Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning, Town & Environment Committee
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OPEN SESSION: There were several members of the public present, regarding planning application number 13/10364. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING, TOWN & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Held on Friday 6th September 2013 at 10.00am Cllr Sophie Burgess-Kennar (Chairman) Cllr Neville Chard Cllr Christine Ford Cllr Angela Wiseman IN ATTENDANCE: Jo Stannard, Deputy Town Clerk Emily Pollitt, Student Advisor The Deputy Town Clerk reported that apologies for absence had been received from Cllr Rippon-Swaine and Cllr Stokes. P/5069 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Cllr Ford declared a non-pecuniary interest and Cllr Burgess-Kennar declared a pecuniary interest in planning applications – see P/5071 below. P/5070 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 2nd August 2013, having been circulated, be approved and signed as a correct record. P/5071 PLANNING APPLICATIONS Members considered the planning applications as detailed in Annex A attached. Cllr Ford declared a non-pecuniary interest in application 13/10776 as the applicant is a friend. The Chairman, Cllr Burgess-Kennar, declared a pecuniary interest in application 13/10984 due to a business connection. Cllr Ford chaired the meeting whilst this application was considered. As there were members of the public wishing to comment, application number 13/10364 was brought forward and discussed first. 13/10364 - 54 & 56 NFDC PUBLIC OFFICES, 65 CHRISTCHURCH ROAD 1 three-storey block comprised, ground floor (Use Class A1, A2 & D1) first and second floors 8 flats; 1 terrace of 3 houses; bin & cycle stores; parking; landscaping; demolition of existing. Page 1 of 1 The Deputy Town Clerk advised that the application was due to be considered by the District Council’s Planning Development Control Committee on 11th September and summarised the Planning Officer’s report, which recommended approval. Residents of Woodstock Lane were concerned that the proposed terrace of three dwellings at the rear of the site was too close to the Lane and would have an overbearing impact, causing loss of light and privacy. The design of these houses was also felt to be contrary to the Ringwood Local Distinctiveness Supplementary Planning Document. They stated that the Lane was in private ownership and objected to the possible increase in traffic and parking which could be generated by the development. Another resident objected to the proposed convenience store in an area where other retail units had all but failed. This would also take trade away from the town centre. The design of the three-storey building would be out of character in the Conservation Area and would have an overbearing impact on the adjacent property at 63 Christchurch Road. Residents were also concerned about the inadequate number of parking spaces (both for residential and retail use), loss of trees and poor access to the development causing problems for emergency vehicles. After a full and detailed discussion, Members agreed the observation shown in Annex A. Members also considered a list of observations that had been agreed under delegated powers, as the deadline for comments had expired prior to the meeting date. RESOLVED: 1) That the observations summarised in Annex A be submitted. 2) That the list of observations in Annex B be approved. ACTION Claire Perrens P/5072 PLANNING APPEAL – 9 SOUTHAMTPON ROAD Members considered an appeal regarding application 13/10553 for a front extension and shop front, taking note of the Conservation Officer’s report, which had not been available when the original application was considered. This Council submitted an observation of Refusal (4) – Members considered the proposed front extension of the shop would be out of keeping with the street scene and detrimental to the adjacent retail outlets, particularly the neighbouring estate agency, whose objection is supported. Another concern is the narrow pavement which is to some extent alleviated by the availability of the existing open porch area of No 9. RESOLVED: That the original objection be sustained and additional comments be made to the Inspector, supporting the Conservation Officer’s views. ACTION Jo Stannard Page 2 of 2 P/5073 SAFETY MEASURES ON THE A31 – RINGWOOD SECTION The Committee considered the response from the Transport Minister, Stephen Hammond MP, following the meeting with him in London in May. This was accompanied by two reports setting out the Highways Agency’s position on speed limit and signing and a statement by Hampshire Police regarding the proposed 50mph speed limit – Annex C. Members were disappointed that Hampshire Police had not supported the 50mph speed limit and that, for this reason, together with an estimated cost of over £1 million, the