Wellington Town Council planning meeting February 2007
Minutes of the 118th planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 5th February 2007 at 6pm
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors R. Bowrah, C. Hindley, J. Clark, G. James, A. Govier, S. Palmer, R. Henley (who left at 6.20pm), Councillors, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs V. Stock-Williams, and Mrs N. Wilson, the clerk A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning manager Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillor Mrs K. Biscoe. There were 14 members of the public present.
DECLARATION BY TAUNTON DBC PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Councillors Bowrah and Hindley declared they were members of Taunton DBC planning committee and stated there were no obligations on them to vote the same at Taunton DBC planning committee meeting as at the town council planning meeting as different facts could be placed before them.
14101 DEFERED PLANNING APPLICATION
With reference to minute 14072, it was agreed to defer the following application: (a) Residential development to provide 69 dwellings (comprising 45 houses and 24 flats), formation of access and associated works, former ABL and Westford Plastics Premises, Payton Road, Westford, Wellington (43/2006/163) for consideration at the next planning meeting on Monday March 5 2007 pending receipt of details of various proposed minor road/footway improvements on the main Rockwell Green-Westford Road opposite the Weavers Arms and Greenway Road, and on the bridge over Westford Stream. Councillors attended two site visits regarding this application on January 23 and 29. Members also received a report from county transport development group’s principal planning liaison officer Helen Vittery recommending refusal until sufficient information is provided concerning the provision of a pedestrian cycle link along Rackfield.
14102 APPLICATION FOR 11 NEW HOUSES OFF GAY CLOSE
The town council considered an application for the erection of 8 two bed houses and 3 three bed houses on land off Gay Close, Wellington (43/2007/003). Mr Hamer said on first inspection there didn’t appear to be any overlooking. There would also be parking provided for the new dwellings and an increase in the amount of parking for existing homes and therefore the planning department was likely to be in favour of the application. Councillor Henley said a petition against the application had been signed by virtually all the residents in the close and was surprised to find Taunton DBC was backing the scheme. He felt the area would be too cramped, it would be a loss of an amenity, and there would be significant overlooking. Councillor Critchard said he was concerned about the volume of traffic and thought the development was totally inappropriate. Councillor Govier said his main concern was the number of proposed properties for the site although he recognised the need for affordable housing. However he felt there was other land more suitable for this and said he opposed the application. Councillor Clark agreed with Councillor Govier and said this appeared to be overdevelopment. Mr Hamer explained government guidance was that housing development should be as high density as can be achieved on the site, the proposed properties had generous gardens, and the application fell within the guidelines set down by government and currently in operation by Taunton DBC in other places in the borough. Councillor Henley proposed with Councillor Critchard seconding that the town council recommend refusal of the application. It was agreed to object to the
proposal on the grounds of overdevelopment with too many dwellings on a cramped site, it would cause a loss of amenity and would create overlooking and transport problems.
COUNCILLOR HENLEY LEFT HERE AT 6.20 PM GIVING HIS APOLOGIES AS HE NEEDED TO ATTEND A COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING.
14103 APPLICATION FOR A PAIR OF DWELLINGS TO REAR OF 52 HIGH STREET
Members considered an application for erection of a pair of dwellings to the rear of 52 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/165). Letters of objection were received from Mr and Mrs P. Radford and Mr and Mrs P. Hawkings. Mr Hamer said the site was just outside the conservation area and although there were some concerns about the form of the proposed new buildings it might be difficult for the planners to resist this application. Councillor James recommended a site meeting so councillors would be able to clearly see the site, with Councillor Critchard seconding. Members agreed to suspend standing orders to allow Mr Paul Radford to speak. He told the council he was objecting for a number of reasons including concerns about fire safety, excessive development, design of the development, structural safety of his home, parking congestion, and loss of green space. Councillors agreed to carry out a site visit and report back to the next planning meeting on March 5 when they would consider the application again.
