ALTON TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE PLANNING & TRANSPORT COMMITTEE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 9th SEPTEMBER 2020 at 7.00 p.m. Held remotely with councillors and members of the public dialling in ______

Present: Councillor Graham Titterington Chair Paul Crossley (from 7.33pm) Pam Jones Christopher Lawrence Richard Platt In attendance: County Councillor Andrew Joy (to 7.42pm) Matthew Bayliss (Councillor) (to 7.20pm) Leah Coney – Town Clerk There were no members of the Public

074 Chairman’s Announcements

The Chairman made the following announcement: 1. Reminded everyone that in view of the current ways of working for committee meetings, members were requested to ensure that they raise their hand when they wish to speak.

075 Apologies

Apologies were received from Councillor Boxall, Councillor Durley and Councillor Cristofoli.

076 Minutes

The Minutes of the meeting held on 12th August 2020 were approved as a correct record and will be signed by the Chairman at a later date.

077 Declaration of Interest & Dispensations Requested

The Chairman reminded members of their obligation to disclose any pecuniary interest in items on the agenda. None were declared.

078 Questions/Representations/Correspondence to the Committee

1. Copy correspondence from the Alton Society of their submission to Cala Homes on their proposal for the Drayman’s Way entrance to the Brewery site which had been circulated to all councillors. 2. Councillor Jones asked if there was an updated in respect of the SSE closures in the high street. Councillor Joy confirmed that they should be clear within two weeks and have the road opened up within the next week. 3. Councillor Bayliss spoke to Members in respect of a paper he is submitting to the HALC AGM later this month in respect of antisocial motorbike noise and exhaust noise from cars, for which there is very little visible enforcement. Councillor Bayliss detailed a precedent set in West Sussex to have a task force to deal with this, looking at enforcement and the potential for stronger legislation, requesting that this should be considered by ALC as a county wide priority. Members were happy that this issue be raised at the AGM. 1

079 Applications

079.1 Planning Applications: On the proposal of Councillor Graham Titterington, seconded by Councillor Richard Platt it was

RESOLVED That the views of the committee in respect of each application are as set out in the appendix to the minutes.

079.2 Tree Applications: On the proposal of Councillor Christopher Lawrence seconded by Councillor Richard Platt it was

RESOLVED That the views of the committee in respect of each application are as set out in the appendix to the minutes.

079.4 Other correspondence/reports/information:

079.4.1 EHDC have advised receipt of a Planning Appeal in respect of Lane’s End, 112 Whitedown Lane for one pair of semi-detached dwellings and alterations to existing dwelling with associated access, parking and soft landscaping. Appeal start date 1st September. Planning Inspectorate reference: APP/M1710/W/20/3254856

079.4.2 Letter received from District Councillor Angela Glass, Portfolio Holder for Planning dated 27th August in response to the Mayor’s letter dated 28th July addressed to the Leader of EHDC, Councillor Richard Millard raising the Town Council’s concern over the progression of the new draft Local Plan and the implications in respect of housing numbers for Alton. Members requested that the Clerk contact Head of Planning Simon Jenkins to discuss this further and seek clarification on the current position as well as inviting him to attend the Town Council pre-meeting briefing with a potential Neighbourhood Plan review consultant next month.

080 To consider any matters or reports pertaining to Highways/ Parking/Public Transport,

080.1 SGN will be commencing preliminary gas main relocation works on the new Anstey Road/Anstey Lane junction starting next Monday and lasting approximately 6 weeks. All details were circulated to councillors for information

080.2 Members raised no objection to the consultation in respect of the removal of the public telephone box in the High Street.

The meeting finished at 8.00 p.m.

Following the conclusion of the meeting the Clerk requested that any councillor who wishes to attend the EHDC training on the Government Planning White Paper, who has not responded, to please contact her as soon as possible.

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COMMENTS ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS CONSIDERED BY THE PLANNING & TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 9th SEPTEMBER 2020

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Notification of Full Planning Application

1. 49779/001 Site Address: Biorite, 23 Caker Stream Road, Alton, GU34 2QA Proposal: Change of Use to Use Classes B1(c) and B8 with ancillary B1(a). OBJECTION with comments: The application lacks information in respect of operating hours or employee parking arrangements which are both fundamental to consideration of the application.

