8th June 2005 - Minutes

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCIL 

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE HELD AT SHOTLEY VILLAGE HALL ON WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2005

PRESENT:      Mr R W Thake – Chairman

Mr C W Arthey Mrs E F Bates Mr P K Beer Mr J C Brand Miss J J Chapman Mr P J Holbrook

Mr D H Keane Mr C D Kerr Mr B L Lazenby Mr N MacMaster Mr A E Pearce Mr J J Quinlan

Mrs S P Clarke and Mrs W J Sadler, Ward Members for Berners, and Mr D L Wood, Ward Member for Alton were present at the meeting and spoke on the item with the consent of the Chairman.

Mr N Greig, Head of Planning Policy and Economic Development was present at the meeting.

Mr A J Hinton, Mr P Jones and Mr D C Rose were unable to attend.   

18     SUBSTITUTE

It was noted that in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No.5, a substitute was in attendance as follows:-

Mr J C Brand (substituting for Mr P Jones)

19     DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

None declared. 

20     PETITIONS

None received.

21     QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS

None received.

22     PLANNING APPLICATION FOR DETERMINATION BY THE COMMITTEE

Members were reminded that they should disregard any literature they may have received prior to this meeting relating to the application contained in Paper E35.  They should come to the meeting with an open mind and only make their decision based on the representations and discussion at today’s meeting.

Details of further objections and representations received in respect of the application were reported to the meeting and were considered and taken into account before a decision was reached.

In accordance with the Council procedure for public speaking on Planning Applications and Minute No. 7 dated 27 April 2005 extending the time limit for speeches from three minutes to five minutes, representations were made as detailed below.

Planning Application No.	Representations From
B/03/01085	Mr G Steele (Shotley Parish Council Representative) Ms R Kirkup (Chelmondiston Parish Council Representative) Mr S Ross-Pearce (Woolverstone Parish Council Representative) Ms E Aldous (Co-ordinator of the Peninsula Parishes Alliance and Freston Parish Council Representative) Mr L Mayer (Woolverstone Residents Association Representative) Ms J Atkinson (JPM Consulting Representative) Mr P Roberts (on behalf of the Applicant) Mr Powell (Supporter)

SHOTLEY

The Head of Planning (Control) presented his report (Paper E35) and Members were asked to note that in paragraph 6.18 the figure 8% should read 18%. 

Notwithstanding the recommendation of the Head of Planning (Control) to refuse planning permission, a motion was moved that planning permission should be approved as Members considered that the proposal met the criteria in PPG3 relating to previously developed sites and their suitability for housing use.  It was also agreed that if a Section 106 Obligation was secured for the contributions to service improvements and the provision of affordable housing outlined in paragraphs 6.35 and 6.38 of Paper E35 then the proposal would have a positive effect on the surrounding area.  

Having considered the various objections raised in opposition to the application including the impact upon local highways and the surrounding villages, Members agreed that the weight to be attached to such objections did not justify a refusal.  The Head of Planning (Control) then submitted slides showing a suggested recommendation that Members could consider if they did not wish to refuse the permission.     

RESOLVED 

(1)         That the application be advertised as not complying with the development plan.

(2)         That details of the application be sent to the Secretary of State in accordance with:-

(a)         The Development Plans Direction 1999 and;

(b)         The Playing Fields Direction 1998.

In the event that he does not wish to call the application in for his own decision;

(c)          That the Solicitor to the Council be authorised to secure a planning obligation under S106 of the 1990 Act to provide:

-              affordable housing on site and a commuted sum for off site provision

-              contributions to additional education provision

-               highway improvements

-              increased pedestrian and cycling provision

-               a police base within the development

-              contributions to enhance the healthcare provision in the locality

-               contributions to the improvement of the Shotley / Harwich / Felixstowe ferry

-               contributions to establish a half hourly bus service to Ipswich

-               community facilities

-               the production and implementation of a travel plan

-               the production and implementation of a construction management plan

-               measures to manage the impact of an increased local population on the SPA

-               provision and maintenance of public open space, habitats and cliff

-               or such other obligations as the Head of Legal and Administrative Services and the Head of Planning (Control) consider appropriate

(d)         On securing the above obligation the Head of Planning (Control) be authorised to grant outline planning permission, subject to conditions, to include the following:

-               control over external lighting

-               re-use of demolition materials

-               height limit on buildings

-               decontamination

-              restoration and maintenance of the Fort, Martello Tower and mast

-               archaeological investigation

-              safeguarding important habitats and species on site

-               internal traffic management plan

-               phasing

-               design code

-              landscaping and landscape management

Notes:  The meeting was adjourned between 11.20 a.m. and 11.35 a.m. for refreshments.

The business of the meeting was concluded at 1.30 p.m.

Chairman