29 26.8.2010 Planning PLANNING COMMITTEE Minutes of the proceedings at a meeting of the Committee held in the Council Chamber at South Lakeland House, Kendal, on Thursday, 26 August 2010 at 10.00 a.m. Present Councillors Ian McPherson (Chairman) Brenda Gray (Vice-Chairman) Brian Cooper Joss Curwen Colin Davies Sheila Eccles Sylvia Emmott Clive Graham Colin Hodgson Janette Jenkinson Sonia Lawson David Williams Mary Wilson Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Alan Baverstock, Philip Dixon, Frank Hodson, Kevin Lancaster and Maureen Nicholson. Officers Zaheer Bashir Solicitor Lillian Hopkins Planning Officer (part) Janine Jenkinson Assistant Democratic Services Officer Mark Shipman Development Control Team Leader P/040 MINUTES RESOLVED – That the Chairman be authorised to sign, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 29 July 2010. P/041 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST RESOLVED – That it be noted that Councillor Brian Cooper made a declaration of interest in Minute P/044 (Planning Application No.SL/2010/0382) and Minute P/044 (Planning Application No.SL/2010/0360). P/042 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972 – EXCLUDED ITEMS RESOLVED – That it be noted that there were no items in Part II of the Agenda. P/043 PLANNING APPLICATIONS The Development Control Team Leader submitted a Schedule of Planning Applications and his recommendations thereon. RESOLVED – That (1) the applications be determined as indicated below (the numbers denote the Schedule numbers of the application); 30 26.8.2010 Planning (2) except where stated below, the applications be subject to the relevant conditions and advice notes, as outlined in the Schedule; and (3) except where stated below, the reasons for refusal be those as outlined in the Schedule. Note - Councillor Brian Cooper declared a personal interest in the following item of business, by virtue of being a former resident of the area. P/044 COMPLEX PLANNING APPLICATIONS RESOLVED – That the following applications be determined in the manner set out:- 4.SL/2010/0360 KENDAL: Recreational area between Vicars Fields and Long Close, Kendal. Recreational facilities and equipment. (Mrs Diane Horner) A site visit had been undertaken and Members had now had the opportunity to assess the relationship between the play equipment and the neighbouring properties. The main issue for consideration was whether particular items of equipment were located too close to residential properties on Vicarage Drive and Vicars Fields and exerted a detrimental impact on the occupiers of those properties. Overall, Members felt that the siting of the play equipment was acceptable and that the facilities would be a beneficial asset to the local community. GRANT – Subject to conditions relating to landscaping details, a standard time limit and the implementation of suitable fencing. 9.SL/2010/0457 KENDAL: 1A Garth Brow, Kendal. Two storey extension to care home. (Mrs Alex Wolfenden) The Committee felt that the development was appropriate in this residential area in terms of scale and design and the level of car parking provision in this location was acceptable. GRANT 1.SL/2010/0089 OLD HUTTON AND HOLMESCALES: Little Eskrigg End Farm, Old Hutton, Kendal. Storage and animal treatment building. (Mr & Mrs J Heap) In order to appreciate the location of the proposed development Members felt that that it would be appropriate to defer a decision on this application in order to undertake a site visit. DEFER – for site visit. 7.SL/2010/0416 STRICKLAND ROGER: Houseman Tenement Farm, Burneside, Kendal. Dwelling with associated access and installation of septic tank. (Mr Paul Whitton) 31 26.8.2010 Planning Members were advised that the report from Lancashire County Council Land Agent had concluded that there was no established functional need for a farm worker to be available on site and therefore the development of a farm building could not be justified. Notwithstanding the advice from the Council’s agricultural consultant, the Planning Officer stated that the applicant had achieved a viable and sustainable scale of long term farm enterprise with high livestock levels and recommended that there was a valid need for a farmer to be resident on site. In addition, the Committee was informed that the Planning Department intended to seek advice from an alternative agent for future applications. GRANT 10.SL/2010/0458 SKELSMERGH: Field to East of Dodding Green, Mealbank, Kendal. Erection of two poly tunnels. (Friends for a UK Cenacolo Community) The Planning Officer read out in full a letter of objection that had been received from Mr Kell. Concerns raised related to the size of the poly tunnels and adverse impact on the rural character of the area, neighbouring properties and the adjoining listed building. A full copy of his submission is available on the Planning Department’s file. Members welcomed the application and wished to support this unique and worthwhile charity. GRANT – Subject to the condition detailed in the Schedule and an additional condition relating to the height of the hedge. 