Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllr Baker and Cllr Proctor.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive the minutes of the previous meetings held on 13^th May 2014.

Resolved:       That the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th May 2014 be agreed as a correct record.

Resolved:     (a)       That subject to the prior receipt by no later than 10th July 2014 of a completed unilateral undertaking that achieves restriction of the occupancy of the accommodation so that it falls within the C2 Use Class, that the application be approved.

(b)       Failing receipt by that date of the above unilateral undertaking, that the Head of Planning and Development be given delegated authority to refuse the application on the grounds that, in the absence of such an obligation, the proposal would be contrary to policy on the provision of affordable housing and open space for housing developments; or, if he considers it appropriate, to extend the period of time within which the obligation can be secured.

Resolved:     That the application be approved subject to the following conditions:

      i.        Standard time limit

    ii.        Approved plans

   iii.        Equipment cabinets to be coloured green

   iv.        Submission of Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Method Statement to BS5837:2012

Resolved:     That prior approval not be required.

The Head of Planning and Development drew members’ attention to the fact that the service had only met the target in relation to minor developments, which constituted the majority of applications received. It was stated that care needed to be taken to ensure that the Council did not hit the level which would lead to it being classed as a poorly performing planning authority.

Members expressed concerns specifically in relation to the indicators for major applications and enforcement as these appeared to show a continuing downward trend.

Resolved:     (a)       That the report be noted

(b)       That the Development Management Team Manager continues to operate mechanisms to maintain current high performance levels and improve the service provided for those procedures where level of performance needed to be addressed.

(c)        That the mid-year Development Management Performance Report 2014/15 be submitted to the Committee in October 2014 reporting on performance achieved for the first half of 2014/15 in relation to targets that will have been set by the Head of Planning in the 2014/15 Service Plan for the Planning Service in consultation with the Planning Portfolio holder

Resolved:     That the public be excluded from the meeting for the consideration on the item by reason of the report containing exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local government Act 1972.

Cllr David Loades spoke in relation to the item.

Resolved:       (a)       That a further report be brought to a future meeting of this committee.

                        (b)       That the Chair be authorised to call an extraordinary meeting of this committee should it be considered necessary for further consideration of the matter.