Transport Minister had taken the decision not to proceed with the proposed trial. However, it was agreed that no further action should be taken on this issue at the present time. It was noted with interest that the Signing Strategy Position Statement referred to the “existing substandard road geometry”, therefore acknowledging that the road is not fit for purpose. Members agreed that this issue should be taken up with the Highways Agency at the earliest opportunity. This may be an opportunity for discussions about the relief road to be re-commenced, which would take traffic off the A31 prior to the main Ringwood junctions. As the report recommended further liaison be carried out on the Signing Strategy proposals, it was agreed to appoint a small group of Member to liaise with the Highways Agency; it was considered that the three Members who met with the Minister in London would be best placed to do this. Members also discussed the proposed Signing Strategy and agreed that Option C, being the most comprehensive option covering Picket Post to Ashley Heath, should be recommended. RECOMMENDED: 1) That no further action be taken on the speed limit at this time. 2) That the Council recommend that Option C in the Signing Strategy be implemented. 3) That Cllrs Heron, Rippon-Swaine and Thierry be appointed to liaise with the Highways Agency and report back to the Planning, Town & Environment Committee. 4) That this group of Members take up the issue of the substandard road geometry with the Highways Agency at the earliest opportunity, and re- commence discussions about the relief road. ACTION Claire Perrens / Jo Stannard P/5074 FLOODING ISSUES Members were pleased to note a report on action being taken by the Environment Agency to clear culverts under the Castleman Trailway – Annex D. Cllr Wiseman, one of the Council’s Flood Wardens, reported on some work that had been carried out by Hampshire County Council in the Sandford and Kingston areas. Page 3 of 3 She stated that there was a need for a further meeting with the local highways engineer as there was still work outstanding. RESOLVED: 1) That the reports be noted. 2) That a meeting be arranged with the Council’s Flood Wardens and the local highways engineer to discuss flooding issues in the Sandford and Kingston areas. ACTION Jo Stannard P/5075 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ISSUES Members received notes of the Informal Local Members Liaison Meeting held on 7th August. RESOLVED: That the notes of the Informal Local Members Liaison Meeting be received and the actions therein be approved. There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 11.50am. RECEIVED APPROVED 25th September 2013 4th October 2013 TOWN MAYOR COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Note: The text in the Action Boxes above does not form part of these minutes. Page 4 of 4 Annex A to Planning, Town Environment Committee Minutes - 2 August 2013 Ringwood Town Council - Planning Observations - NFDC Number Site Address Proposal Observation Comments 13/10494 7 RIVERSIDE, Single-storey side Refusal (4) The design of the proposed extension would RINGWOOD BH24 1EJ extension be out of keeping with the existing building and detrimental to the local distinctiveness of the conservation area. 13/10532 54 & 56 SOUTHAMPTON Development comprised Permission (3) Members were pleased to note that previous ROAD, RINGWOOD BH24 2 commercial units (Use concerns had been addressed and 1JD Class B1); 17 flats, considered the proposals to be in keeping including associated with the distinctiveness of this particular infrastructure; car and area. Permission should be subject to cycle parking; amenity approval by the Highways Authority. space (Demolition of 54 & 56 Southampton Road) 13/10609 48-50 HIGH STREET, Use of store as Permission (3) RINGWOOD BH24 1BQ restaurant; glazed link walkway; fenestration alterations 13/10661 ELECTRICITY SUB Repair of river wall Officer Decision (5) STATION, MILL LANE, RINGWOOD 13/10679 8 MEADOW CLOSE, Single-storey rear Refusal (4) Members considered that the proposals due RINGWOOD BH24 1RX extension; roof to their scale, bulk and design would have a alterations in association negative impact on the street scene. with new first floor; rooflights. 1 - Recommend Permission, but would accept officer's decision 2 - Recommend Refusal but would accept officer's decision 3 - Recommend Permission 4 - Recommend Refusal 5 - Will accept officer's decision 02 August 2013 Page 1 of 3 Number Site Address Proposal Observation Comments 13/10787 8 SWAN MEAD, Single-storey rear Refusal (4) The proposed flat roof extension would be RINGWOOD BH24 3RD extension out of keeping with the style of other property in the area. It is recommended that a site visit is made to the neighbouring property at the rear (9 Linnet Close) as there may be erroneous measurements of the distances from the boundary