Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 10 February 2010     (to follow)

The minutes of the meeting held on 10 February 2010    were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman subject to the following:

Minute 93.2 refer. W/09/00690/FUL

Resolved:

·              To investigate gating the new footpath from the Bear Car Park to the site out-of-hours

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

There were no Declarations of Interest

There were no Chairman’s Announcements

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 Chairman explained the rules of Public Participation

To consider and determine planning applications in the attached schedule.

101.1 W/09/03629/FUL Additional parking area (retrospective application) – R And R Coaches Ltd Bishopstrow Road Warminster Wiltshire BA12 9HQ

Members of the committee were informed that the applicant had withdrawn the application, as detailed in the Minutes Annex

It was therefore

Resolved:

• To note that the applicant had withdrawn the application
• To request that should a further application be submitted Bishopstrow Parish Council be consulted

101.2 W/09/02998/FUL Retrospective application for the continued use of

agricultural building as an office and the retrospective erection of stable block - Land South Of Keepers Cottage Spiers Piece Steeple Ashton Wiltshire

Members of the committee were informed of some typing error and contradictory statements in the report, as detailed in the Minutes Annex.

Public Participation

1. Mr Geoffrey Hyatt, Steeple Ashton Parish Council, spoke in objection to the application

2. Mr Mark Campbell, Agent for the applicant, spoke in support of the application

Resolved:

That planning permission be REFUSED by unanimous vote

For the following reason(s):

1. Policy E8 of the West Wiltshire District Plan - First Alteration 2004 states that the conversion of rural buildings will not be permitted where it involves extensive alteration to the original character of the building, and where the proposed conversion does not safeguard the essential form and character of the building.  The alterations to the building, particularly the amount and type of fenestration and the first floor balcony, significantly change the character of the building, giving a residential appearance that is at odds with its countryside location.  This is considered contrary to adopted development plan policy.

2. Policy E8 of the West Wiltshire District Plan - First Alteration 2004 requires the conversion of buildings in rural areas not to harm the natural environment, including the water environment, and be supported by a structural survey to ascertain the suitability of the building for conversion.  Policies U1a and U2 of the West Wiltshire District Plan - First Alteration 2004 require the satisfactory provision of foul and surface water to protect the environment from pollution.  The proposal for the conversion has been submitted with insufficient information with regard to the structural condition of the building, the impact of the conversion on protected species and their habitats, and the means of foul and surface water drainage, to allow a comprehensive and informed decision to be made about the need for the unauthorised change of use, works and buildings.  This is considered contrary to these policies.

Informative(s):

You are advised that any application resubmission should be supported with sufficient information and supporting justification to allow a comprehensive assessment of the proposal to be made.

101.3 W/09/03480/FUL Proposed first floor extension - 44 Newtown Westbury Wiltshire BA13 3EF

Public Participation

There was no public participation.

Councillor Michael Cuthbert-Murray, Unitary Member for Westbury East, spoke in support of the application

Resolved:

That planning permission be GRANTED contrary to officer recommendation

For the following Reason(s)

The proposed development conforms to the Development Plan and there are no objections to it on planning grounds.

Subject to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.

To receive details of appeal decisions and appeals pending (see attached schedule.)

Members of the committee sought clarification over some of the appeals listed.

Resolved:

To note the Planning Appeals Update Report

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

There were no urgent items