Broad Street
 Wrington Parish Council, Planning Committee
 Minutes
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Local Government
Minutes of a Meeting of the Planning Committee of Wrington Parish Council held in the John Locke room on Tuesday, 14th April, 2009
       
Present:
1 Apologies:
Mr D. W. Glynn, Chairman
Mr P. Ellis
Mrs J. Gallop
Ms E. P. Irving
Mrs P. Ledbury
Mr R. L. Thorn
Mrs C. Turton
Ms G. Wilson, Clerk
Mrs G. J. Bigg
Mrs G. Moss
Mrs C. A. Phillips
Mrs D. J. Yamanaka

In attendance:

The Chairman opened the meeting at 6.00 pm.

2. Declarations of Interest: None.

3. Public Participation: None.

4. Minutes of previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 24th March were reviewed and signed as a correct record.

Matters arising

Brook House: the Chairman reported that, following the previous meeting, Blue Cedar Homes had been requested to delay submitting a planning application while further consultation with residents was carried out. However, a letter had been received from Mr Nick Cooper of Blue Cedar Homes stating that they were contractually committed to submitting the application by 2nd April.

Mr Cooper also stated that efforts had already been made to consult with nearby residents, and that there would be a further opportunity for views to be expressed during the statutory consultation period. A supply of leaflets showing a slightly amended plan was enclosed with the letter, and these were distributed to members.

Cllr Irving expressed the view that the notes circulated by the Chairman in relation to Brook House, making reference to a potential objection by the Parish Council, had overstepped the mark and could be interpreted as implying that an objection may be likely. Cllr Glynn said he had not intended this to be the case. It was agreed that the formal application would now be awaited and that further discussion would take place at this time, with the proposal being considered entirely on its merits.

5. NSC South Area Planning Committee

The papers for the meeting to be held on 15th April were reviewed. The Chairman pointed out two applications which had passed their target date – Havyatt Green Farm and St Katherine’s Farm. The Chairman also provided copies of the minutes of the recent Area Forum held in Winscombe, which made reference to a perceived lack of transparency by Winscombe Parish Council and North Somerset Council in relation to a proposed affordable housing scheme.

6. Decisions Notices issued by NSC

09/P/0278/F – Goblins Nook, Church Road, Redhill: erection of a first floor rear extension to create new lounge – refused. It was noted that the reasons given for refusal included: inappropriate design not in keeping with the existing dwelling; adverse visual impact on the street scene; and harm to the openness of the Green Belt. This reflected the points made by Wrington Parish Council.

7. Planning Applications

09/P/0417/EIA – Silver Zone car park, BIA – screening opinion for Environmental Impact Assessment for remedial works to the overflow area of the silver zone car park to include laying gravel over 5.9 ha of grass.

09/P/0505/PAI – Silver Zone car park, BIA – remedial works to the overflow area of the silver zone car park to include laying gravel over 5.9 ha of grass.

The above applications were considered together. The Chairman pointed out that the application for an EIA screening opinion had already been decided by North Somerset Council, the decision being that this was not required. The Parish Council has therefore not had an opportunity to comment. This was generally felt to be an unacceptable situation, and it was agreed that a letter should be sent to the Planning Department at NSC to express concern, not only in relation to this application, but as a general comment on the attitude demonstrated by NSC towards Town and Parish Councils.

The Chairman stated that the Parish Council had argued that an EIA screening opinion was required in relation to a previous application on the south side of the airport – 07/P/1008/EIA. As the circumstances have not changed, it was agreed that a planning application should be required to lay gravel over 5.9 ha of Green Belt land.

09/P/0488/F – 8 The Cottages, Station Road, Wrington: erection of a single storey extension. It was noted that neighbouring properties also have extensions at the rear, and it was agreed to make no comment on this application.

09/P/0489/F – Northfields, Old Hill, Wrington: erection of 2no single storey extensions to north-east and south-west elevations. It was noted that a similar application submitted four years ago had been granted. As the structure would be single storey it was felt that it would have little impact, and it was therefore agreed to make no comment.

8. Other Planning Issues

a. Plush Hotel (Redhill House): the Clerk reminded members that they had agreed to accept an invitation to visit the hotel to receive information about development plans. It was agreed to suggest a date during the week commencing 18th May.

b. Enforcements: one current enforcement case refers to the Butcombe turning on the A38. It is believed that this may refer to the sign for the Winford Hotel.

c. It was noted that the fence at Tumbling Weir, which had been refused planning permission in 2008 was still in place. The Clerk is to contact the Enforcement team about this.

d. Cllr Ellis asked whether it would be possible to hold Planning Committee meetings on a Monday evening when there is a Parish Council meeting in the same week. This occurs about four times a year. It was agreed to put this proposal to the next Parish Council meeting.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 6.58 pm.

Mr. D W Glynn
Chairman