Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mack.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings held on 8 February 2023 and 3 March 2023 (circulated previously) be approved as correct records and signed by the Chair.

There were no items brought forward which in the opinion of the Chair should be considered by the meeting as a matter of urgency.

(Please complete the form provided at the meeting or telephone the Corporate and Community Services Team to prepare a form for your signature before the meeting.  Items must be re-declared when the item is called, and Councillors must leave the room if necessary)

There were no declarations of interest announced.

Demolition of existing private garage blocks and erection of 2 dwellings, with parking provision for existing dwellings and associated works (amended description, red line, plans and additional information). Report by Lead Planning Officer (Major applications) (attached).

The Committee considered a report by the Lead Planning Officer (Major applications) (circulated previously) in relation to planning application 73784.

The Lead Planning Officer (Major Applications) advised the following:

·       There were no additional representations received following the close of re-consultation.

·       Since the publication of the agenda, a late consultation response had been received from Bishops Nympton Parish Council dated 28 February 2023, which she read to the Committee.

·       There had been no other new matters raised as a result of the late consultations received.

·       The Property Manager from North Devon Council and the Highways Officer from Devon County Council was present at the Committee meeting to answer any questions.

·       There was no longer a requirement to seek a Section 106 agreement and therefore it was recommended that this reference be deleted from the recommendation on page 43 of the report.

Catherine Gaze (objector), Bill Mallinson (objector), Frances Evans (objector), Joy Padworth (objector), Charles Bradfield (objector), Amanda Sing (objector), Ian Cowling (Parish Council representative) and Matthew Steart (agent) addressed the Committee.

In response to questions from the Committee, the Lead Planning Officer (Major applications) advised the following:

·       That the proposed scheme would provide four additional car parking spaces.

·       The garages were originally built for vehicle parking and to serve the Glebeland Villas development.

·       Over a period of time due to the sale of the housing stock there had been a segregation of land ownership.

·       The garages were now unsafe for use, however they had been previously available for use and rental by the tenants.  Over time this arrangement had ended.

·       The occupiers of the majority of properties were tenants of North Devon Homes.

·       The 17 spaces proposed were for general parking for residents and would not be allocated to properties.

·       A further two spaces were proposed to be provided for short stay drop offs for carers and deliveries for a period of 15 minutes. As it was a privately owned road, North Devon Homes would be responsible for enforcement of the short stay spaces.  A longer period could be provided for short stay which could be controlled by a condition.

·       There were currently 17 garages which were not available to use as they were unsafe and there were 13 spaces available in front of the garages for parking which had been utilised, however there was no formal agreement in place.

·       The proposed development would create 15 new spaces and a further two spaces in a layby for short term parking.

·       There was currently the ability to park on street at the lower section of the site, which was an area of 41 meters and accommodated 6.8 vehicles i.e. six vehicles. Due to the width of the road, vehicles could not park either side of the road as it would cause an obstruction.

·       North Devon Homes had advised that they would secure the two dwellings as affordable dwellings in a development agreement with North Devon Council outside of the planning system using their own mechanisms.

The Highways Officer (PY), Devon  ...  view the full minutes text for item 134.

RESOLVED that it being 11.37 am that the meeting be adjourned for a comfort break and reconvened at 11.50 am.

Demolition of existing Wesley House and garage buildings. Reform site and erection of a new building to provide two maisonettes and ground floor office/storage area. Report by Senior Planning Officer (attached).

The Committee considered a report by Senior Planning Officer (DB) (circulated previously) in relation to planning application 75731.

The Senior Planning Officer (DB) advised the Committee of two proposed additional conditions to be included as part of the recommendation:

·       The requirement for the submission of a construction method statement to deal with waste and vehicle management during the demolition of the dwelling.

·       To ensure where possible that existing materials are re-used.

Peter Jones (objector), Reverend Stuart Innalls (supporter), Martin Hickman (supporter), Paul Bailey (supporter), Marc Cornelius (supporter), Derek Summers (applicant) and Daniel Gill (agent) addressed the Committee.

The Senior Corporate and Community Services Officer read a statement received from Alison Verney (supporter) to the Committee.