2.SL/2010/0093 GRANGE OVER SANDS: Berners car park, Kent Bank Road, Grange over Sands. Erection of health centre. (Mr A Caldwell) The Planning Officer reported that the applicant had provided information regarding the level of car parking provision. A public consultation exercise had been carried out and a further assessment had confirmed that the proposed number of spaces was appropriate. With regards to drainage and the discharge of surface water, Members were advised that a suitable attenuation system could be implemented to manage surface water. The Environment Agency had indicated that they were comfortable with the details. Members were keen to support the proposal as the development would significantly improve health facilities for local residents. The Corporate Director (Communities) be authorised to GRANT subject to the conditions as detailed in the Schedule and 32 26.8.2010 Planning satisfactory conclusion to negotiations regarding the details and provision of car parking spaces. 12.SL/2010/0521 KIRKBY LONSDALE: Hawkrigg Lune Valley Park, Hawkrigg Farm, Old Town. Installation of Wind Turbine. (Mr Gareth Cowin) Members were advised that a letter of objection had been received highlighting concerns relating to the developments impact on the local ecology, in particular bats, buzzards and owls. In addition, the Committee was advised that although an acoustic report had been submitted with the application, it did not relate to this site, the existing background noise levels or the proposed turbine noise in this location. Members felt that insufficient evidence had been submitted to determine the impact the application would exert on neighbouring residents and therefore elected to refuse the proposal. REFUSE 3.SL/2010/0349 GRANGE OVER SANDS: 22 Highfield Road, Grange over Sands. Raising roof to form first floor ancillary accommodation in detached outbuilding. (Mr K Dale and Ms C Wilde) The application had been deferred at the last Committee meeting to allow for a site visit. Members had now had the opportunity to view and assess the application in relation to the location. Concerns were raised regarding the ancillary use of the accommodation and the development’s impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents. REFUSE – due to overbearing impact on neighbouring residents. 5.SL/2010/0361 EGTON WITH NEWLAND: Land register parcel ID 1015, Plumpton, Newlands, Near Ulverston. Erection of agricultural livestock building. (Mr Thor Atkinson) A site visit had been undertaken by the Committee and Members had now had the opportunity to view the site and assess the issues raised by the application. The main issues in this case related to the visual and environmental impact of the proposed building and the justification for constructing a substantial building isolated from the established farm. Overall, it was felt that subject to suitable conditions to minimise the impact of the development, the application could be 33 26.8.2010 Planning supported. GRANT – Subject to conditions to relating to landscaping, materials to be used and a standard time limit. Note - Councillor Brian Cooper declared a personal interest in the following item of business, by virtue of being a customer of the garage. 6.SL/2010/0382 HOLME: Taylor’s Garage, Milnthorpe Road, Holme, Carnforth. Demolition of commercial service garage and erection of three dwellings. (Mr Matthew Towers). The Planning Officer advised the Committee that Cumbria Highways had stated that the application was broadly acceptable, although the arrangement was awkward and cramped. Members raised concerns regarding the proximity of the development to nearby residential properties and felt it would be appropriate to defer a decision on the application in order to undertake a site visit. DEFER – for site visit. 8.SL/2010/0456 GRANGE OVER SANDS: 4 Sedgwick Court, Cart Lane, Grange over Sands. Extensions and alterations. (Mr Alan and Mrs Margaret Calvert) Consideration of this application had been deferred at the last meeting in order to undertake a site visit. Members had now had the opportunity to view the site and consider the impact of the extension upon the surrounding Conservation Area and nearby properties. Subject to the application of suitable conditions, Members felt the submission was acceptable. GRANT 11.SL/2010/0503 URSWICK: 5 St Marys Garth, Great Urswick, Ulverston. Single storey extension. (South Lakes Housing) Members were advised that the exceptional circumstances of the occupiers of the property could be viewed as a material consideration in this instance. On balance, the Committee considered the impact of the development to be acceptable. GRANT P/045 STRAIGHTFORWARD PLANNING APPLICATIONS RESOLVED – That the following application be determined in the manner set out:- 34 26.8.2010 Planning 13.SL/2010/0633 GRANGE OVER SANDS: 17 Priory Crescent, Grange over Sands. Single storey extension. (Mr & Mrs A Christie) The application had been brought to the Committee due to one of the applicants being an employee of the Council.