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DEVELOPMENT CONTROL SUB-COMMITTEE held at 2.30 pm at COUNCIL OFFICES HIGH STREET on 14 SEPTEMBER 1998

Present:- Councillor Mrs M A Caton - Vice-Chairman in the Chair. Councillors Mrs C A Cant, Mrs J F Cheetham, R A E Clifford, R J Copping, Mrs I Delderfield, R D Green, A R Thawley and R B Tyler.

Officers in attendance:- Mrs L J Crowe, K R Davis, J Grayson, Mrs J Postings and Miss K Wood.

I. SITE MEETINGS

The Sub-Committee inspected the sites of the following applications:-

0330/98/FUL - Two storey front and rear extensions, raising of roof, front and rear dormer extensions, and linked rear swimming pool building - 39 Walden Road, Sewards End for Mr and Mrs D Hargrave.

(1) 0788/98/FUL and (2) 0789/98/LB - (1) Alterations and extensions (2) Demolition of modern extensions and chimney - Pledgdon Green Farm, Pledgdon Green for Mr and Mrs D J Coleby.

(1) 0651/98/FUL and (2) 0652/98/LB Stansted - (1) Restoration/rebuilding/extension of Priory to form offices. Restoration of walled garden, garden house and grounds. Construction of new vehicular access from Bury Lodge Lane. Formation of car parking. (2) Part demolition/restoration/rebuilding/extension of Priory. Restoration of walled garden and garden house - Thremhall Priory, Dunmow Road/Bury Lodge Lane for Worsted Investments Ltd.

I. APOLOGIES

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors W F Bowker, Mrs D M Haggerwood and D M Miller.

I. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 24 August 1998 were received, conf irmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

I. BUSINESS ARISING

P55 Enforcement of Planning Control - Erection of Banner Sign and Display of Advertisement Boards at The Cricketers Public House, Beaumont Hill, Great Dunmow

In answer to a question from Councillor Clifford on this item the Head of Development Control replied that the Council was awaiting a reply from County Council Transportation and Operational Services.

P56 Broadgrove Cottage, Road, Barnston - 0329/98/CL

In answer to a question from Councillor Copping on this item the Head of Development Control replied that the Council was awaiting a reply from Essex County Council Transportation and Operational Services.

P58 Planning Agreements (2) Land at Old Bell Close, Stansted (0175/98/OP)

The Head of Development Control informed Members that a late letter had been received from Councillor A Dean asking Members to re-consider their decision on this application. Members discussed the future implementation of traffic calming at Old Bell Close and it was

RESOLVED that the decision to grant planning permission for the development proposed subject to the conditions recorded in the Town Planning Register without a Section 106 Agreement as agreed at the Development Control Sub-CommitteePage 1 meeting held on 24 August 1998 be adhered to and that 513

a letter be sent to the Essex County Council Transportation and Operational Services requesting traffic calming measures to be included when further development takes place.

I. APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN

It was noted that application number 0923/98/FUL Saffron Walden had been withdrawn.

I. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

(a) Approvals

RESOLVED that planning permission, and listed building consent where applicable, be granted for the following developments, subject to the conditions, if any, recorded in the Town Planning Register:-

0531/98/FUL Elmdon - Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two detached dwellings and single garage - Four Acres, Duddenhoe End for Mr I Smith.

(1) 0788/98/FUL & (2) 0789/98/LB Henham - (1) Alterations and extensions (2) Demolition of modern extensions and chimney - Pledgdon Green Farm, Pledgdon Green for Mr and Mrs D J Coleby.

0880/98/FUL Debden - Removal of agricultural occupancy condition from planning permission UTT/0583/80 - Deynes Farmhouse for Mr and Mrs P Swan.

0330/98/FUL Saffron Walden - Two-storey front and rear extensions, raising the roof, front and rear dormer extensions, and linked rear swimming pool building - 39 Walden Road, Sewards End for Mr and Mrs D Hargrave.

0627/98/FUL Little Canfield - Change of use to car sales, replacement workshop building - Canfield Service Station, Dunmow Road for K & J Cass Ltd.

(1) 0846/98/FUL & (2) 0847/98/FUL Great Canfield and Hatfield Broad Oak - (1) and (2) Permanent retention of industrial uses. Land at Hart Farm for Bitmen Engineering Limited and L P Fabrications Limited.

0902/98/FUL Hatfield Heath - Retrospective application to retain hay barn - Corringales, Dunmow Road for Mr A Sewell.