2. 56420/003 Site Address: Alton Magistrates Court, 25 Normandy Street, Alton, GU34 1DQ Proposal: Development of 43 retirement living apartments (category ii type) with communal facilities and car parking following demolition of existing buildings OBJECTION. Members wish to restate their objection to application 56420/001 as follows:

1. The Town Council is concerned that 5 apartments do not comply with the National Space Standards and are not Lifetime Homes Compliant, (4, 7, 11, 21 and 28). This is in direct contravention of the JCS CP29 Design.

2. No affordable homes are included, and the Planning Statement argues instead for a Commuted Sum of £559,491.62. This is wholly unacceptable to the Town Council and it is contrary to JC Strategy 2014 ("JCS") CP13. A revised scheme with a separate block of affordable housing, which could include starter homes for young people would overcome the barrier to affordable housing on this site caused by the on-going management fees and the age restriction.

3. The proposed development does not comply with the requirements of Policy TR5 of the Alton Neighbourhood Plan and whilst accepting its town centre location, it is deemed that a more creative solution for parking can be achieved to improved the quantum of parking.

4. The site is in Flood Zone 1, but the southern half of the site is shown to be potentially susceptible to surface water 3

flooding. As with any development at this location it will generate increased run-off, which must be attenuated on site and not increase flood risk elsewhere. Conditions will be required to ensure that any potential for increasing run off exacerbating flooding in the area are strictly complied with and the applicant will be required to provide detailed plans showing the flood flow routes for an exceedance event and a maintenance management plan, based on the final drainage design.

5. The lack of solar panels proposed will not comply with the requirements of the 2020 Future Home Standards legislation for sustainability for development and needs to be addressed to ensure that it does conform in totality given the Climate Emergency declared by the local planning authority as well as the Town Council.

6. The ridge heights of the development fronting Normandy Street are considered excessive and demonstrates a lack of uniformity with the ridge heights of not only the neighbouring properties but also those in the vicinity of this gateway entrance to the town.

7. The Town Council strongly endorses the comments made by the EHDC Ecologist and would seek the planning authorities assistance in insisting on the inclusion of common swift nesting boxes and bat roosting features such as modified tiles.

In addition to these objections Members wish to add a further objection.

8. The applicant’s transport statement states that in a survey of 242 residents 68 were blue badge holders and therefore Members object to the inclusion of only 2 disabled parking spaces across the site which in light of the applicant’s own evidence, is highly inadequate.

Notification of Pre-Decision Amendment

1. 57035 Site Address: Land at Montecchio Way and, Mill Lane, Alton Consultation of Full Planning application. Proposal: Development of a 4,327 sqm retail unit with associated, car parking, landscaping and infrastructure (as amended by plans and additional information received on 27/01/2020, 03/02/2020, 21/02/2020, 31/03/2020, 03/04/2020, 28/04/2020, 21/07/2020 and 12/08/2020). Amendment Details: The applicant has submitted amended plans details a series of design revisions, which are set out in full within the accompanying covering letter. OBJECTION with comments: The Council wishes to maintain the objections previously submitted in 4

respect of this application. In addition, Members are very concerned at two changes to the application which are seen as wholly regressive in nature; both the full provision of solar PV and the inclusion of the financial contribution towards the footpath improvements are integral to the making the application acceptable. Such retrograde measures for economic reasons are to the detriment of the appearance of the development. It is further noted that the recommendations in respect of the contaminated land issue have not been addressed.

Notification of Listed Building Consent application

1. 38187/013 Site Address: Upper Mill House, Upper Neatham Mill Lane, , Alton, GU34 4EP Proposal: replacement roof covering (clay tiles) NO OBJECTION

2. 58891 Site Address: The Old Coach House, Draymans Way, Alton, GU31AY Proposal: Listed building consent - alterations to the internal structure for a change of use from commercial to residential NO OBJECTION

Notification of Householder application

1. 26276/003 Site Address: 36 Complins, Holybourne, Alton, GU34 4EJ Proposal: Single storey rear and side extension, two storey extension to front of house following demolition of existing rear extension NO OBJECTION