14104 COMMENTS TO TAUNTON DBC ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS
It was agreed to inform Taunton DBC that the town council was in favour of the following plans: (a) Erection of 3 buildings to provide 12 industrial units with associated site works, land adjacent to Chelston Manor, Chelston, Wellington, revision to permission 46/2006/009 (46/2006/041); (b) Alteration to existing access to link to footpath at Beech Grove Primary School, Courtland Road, Wellington (43/2007/00); (c) Application for an additional 300kw generator module to existing operational developments permitted under 46/99/010 and 46/04/021 at Poole waste transfer station, Poole landfill, Poole, Wellington (46/07/001); (d) Installation of solar panels on roof, The Stables, Church Green, Wellington (43/2006/167LB); (e) Application to fell one lime tree within Wellington conservation area at The Old Court, 1 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2007/010T), in favour of tree management works but not felling; (f) Application to carry out work to 2 ash trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 5) Tree Preservation Order 1987 at 1 Hoyles Close, Wellington (43/2007/005T), providing Taunton DBC tree officer agrees work is necessary; (g) Erection of two storey extension at Wellington House Nursing Home, Longforth Road, Wellington, amendment to 43/2006/056 (43/2006/176); (h) Application to pollard 1 eucalyptus tree within Wellington conservation area at 35 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/011T); (i) Erection of dwelling on land adjoining Oakhill, Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington amended scheme to 43/2005/143 (43/2007/007); (j) Installation of telecommunications base station incorporating 15m high slimline monopole with 3 antennas on highways land adjacent to Kings Centre, Blackdown Trading Estate, Wellington (43/2007/017TEN), providing the monopole was placed further into the estate near the rear of Travis Perkins and not in the prominent location proposed. Councillor Critchard requested his opposition to this application be recorded in the minutes.
It was agreed to inform Taunton DBC that the town council was opposed to the following plans: (a) Erection of 4 new dwellings on land to the south of Foxdown Lodge, Foxdown Hill, Wellington (43/2007/004), because it would cause traffic problems and adversely affect road safety; (b) Retention of first floor internally illuminated projecting sign at Vintage Inn, 24 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2007/002A) because is it out keeping with this listed building; (c) Display of sign and illuminated sign at Lloyds TSB, 27 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/175), because it is out of keeping with this fine building.
14105 PROPOSED CHANGE TO DELEGATED PLANNING AGREEMENT
Councillors considered a letter from Taunton DBC development control manager Tim Burton who proposed changing the delegated planning agreement to empower planning officers to refuse an application where there has been no expression of support unless the clerk informs planners the town council wishes to consider the application further. Councillor Bowrah said he felt the comments from the town council should be part and parcel of the planning process and recommended the situation remain as it is which was unanimously supported by councillors.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7.18 PM
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors R. Bowrah, C. Hindley, J. Clark, G. James, A. Govier, S. Palmer, R. Henley (who left at 6.20pm), Councillors, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs V. Stock-Williams, and Mrs N. Wilson, the clerk A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning manager Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillor Mrs K. Biscoe. There were 14 members of the public present.
DECLARATION BY TAUNTON DBC PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Councillors Bowrah and Hindley declared they were members of Taunton DBC planning committee and stated there were no obligations on them to vote the same at Taunton DBC planning committee meeting as at the town council planning meeting as different facts could be placed before them.
14101 DEFERED PLANNING APPLICATION
With reference to minute 14072, it was agreed to defer the following application: (a) Residential development to provide 69 dwellings (comprising 45 houses and 24 flats), formation of access and associated works, former ABL and Westford Plastics Premises, Payton Road, Westford, Wellington (43/2006/163) for consideration at the next planning meeting on Monday March 5 2007 pending receipt of details of various proposed minor road/footway improvements on the main Rockwell Green-Westford Road opposite the Weavers Arms and Greenway Road, and on the bridge over Westford Stream. Councillors attended two site visits regarding this application on January 23 and 29. Members also received a report from county transport development group’s principal planning liaison officer Helen Vittery recommending refusal until sufficient information is provided concerning the provision of a pedestrian cycle link along Rackfield.
