Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received by Councillor Ian McLennan and Councillor Brian Dalton. Councillor McLennan was substituted by Councillor Ricky Rogers.

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 18 November 2010 (copy herewith).

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 November 2010 were presented.

Resolved:

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes.

To receive any declarations of personal or prejudicial interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

S/2010/1492 – Hayburn Wyke, 72 Castle Road, Salisbury

Councillor Douglas declared a personal interest as she lived reasonably nearby to the property, but explained she had been advised that she did not live sufficiently close to give rise to a prejudicial interest.

The Chairman explained the meeting procedure to the members of the public.

Members of the public who wish to speak either in favour or against an application on this agenda are asked to register in person no later than 5:50pm on the day of the meeting.

The Chairman will allow up to 3 speakers in favour and up to 3 speakers against an application. Each speaker will be given up to 3 minutes and invited to speak immediately prior to the item being considered. The rules on public participation in respect of planning applications are detailed in the Council’s Planning Code of Good Practice.

The committee noted the rules on public participation.

To receive details of completed and pending appeals (copy herewith).

The committee received details of the following appeal decisions:

Appeal Decisions

S/2010/0112 - Adj Ebbleway, Croucheston Drove, Bishopstone – Delegated - Dismissed

S/2010/0967 - 10 Woodside Road, Salisbury – Delegated - Dismissed

S/2009/0307 - Cross Keys, Fovant – Allowed - Committee

S/2009/0732 - 44 York Road - Delegated - Dismissed

New Appeals

S/2010/0884 - Land at Bishops Drive, East Harnham, Salisbury

S/2010/1062 - 45 Castle Road, Salisbury

S/2010/1016 - Old School, High Street, Maiden Bradley

To consider and determine planning applications in the attached schedule.

This item was considered as the first planning application at the Chairman’s request.

In light of the Close’s status as an area of historical and architectural importance, the Chairman felt that the application demanded a site visit to inform the committee’s decision and moved that the application be deferred to allow this. On being seconded and put to the vote it was:

Resolved

To defer consideration of this application to allow a site visit to take place.

Public Participation:

Mr John Dixon spoke in objection to the application.

Councillor Bridget Wayman, the local member, spoke in objection to the application.

The Chairman explained to those present that members of the committee had conducted a site visit earlier in the day.

The planning officer outlined the application and clarified the design of the proposed extension.

A number of committee members expressed concerns regarding creeping development in the countryside in general, and also regarding the treatment of the boundary between the application site and the neighbouring plot.

Following discussion it was

Resolved:

That planning permission be GRANTED for the following reasons:

The proposed extensions, by virtue of their appropriate scale, siting, design and materials, would have no significant impact upon the character and appearance of the area or the amenity of neighbours. The proposal would therefore accord with the aims and objectives of the development plan, having particular regard to Local Plan policies G2, H19, D3, C4 and C5.

And subject to the following conditions

1)    The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: To comply with the provisions of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. As amended by Section 51 (1) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2)    This decision relates to documents/plans submitted with the application, listed below:

Reason: For the avoidance of doubt.

3)    The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall match in material, colour and texture those used in the existing building.

     Reason: To secure a harmonious form of development.

Policy: H19, D3, C5

4)    The existing hedgerow along the southern boundary of the site shall be retained at a minimum height of 2 metres and replaced or reinstated where necessary. It shall be properly maintained in perpetuity including replacement of any plants which die, are removed or become damaged or diseased with plants of a similar size and the same species, unless the Local Planning Authority gives written consent to any variation.

Reason: To ensure adequate privacy for the occupants of neighbouring premises.

Public Participation:

Mrs Marlene Peters spoke in support of the application

Mr Rob Peters, the Agent, spoke in support of the application

Mrs Jan Thatcher spoke in support of the application

Councillor Mary Douglas, the local member, spoke in support of the application.

The planning officer outlined the application, clarifying that the intended use was a hybrid use, outside normal planning categories, as a children and families centre. It was explained that the applicant was Wiltshire Council, and because there had been an objection, the application had been called-in for the committee to consider, in accordance with the Council's Constitution.

A discussion ensued where the following issues were debated:

·         The economic viability of the site in its existing use as a B&B, and whether or not the change of use constituted a true loss of this tourist capacity.

·         The busy and dangerous nature of the road and the measures being proposed by the applicant to address highway safety.

·         The suitability of the proposed use for the site.

Resolved:

That planning permission be GRANTED for the following reasons:

It is considered that the viability of the existing Bed and Breakfast use is marginal. Marketing of the property has taken place over a significant period of time with no offers being received for the property. A number of new or enhanced hotel and other accommodation facilities have opened up in the past couple of years with the Salisbury and surrounding area which has affected trade. Given this it is not considered that the loss of the B & B would be to the detriment of tourist trade in the city. In addition, saved Policy PS1 of the adopted Salisbury District Local Plan permits in principle social service type facilities within the settlement.

It is not considered that significantly more noise and disturbance will occur with the use of this facility than with the current bed and breakfast use. Out of hours operations as proposed will be minimal and it is likely that at weekends there may well be a decrease in numbers of people visiting the site and subsequently noise and disturbance. It is considered that there will be no significant effects from noise and disturbance in compliance with saved Policy G2 (viii) of the adopted Salisbury District Local Plan.

Parking is to be provided at the site for four vehicles to park. Three in the front of the property (including one disabled space, and one in the adjoining garage. Visitors will not be able to park at the property and will be discouraged from doing so. It is considered that the parking as shown on the submitted plans and as is intended to be provided is satisfactory and will meet the needs of the new use and comply with saved Policy G2 (i) and parking standards contained within the saved policies of the adopted Salisbury District Local plan.

And subject to the following conditions:

(1) The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years  ...  view the full minutes text for item 128c

Any other items of business which, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be taken as a matter of urgency 

The Committee considered the need for a site visit to application number S/2010/1719 - Long Crags, Church Street, Bowerchalke, Salisbury, at Councillor Green’s request.

Resolved:

That a site visit be organised to take place, should the committee be asked to consider this application.

To consider passing the following resolution:

To agree that in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the public from the meeting for the business specified in Item Number 10 because it is likely that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in  paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act and the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information to the public.

Resolved:

To agree that in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the public from the meeting for the business specified in minute no. 134 because it is likely that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in  paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act and the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information to the public.

Note: The Applicant was permitted to stay and observe proceedings to allow the committee to ask questions for clarification, if required.

The planning officer introduced his report.

Following discussion it was:

Resolved

To defer the application.