Agenda and minutes

It was proposed by Councillor Hill and seconded by Councillor Carter, that Councillor Watson be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Development Management Committee for the 2023/24 civic year.

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

RESOLVED – that Councillor Watson be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Development Management Committee for the 2023/24 civic year.

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Burt, Dunlop, Holt and Marlow. It was noted that Councillor Bull was substituting for Councillor Holt and Councillor Smith was substituting for Councillor Burt.

The Chairman thanked Councillors Deering and Stowe for their work as the former Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee. She said that this was the first formal meeting of the 2023/24 civic year and reminded members to use the microphones as the meeting was being broadcasted via You Tube.

To receive any Members' declarations of interest.

Councillor Watson declared a non-pecuniary interest in that he had two children who attended Simon Balle All- through School. He confirmed that he felt that he was able to determine the application with a clear and open mind.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on Wednesday 5 April 2023.

Councillor Estop proposed and Councillor Stowe seconded, a motion that the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 April 2023 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. Councillors Buckmaster, Bull, Carter, Copley, Devonshire, Hill, Smith and Watson abstained from voting as they had not been present at the meeting on 5 April 2023.

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 April 2023, be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Head of Planning and Building Control recommended that in respect of application 3/22/2534/FUL, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report.

The Planning Case Officer and the Interim Development Management Team Leader presented the application to the Committee and summarised in detail the main issues for Members to consider. Members were advised that there would be no harm to the setting of designated heritage assets and the materials proposed to be used in the construction were in keeping with the properties along Mangrove Road and would also be of a high-quality design.

Members were advised that the education, health and community benefits outweighed the limited harm to the green belt and the application was recommended for approval.

Rachel Kirk and Mike Moss addressed the Committee in support of the application.

Councillor Stowe asked for some clarification in respect of the comments from the conservation and urban design team regarding the grass areas and new parking areas having trees and shrubs. He also asked for some clarification in relation to the comments from the landscape officer in paragraph 5.9 regarding tree surrounds in the car parking areas and permeable paving.

Councillor Copley asked for some clarity as to the size of the trees to be removed and also in relation to the size of the proposed replacement trees. Councillor Smith asked if the proposed 12 cycle spaces were in addition to existing cycle spaces.

The Planning Officer advised that the 12 cycle parking spaces were in addition to the existing cycle parking at the school. The Interim Development Management Team Leader said that officers reported to committee the comments from conservation and urban design team and the landscaping officer. He said that a key issue was that the mature trees that fronted onto Mangrove Road were to be retained and there would no significant works near to them as these trees formed a very significant part of the conservation area.

Members were advised that in terms of the proposed planting, the comments from the landscaping officer regarding the indicative landscaping proposals being acceptable had been given slightly more weight in the report. The Interim Development Team Leader said that some of ecological precautionary approaches were aimed at mitigating concerns in respect of trees in car parks.

The Interim Development Management Team Leader referred to the calm garden or soft landscaped area adjacent to the reception and on the route for pupils to take into the school as being a significant benefit of the proposed scheme.

Members were advised that regarding the quality of the tree planting, this was a question of the right tree in the right place. Whilst planting a semi mature specimen can be helpful for screening purposes, they were less likely to thrive once they were moved. He said that it was preferable to have younger trees planted.

Councillor Carter said that there was a lot of traffic and congestion in the surrounding roads around dropping off time, particularly in wet weather. She  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.

(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.