Councillor Henderson (Ward Member) addressed the Committee.

Councillor Worden (Ward Member) addressed the Committee.  Councillor Worden declared a non registerable interest as he attended the Methodist Church which was located adjacent to the site.

In response to questions raised, the Service Manager (Development Management) advised the following:

·       The Conservation Officer had been consulted and advised that it was a non-designated heritage asset which did not meet the requirements of a significant heritage asset.

·       It was recommended that materials be re-used as appropriate. This would include slate and any materials that were not porous. Any materials that could be re-used would be conditioned.  Samples of all materials would also be requested and the Conservation Officer would be consulted on the re-use of material.

·       The provision of two maisonettes and office accommodation provided a wider public benefit which outweighed the demolition of Wesley House.

RESOLVED (unanimous) that the application be APPROVED as recommended by the Senior Planning Officer subject to the inclusion of two additional conditions in relation to:

a.    The requirement for the submission of a construction method statement to deal with waste and vehicle management during the demolition of the dwelling.

b.    To ensure where possible that existing materials were re-used.

Councillor Chesters left the meeting.

Approval of details in respect of discharge of conditions 10 & 43 (provision & details of Toucan crossing or alternative crossing facility) attached to planning permission 72675 (hybrid planning application comprising the following: outline application occupying a total area of 1.44 hectares consisting of a garden centre of up to 6,000 sq. m. (gross external floor area), car parking and, other associated ancillary infrastructure; and Full planning permission for a petrol filling station and associated shop and drive-thru coffee shop, occupying a total gross floor area of 1,215 sq. m. including the completion of a Toucan crossing on the eastern arm of the Roundswell Roundabout (amended description, plans & Flood risk assessment)). Report by the Service Manager (Development Management) (attached).

The Committee considered a report by Service Manager (Development Management) (circulated previously) in relation to planning application 75993.

Councillor Yabsley declared an other registerable interest as the Chair of the North Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee.

Councillor Leaver declared an other registerable interest as the Vice-Chair of the North Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee.

Councillor D. Spear declared an other registerable interest as a member of the North Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee.

RESOLVED (unanimous) that the application be APPROVED as recommended by the Service Manager (Development Management).

Erection of a storage building, Report by Planning Officer (attached).

The Committee considered a report by the Planning Officer (circulated previously) in relation to planning application 76307.

RESOLVED (unanimous) that the application be APPROVED as recommended by the Planning Officer.

Application for permission in principle for erection of 1 local needs dwelling. Report by Interim Planning Officer (attached).

The Committee considered a report by the Planning Officer (circulated previously) in relation to planning application 76371.

RESOLVED that it being 1.00 pm the meeting continue in order for the remaining business to be transacted.

John Pomfret (Parish Council representative), Richard Vos (supporter), Rachael Westacott (representing the applicant) and John Clarke (agent) addressed the Committee.

The Senior Corporate and Community Services Officer read a statement received from Kenneth Dykes (supporter) to the Committee.

In response to questions from the Committee, the Service Manager (Development Management) advised the following:

·       The blue line on the plan indicated the site.  It was not certain whether the applicant had explored alternative locations further north of the site.

·       The Planning Officer considered the application to be contrary to policy DM24 and was adjoining or well related to the built form of Knowstone.

·       Her view was that it was located in the countryside and did not represent a form of sustainable development.  In relation to the social element, the applicant had addressed this as part of her presentation to the Committee. In relation to the economic element, this was a short term gain. In relation to the environmental element, there was significant harm as it was a greenfield site for the provision of one dwelling. The site was located 400 metres away from Knowstone.

Councillor Ley (in his capacity as Ward Member) addressed the Committee.

RESOLVED (unanimous) that the application be APPROVED as the Committee considered that paragraph 78 of the National Planning Policy Framework which stated that “in rural areas, planning policies and decisions should be responsive to local circumstances and support housing developments that reflect local needs…” was a material consideration.

To consider the appeal report by the Senior Planning Support Officer (attached).

The Committee considered and noted the appeal report by the Senior Planning Support Officer (circulated previously).