0101/98/FUL Manuden - Change of use of part of paddock to car park, and construction of 10 parking spaces - Paddock r/o 3-21 The Street for The Battlement Trust.

(1) 0934/98/FUL & (2) 0935/98/LB Little Hallingbury - (1) Conversion of barn to single dwelling. (2) Alterations relating to conversion of barn to single dwelling - The Dairy Farm Barn, The Dairy Farm for Mr R Marsh.

0993/98/FUL Saffron Walden - Dwelling, garage block adjacent 61 Claypit Piece for ECMS Limited.

(b) Refusals

RESOLVED that the following applications for planning permission, and listed building consent where applicable, be not granted for the reasons stated in the Town Planning Register:-

0860/98/FUL Widdington - Detached house and outbuilding - Land between Old Forge and Shambles, Wood End for Mr R A J Hoy.

0795/98/FUL Aythorpe Roding - Detached dwelling and alteration of existing access - Plot adjacent 2 Millgate Cottages, Gunners Green for Mr J Bussey.

0883/98/FUL Radwinter - Change of use of stables to 2 holiday let cottages - Plough Hill Farm, Hempstead Road for Mr R Martin.

(c) Authority to Corporate DirectorPage - Development 2 514

RESOLVED that the Corporate Director - Development, in consultation with the Chairman of the Sub-Committee, be authorised to approve the following applications subject to the conditions to be recorded in the Town Planning Register, following the expiry of the notification periods:-

0845/98/FUL Takeley - Change of use of former station to office/residential accommodation including occasional group use - The Former Station, Station Road for the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.

0942/98/FUL Saffron Walden - Bungalow and garage to replace existing dwelling - Wharfdale, 91 Pleasant Valley for Mr and Mrs P Young.

0973/98/DFO Great Dunmow - Chalet Bungalow and single garage (outline approved under UTT/0716/95/OP) for agricultural worker - Tiggers, Ongar Road for Mr and Mrs T Kendall.

(d) Deferments

RESOLVED that the determination of the following applications be deferred:-

1459/97/FUL Clavering - 20 metre high lattice tower with antenna, dishes and control cabin - Stortford Road for Scoffield Motor Services.

Reason:- To investigate alternative sites and to determine the application at the next meeting on 5 October 1998.

0155/98/FUL Little Bardfield - Change of use of agricultural to residential garden land and construction of tennis court with 2.75m high fencing - Oxon End for Mr R Adams.

Reason:- To clarify the address, land ownership and hedge maintenance and to determine it at the next meeting on 5 October 1998.

0711/98/FUL Widdington - Conversion of former agricultural buildings to B1 Business Use (light industrial and provision of car parking) - The Piggeries, Cornells Lane for Mr R A J Hoy.

Reason:- For further negotiations at the applicant's request.

(1) 0651/98/FUL and (2) 0652/98/LB Stansted - (1) Restoration/re-building/extension of Priory to form offices. Restoration of walled garden, garden house and grounds. Construction of new vehicular access from Bury Lodge Lane. Formation of car parking. (2) Part demolition/restoration/re-building/extension of Priory. Restoration of walled garden and garden house - Thremhall Priory, Dunmow Road/Bury Lodge Lane for Worsted Investments Limited.

Reason:- For further information to be obtained regarding pro ximity to the Airport and comparison of footprints of proposal and approved developments.

0885/98/FUL Stebbing - Replacement dwelling and double garage - The Bungalow, Stebbing Ford, Stane Street for Mr S Lilleywhite.

Reason:- To continue negotiations for a smaller dwelling.

0864/98/FUL Takeley - 15m tall mast with 2 dual polar antennae, three microwave dishes, equipment cabin and electrical meter cabinet to replace existing mast - BT Takeley, Dunmow Road for Mercury Personal Communications.

Reason:- To investigate a possible alternative site at Fanns Farm.

0793/98/FUL High Easter - Change of use of public house to dwelling - The Cock and Bell Inn, The Street for A W Steele.

Reason:- To consider additional information submitted by the applicant.

0980/98/FUL Little Dunmow - Removal of condition restricting occupation to agricultural worker - The Barn, Tooleys Farm, Brook End for Mr J P Wright.Page 3 515

Reason:- To obtain further information on the value of the property.

(1) 0893/98/FUL and (2) 0894/98/LB Henham - (1) Residential conversion of granary and cart lodge. (2) Alterations associated with residential conversion of granary and cart lodge - Henham Lodge for J W Smith and Company.

Reason:- For further negotiations at the applicant's request.