2. 28054/028 Site Address: The Priory, 11 Howards Lane, Holybourne, Alton, GU34 4HH Proposal: New vehicular access from Howards Lane OBJECTION with comments. Members are concerned that there is no demonstrable evidence of need for the proposal. Members concur with the safety concerns in respect of inadequate visibility as raised by Hampshire Highways Members are concerned at the damage to the wall in the Conservation Area

3. 30588/005 Site Address: 37 Park Close Road, Alton, GU34 2EZ Proposal: Two storey rear and side extension and front porch NO OBJECTION, although Members wish to comment on the regrettable nature of the removal of the hedgerow

4. 38187/012 Site Address: Upper Neatham Mill House, Upper Neatham Mill Lane, Holybourne, Alton, GU34 4EP Proposal: replacement roof covering (clay tiles) NO OBJECTION

5. 58520 Site Address: Medway, 4 Geales Crescent, Alton, GU34 2ND 5

Proposal: Single storey extension to rear & front of garage and workshop NO OBJECTION

6. 58696/001 Site Address: Rosewood, 25 Shipley Close, Alton, GU34 2RW Proposal: Conversion of garage to utility room and provision of an additional parking space NO OBJECTION

7. 58904 Site Address: 9 Oliver Rise, Alton, GU34 2BN Proposal: Single storey rear extension and conversion of garage to habitable accommodation NO OBJECTION

Notification of Electronic Communications application

1. 58900 Site Address: Corner of Ackender Road and Rack Close Road, Alton. GU34 1JW Proposal: Prior Notification - Installation of fixed line broadband electronic communication apparatus 9 metre-high wooden pole NO OBJECTION

2. 58902 Site Address: Street Record, Queens Road, Alton Proposal: Prior Notification - Installation of fixed line broadband electronic communication apparatus 11 metre high medium wooden pole NO OBJECTION

3. 58902/001 Site Address: Street Record, Queens Road, Alton Proposal: Prior Notification - Installation of 11 metre high wooden pole Adj 79 Queens Road, Alton OBJECTION. The location is at the entrance to footpath 17 and as such Members would not wish the infrastructure to cause an obstruction to the entrance to the footpath which is occasionally used by vehicles for maintenance purposes in neighbouring properties and to maintain the path itself.

Notification of EIA Screening Opinion application in a Neighbouring Parish.

1. 55506/001 Site Address: land at Manor Farm, West Proposal: Request for EIA Screening Opinion for a proposed Solar Farm and associated development on land at Manor Farm, West Worldham NO COMMENT

TREE APPLICATIONS

1. 33954/003 Site Address: Westbrook, 43 Lenten Street, Alton, GU34 1HE Re: Notification of intention to carry out Works to trees within a Conservation Area Proposal: Fell Sycamore tree. No 1 on sketch plan. Awaiting the comments of the Tree Warden 6

2. 51019/005 Site Address: 2 Malthouse Mews, Holybourne, Alton, GU34 4EZ Re: Notification of intention to carry out Works to trees within a Conservation Area Proposal: Hornbeam Trees x 2 removal. Awaiting the comments of the Tree Warden

3. 51709/006 Site Address: TPO number EH456, Land at Former Lord Mayor Treloar Hospital, Alton, Park Road, Alton Re: Application for consent for Works to trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order Proposal: T-0099 Mature Horse Chestnut - To be removed. North of Connaught Way. T-0398 Mature Beech - To be removed. North of Robertson Close. Awaiting the comments of the Tree Warden

4. 57825/002 Site Address: 15 London Road, Holybourne, Alton, GU34 4EG Re: Application for consent for Works to trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order Proposal: Tree 1: Ash - Reduce lateral growth by minimum 2 metre clearance of the roof line, leaving branch lengths of approximately 4-5 metres. Tree 2: Sycamore - Reduce lateral growth (East) to minimum 2 metre clearance of the house roof line, leaving branch lengths of approximately 1-3 metres. Awaiting the comments of the Tree Warden

LICENSING

1. The Wheatsheaf, Market Square, Alton Monday – Sunday from 12.00 noon until 2100 hours daily

6 rectangular tables with parasols 7 barriers 6 moveable planters

Consultation Date End: 2nd September 2020 with comments requested from councillors by 27th August. Response already submitted to EHDC. NO OBJECTION

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