Committee of any substitute members

The Committee was notified that notices under Regulation 13 of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990 had been received, appointing Councillor Adams for Councillor Higgs and Councillor Cosham for Councillor Adam Stokes, for this meeting only.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Jacky Smith.

Members are asked to disclose any interests in matters for consideration at the meeting

There were none declared.

                                                                                                                  (Enclosure)

The minutes of the meeting held on 18^th September 2012 were accepted as a correct record of decisions taken.

(As the electronic voting system was inoperative, the voting on this minute was by a show of hands).

(The electronic voting system was in operation for all subsequent votes).

The committee recording system was out of action, and pending repairs the Chairman asked the Committee Support Officer to give information on the arrangements for the site visits to be held on 26^th September.  The Committee also dealt with agenda item 6, as follows:-

Report No. PLA946 by the Development Management Service Manager.   (Enclosure)

The Development Management Service Manager submitted his report PLA946 listing details of applications not determined within the eight week time period.  Also submitted was a list of applications dealt with under delegated powers. A planning appeals update/summary as at 31^st August 2012 and copies of appeals decisions was also submitted, together with a table showing planning applications performance as at August 2012.

A Member drew attention to the backlog in the number of applications not determined, and said that action should be taken to reduce the number on the list.  He suggested that the officers should look at the lists thoroughly and give applicants a deadline for the provision of outstanding information, and possibly bring some forward to a special meeting of the Committee for decisions to be made.  The Development Management Service Manager said that, together with the Head of Development and Growth, he was preparing a programme for action on the lines suggested.

(Recording system in operation from part way through this minute).

To consider applications received for the grant of planning permission – reports prepared by the Case Officer.                                                                                                       (Enclosure)

Decision:-

To determine applications, or make observations, as listed below:-

NB1

Application ref:         S12/1562/FULL

Description:               Erection of 3 dwellings

Location:                    High Lodge, Casterton Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire. PE9 2YL

Decision:                   Refused

Noting comments made during the public speaking session from:-

                        Judith Mackie  - objecting on behalf of local residents

together with no objection from the Highway Authority and comments from the Consultant Tree Officer, Principal Conservation Officer, Environmental Protection and Lincolnshire Police, objections from Stamford Town Council in regard to the original and amended plans, a number of objections from nearby residents, and comments made by Members at the meeting.

(1.38pm – Councillor Wren entered the meeting).

It was proposed and seconded that the application be refused as being in contravention of Policy EN1, overdevelopment, not in keeping with the Conservation Area and also for ecological reasons, noting the presence of bats and other forms of wildlife.

The Chairman asked that the proposition be written down and submitted.  This was done, and after further discussion the Chairman read a suggested reason for refusal based on that submitted by the proposer.  The proposer indicated her acceptance of the varied proposition, as follows:

The application contravenes Policy EN1, in regard to the protection and enhancement of the character of the area, and because of the harm to the Conservation Area.

The Development Management Service Manager commented on the reasons which had been given, and said that some of those mentioned could not be supported by evidence, nevertheless he indicated that he considered that the Committee could make a decision without further deferral based on the reason read to the Committee.  Members suggested that there should be additional reasons added to those already given to make the Council’s case as strong as possible, but the Chairman pointed out that if there were reasons that could not be supported by evidence, and the officers would not be happy to defend them at any appeal, then the Council’s case would be weakened.

The Chairman then read the reason for refusal to the Committee, and the proposal was then put to the vote.  It was agreed that the application be refused for the following reason:-

The application contravenes Policy EN1, in regard to the protection and enhancement of the character of the area, and because of the harm to the Conservation Area.

NB2

Application ref:         S12/1561/CAC

Description:               Demolition of bungalow

Location:                    High Lodge, Casterton Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2YL

Decision:                   Refused

Noting comments made during the public speaking session from:-

                        Judith Mackie  - objecting on behalf of local residents

together with no objection from the Highway Authority and comments from the Consultant Tree Officer, Principal Conservation Officer, Environmental Protection and Lincolnshire Police, objections from Stamford Town Council in regard to the original and amended plans, a number of objections from nearby residents, and comments made by Members at the meeting.

It was proposed and seconded that the application be refused for the same reason as application NB1.  On being put to the vote, it was agreed that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

The meeting closed at 4.45pm