Mr M Collard of Felsted Parish Council and Mr R Head of Little Dunmow Parish Council attended to speak on the following item. A summary of the points they raised is appended to these Minutes.

0903/98/FUL Felsted - Temporary storage of soil reclaimed from settlement lagoons - Land r/o 35-63 Station Road for Berisford Property Developments Limited.

Reason:- For consultation to take place with Chelmsford Borough Council, to expedite a reply from the Environment Agency and for further negotiations.

(e) District Council Developments

Members considered the following applications submitted on behalf of the Council and

RESOLVED

1 the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions be recommended to grant listed building consent subject to the proposed conditions, and

2 that planning permission be granted under Section 90 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

1 0901/98/LB Great Dunmow - Signs on front elevation - Council Offices, High Street for District Council.

Members expressed conc ern at the inadequate ramp access and inconvenient location of the litter bin and agreed to draw these to the attention of the Property Services Manager.

2 0906/98/FUL Hatfield Broad Oak - Single-storey rear extension - 3 Water Villas for Uttlesford Distr ict Council.

(f) Reference to Planning and Development Committee

(1) 0555/98/DC and (2) 0556/98/DC Great Dunmow - (1) New fitness and leisure centre and associated car parking. Formation of new access road. (2) Artificial turf sports pitch and flood lighting - Helena Romanes School, Parsonage Downs for Uttlesford District Council.

RESOLVED that the above applications be referred to the Planning and Development Committee recommending approval with conditions.

(g) Site Visits

The Sub-Committee agreed to visit the sites of the following applications on 5 October 1998:-

0938/98/OP Newport - Change of use from agricultural use to residential and erection of 2 two-storey dwellings - Site adjacent 3 Whiteditch Lane for Mr and Mrs Barber.

Reason:- To assess the impact on the rural character of the area.

0930/98/FUL Great Dunmow - Conversion of farm buildings to form 7 additional units of bed and breakfast accommodation and associated facilities - Homelye Farm for Mr M Pickford.

Reason: To assess the effect on the rural amenities and highway dangers. Page 4 516

I. REDEVELOPMENT OF FELSTED SUGAR BEET FACTORY LITTLE DUNMOW - PROPOSAL TO ALTER THE MASTER PLAN IN RELATION TO LANDSCAPE PHASING

Mr M Collard of Felsted Parish Council and Mr R Head of Little Dunmow Parish Council attended to speak on the following item. A summary of the points they raised is appended to these Minutes.

Members considered a report requesting a variation of the Master Plan in relation to the phasing of landscape works and delaying the implementation of planting to the south of the ultimate edge of the development area so as to coincide with the construction of the 166 - 300 houses and not with the first 165 houses.

The Master Plan for this development had been approved by the Planning and Development Committee in February 1998. Proposed phasing of landscape works had been indicated which was consistent with the provisions of the Section 106 Agreement associated with the outline planning permission.

The developer was currently excavating the lagoons to dry top soil in them. It had become apparent that a much larger proportion of material was capable of use on site for landscaping purposes than had been anticipated. Consequently a large amount of space was required to dry the material and s ubsequently store it prior to its re-use as the development progressed. Lagoons 3 and 4 had been excavated but water was still ponding in them rendering these lagoon areas unsuitable for storage of dry top soil or use as drying areas.

The latest proposal was to excavate top soil from lagoons 1, 2 and 5 and store it wet on the western flank of the site up to 3 metres deep. This would enable the empty lagoons 1, 2 and 5 to be filled with selected engineering materials from lagoons 6, 7 and 7a which would then be shaped as part of the contract to shape the majority of the site. The drying and shaping of the material could not now be physically achieved within the period when the first 165 houses were being constructed. It was proposed that the landscaping would be carried out in the next phase of the site's development ie. at the time when 166 - 300 houses were being constructed.

Members felt this proposal should be the subject of consultations with Chelmsford Borough Council and should also be considered jointly with the planning application for the temporary storage of soil to the rear of properties in Station Road. Both proposals required further discussion with the developers.

RESOLVED that this matter be deferred for

1 further discussion with the developer, and

2 Chelmsford Borough Council and the NRA to be consulted.

I. APPEAL DECISIONS

The Sub-Committee noted the following appeal decisions:-

(a) Allowed

(1) Conversion and part re-building of former workshop to dwelling - Land adjoining Talbo ts, Cambridge Road, Quendon (1458/97/FUL).

(ii) Enforcement notices requiring (a) the cessation of use of land and part of barn B for the storage and distribution of agro chemicals and (b) the cessation of use of part of barn B for the fabrication of pla stic panels - Land and building at Hill Green Farm, Clavering (ENF/53/97/D).

