Agenda and minutes

Chair to report.

The Chair outlined the virtual meeting procedure and etiquette to the Committee and attendees.

The Senior Corporate and Community Services confirmed the names of those Councillors and officers present and advised that members of the public and press were also in attendance.

There were no apologies for absence received.

The Chair advised that following the conclusion of the meeting, an informal meeting would be held for the Committee to receive an update in relation to a planning application at West Down.

(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.

Report by Head of Place (attached).

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Place (circulated previously – now appended).

Councillor Mackie, in her capacity as Ward Member, addressed the Committee.

Report by Head of Place (attached).

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Place (circulated previously – now appended).

The Lead Planning Officer referred to an email that had been circulated to the Committee on 7 July 2020 and contained additional information and emails received from the agent, the Council’s Sustainability Officer and Contracts Delivery Manager and outlined the main points to the Committee.  She advised that Parkwood had advised that specific targets had been set for different community groups and ages to encourage wider participation and use.  Parkwood had also confirmed that if demand for more cycle parking increased additional bike stands would be provided.  She advised that condition 21 of the outline planning consent dictated that the building was to meet BREEAM level good, which had been demonstrated.  Outline planning consent could not be revisited.  The Hydrock BREEAM pre-assessment provided an overview of the BREEAM New Construction 2018 assessment process and its potential applications for the development.  The assessment was a clear indication of the quality of the overall design and factors such as energy efficient, construction and reduction of water usage. Air Source Heat Pumps and Combined Heat and Power were the most suitable energy source.  The final BRE certification was conditioned for no later than 6 months post completion.  The Combined Heat Plant was common practice to install as the energy efficiency was so high and met the requirements of the outline planning permission conditions and building regulations.  Once the facility was operational the energy efficiency could be assessed and any additional technology could be incorporated if required.  The orientation and design of the building was to provide an active frontage which was visible with links to the Tarka Trail. The swimming pool was located to the north to avoid glare, with sports activities located at the front of the building to encourage participation.  The sports hall and ski hall were less visible.  The life span of the building was 60 years.  The Committee had recently received a presentation on the National Design Guide.

The Committee noted a typographical error contained on page 36, which should have stated “will become a Bike Studio”.

Molly Leonard (agent) and Mark Kentell (applicant – representing North Devon Council) addressed the Committee.

Councillor Lofthouse (Ward Member) addressed the Committee.

In response to questions, the Lead Planning Officer advised that Policy BAR13 of the Joint Local Plan referred to the redevelopment of Seven Brethren.  The access and egress to Seven Brethren was important for the future and could be reviewed as part of the emerging policies in relation to Anchorwood Bank, however it could not be changed as part of this scheme.  The points of access to the Leisure Centre would not change.  Bus routes may be changed in the future which would be dependent upon demand.   The Joint Local Plan did not include a standard for the provision of bike stands and there was no evidence that the numbers provided for in the scheme would be insufficient.  Sound principles for design had been applied  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

Report by Head of Place (attached).

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Place (circulated previously – now appended).

Councillor Knight, in his capacity as Ward Member, addressed the Committee.

Report by Senior Planning Support Officer (attached).

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Place (circulated previously) regarding Planning and Enforcement Appeal decisions determined from 1 January 2020 until 26 June 2020.

The Lead Planning Officer advised that future reports to the Committee would only contain appeals determined for the previous month.  During 2019, 36 appeals had been determined, 12 of which had been allowed.  For the first six months of this year, there had been 33 appeals, two of which had been withdrawn and 9 had been allowed. Of these three had been enforcement appeals where the notices maintained the controls required by the council. None of which had been in relation to decisions taken by the Committee.

The Committee received updates further to appeal decisions determination in relation to planning applications 64059 and 70738.