Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillors Fernando and Redfern. It was noted that Councillor Rutland-Barsby was substituting for Councillor Fernando.

There were no Chairman’s Announcements. The Chairman mentioned that there would be a training item which would immediately follow the meeting.

To receive any Members' declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on Wednesday 10 August 2022.

Councillor Crystall proposed and Councillor Andrews seconded, a motion that the Minutes of the meeting held on 10 August 2022 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the meeting held on 10 August 2022, be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Recommended for Approval.

The Head of Planning and Building Control recommended that in respect of application 3/21/2615/FUL, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report and subject to a Section 106 legal agreement.

The Head of Planning and Building Control recommended that in respect of application 3/21/2616/LBC, listed building consent be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report and subject to a Section 106 legal agreement.

The Development Management Team Leader presented the reports in respect of the full permission and listed building applications.

The Development Management Team Leader detailed the planning history of the site and updated Members in respect of the late representations. He said that condition 26 would be expanded to include a biodiversity improvement measure for nesting swifts.

The Development Management Team Leader corrected an error in the report in respect of the number of trees on the site.

Mr Goodey addressed the Committee in support of the application. Councillor Ruffles mentioned that he was a member of the Ware Society. He spoke about the historic built environment with particular reference to the special historic buildings that ran the full length of Ware High Street.

Councillor Beckett asked for some clarity as to the impact of the overshadowing from the proposed development on the solar panels on a neighbouring property in terms of whether there had been a loss of efficiency impact assessment.

The Development Management Team Leader said that the impact on the solar panels was a material consideration and there had not been a detailed technical assessment of the impact on energy efficiency of the solar panels. He advised that Officers were satisfied with the proposed development due to the location and orientation of the solar panels.

Councillor Kemp said that there were many good features of the proposed development but he had a number of concerns including overshadowing of solar panels and the impact on the properties in George Walk. He referred in particular to loss of light and damage to those houses due to foundation works on this site. He expressed a number of concerns in respect of car parking provision and referred to the required provisions set out in the East Herts Vehicle Parking Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

Councillor Kemp asked how the proposed housing density compared with the adjacent residential areas in this part of Ware. He said that he had some considerable concerns about the new build element of the application.

The Development Management Team Leader mentioned the party wall act and spoke at length about the impacts of the proposed development on the surrounding residential areas. He said the vehicle parking standards were maximum standards and the general thrust of planning and national policy was to limit parking especially in sustainable locations.

Councillor Crystall commented on the possibility of Section 106 monies towards a car club in terms of alleviating parking problems for other residents of Ware. He asked if a condition could be applied requiring a shade analysis to be carried out in respect  ...  view the full minutes text for item 195.

(A)  Appeals against refusal of Planning Permission/ non?determination.

(B)  Planning Appeals Lodged.

(C)       Planning Appeals: Inquiry and Informal Hearing Dates.

(D)      Planning Statistics.

RESOLVED – that the following reports be noted:

(A)   Appeals against refusal of planning permission / non-determination;

(B)      Planning Appeals lodged;

(C)      Planning Appeals: Inquiry and Informal Hearing Dates; and

(D)      Planning Statistics.

To consider such other business as, in the opinion of the Chairman of the meeting, is of sufficient urgency to warrant consideration and is not likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information.

There was no urgent business.