(iii) Chalet bungalow - land adjacent to Toppins, Duddenhoe End, Elmdon (1080/97/FUL).

(b) Dismissed

(i) Demolition of existing buildings and erection of replacement buildin g for egg packing/storage and despatch - Camp Farm, Mill Lane, Hatfield Heath (1032/97/FUL).

(ii) Side extension over garage - 2 Hailes Wood, (1111/97/FUL). Page 5 517

(iii) Change of use of dwelling to bed and breakfast accommodation - Dunwell, Chapel End, (0014/98/FUL).

(iv) Demolition of existing house and the erection of 3 new houses with garages - Wood Hall, Bartlow Road, Hadstock (1316/97/OP).

(v) Detached house and garage for domestic use - Land adjacent to Hadley, Bardfield End Green, (1141/97/FUL).

(vi) Change of use to Class B8 of redundant agricultural building following partial reinstatement and upgrading - part of OS169B adjacent Tile Kiln Green, Start Hill, Great Hallingbury (1143/97/FUL).

(vii) Enforcement Notices requiring the cessation of:-

(a) the use of the premises for the cooking of hot food and/or for the operation of a delivery service of such food, and

(b) the use of the premises for the preparation of hot food for delivery and change of use to A3 takeaway - land and building at Unit 4, Heathview, Pond Lane, Hatfield Heath (ENF/266/96/C).

I. EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC

RESOLVED that, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of Exempt Information as defined in paragraph 12 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act.

I. ENFORCEMENT OF PLANNING CONTROL - PROGRESS REPORT

The Sub-Committee received a progress report on outstanding Enforcement Cases.

(i) B&T Motor Salvage, Duck End, Stebbing.

As the hearing was not likely to take place before June/July 1999, the Legal Section was endeavouring to have it expedited.

(ii) Stonebridge, Chelmsford Road, Hatfield Heath

It was noted that compliance had been achieved.

(iii) Tanners Farm, Stebbing

It was noted that compliance had been achieved.

(iv) Hill Green Farm, Clavering

The appeals had been upheld and temporary planning permission had been granted for 4 years.

(v) Forest View, New Barn Lane, Great Hallingbury

It was noted that compliance had been achieved.

(vi) Drury Cottage, Building End, Chrishall

It was noted that the appeal against the Enforcement Notice had been dismissed.

(vii) Land at Watch House Farm, Watch House Green, Felsted

The appeal was proceeding and the Inspector's decision was awaited. Page 6 518

(viii) Heathview, Hatfield Heath

It was noted that the Enforcement Notice had been upheld.

(ix) Ostlers, Rockells Farm, Elmdon

It was noted that an appeal had been lodged against the Enforcement Notice and the decision was awaited.

(x) Handleys Farm, Great Easton

A Breach of Condition Notice had been served.

The meeting ended at 5.40 pm.

Page 7 519

DEVELOPMENT CONTROL SUB-COMMITTEE - 14 SEPTEMBER 1998

Comments made by representatives of Town/Parish Councils

0903/98/FUL Felsted

Felsted Parish Council - this proposal should be considered with the proposed revision to the Master Plan for the sugar beet works redevelopment in relation to landscaping phasing.

(a) The Inspector at the recent Inquiry into redevelopment of the sugar beet works recommended that planning permission be granted having taken into account an obligation by the developer to proceed with landscaping and screening prior to occupation of the first dwelling.

(b) The ponding in Lagoons 3 and 4 must be resolved to allow the reprofiling of the development site to be carried out. Drainage work should take place, so that the lagoons could be used to store more soil on site.

(c) Development in the countryside is not acceptable particularly when it involves changing the use of a site adjacent to an area of special landscape value.

(d) Concern from local residents about long periods of noise and vehicle fumes.

(e) Significant loss of privacy.

(f) Risk of smells and high levels of gas.

(g) What would be the impact of contamination in the soil?

(h) The rate of redevelopment of the sugar beet site is contingent on the A120 improvements. There is no programme date for this road scheme and therefore no definite date for the completion of the redevelopment and the cessation of storage of soil.

(i) Residents are concerned that the storage of soil may substantially lead to housing development on this site.

Little Dunmow Parish Council

(a) End orsed the concern that the Inspector at the recent Inquiry only gave his consent because of the promise of landscaping and screening prior to building work commencing.

(b) Suggested the ponding in the lagoons was due to inadequate drainage provision.

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