14102 APPLICATION FOR 11 NEW HOUSES OFF GAY CLOSE
The town council considered an application for the erection of 8 two bed houses and 3 three bed houses on land off Gay Close, Wellington (43/2007/003). Mr Hamer said on first inspection there didn’t appear to be any overlooking. There would also be parking provided for the new dwellings and an increase in the amount of parking for existing homes and therefore the planning department was likely to be in favour of the application. Councillor Henley said a petition against the application had been signed by virtually all the residents in the close and was surprised to find Taunton DBC was backing the scheme. He felt the area would be too cramped, it would be a loss of an amenity, and there would be significant overlooking. Councillor Critchard said he was concerned about the volume of traffic and thought the development was totally inappropriate. Councillor Govier said his main concern was the number of proposed properties for the site although he recognised the need for affordable housing. However he felt there was other land more suitable for this and said he opposed the application. Councillor Clark agreed with Councillor Govier and said this appeared to be overdevelopment. Mr Hamer explained government guidance was that housing development should be as high density as can be achieved on the site, the proposed properties had generous gardens, and the application fell within the guidelines set down by government and currently in operation by Taunton DBC in other places in the borough. Councillor Henley proposed with Councillor Critchard seconding that the town council recommend refusal of the application. It was agreed to object to the
proposal on the grounds of overdevelopment with too many dwellings on a cramped site, it would cause a loss of amenity and would create overlooking and transport problems.
COUNCILLOR HENLEY LEFT HERE AT 6.20 PM GIVING HIS APOLOGIES AS HE NEEDED TO ATTEND A COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING.
14103 APPLICATION FOR A PAIR OF DWELLINGS TO REAR OF 52 HIGH STREET
Members considered an application for erection of a pair of dwellings to the rear of 52 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/165). Letters of objection were received from Mr and Mrs P. Radford and Mr and Mrs P. Hawkings. Mr Hamer said the site was just outside the conservation area and although there were some concerns about the form of the proposed new buildings it might be difficult for the planners to resist this application. Councillor James recommended a site meeting so councillors would be able to clearly see the site, with Councillor Critchard seconding. Members agreed to suspend standing orders to allow Mr Paul Radford to speak. He told the council he was objecting for a number of reasons including concerns about fire safety, excessive development, design of the development, structural safety of his home, parking congestion, and loss of green space. Councillors agreed to carry out a site visit and report back to the next planning meeting on March 5 when they would consider the application again.
14104 COMMENTS TO TAUNTON DBC ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS
It was agreed to inform Taunton DBC that the town council was in favour of the following plans: (a) Erection of 3 buildings to provide 12 industrial units with associated site works, land adjacent to Chelston Manor, Chelston, Wellington, revision to permission 46/2006/009 (46/2006/041); (b) Alteration to existing access to link to footpath at Beech Grove Primary School, Courtland Road, Wellington (43/2007/00); (c) Application for an additional 300kw generator module to existing operational developments permitted under 46/99/010 and 46/04/021 at Poole waste transfer station, Poole landfill, Poole, Wellington (46/07/001); (d) Installation of solar panels on roof, The Stables, Church Green, Wellington (43/2006/167LB); (e) Application to fell one lime tree within Wellington conservation area at The Old Court, 1 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2007/010T), in favour of tree management works but not felling; (f) Application to carry out work to 2 ash trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 5) Tree Preservation Order 1987 at 1 Hoyles Close, Wellington (43/2007/005T), providing Taunton DBC tree officer agrees work is necessary; (g) Erection of two storey extension at Wellington House Nursing Home, Longforth Road, Wellington, amendment to 43/2006/056 (43/2006/176); (h) Application to pollard 1 eucalyptus tree within Wellington conservation area at 35 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/011T); (i) Erection of dwelling on land adjoining Oakhill, Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington amended scheme to 43/2005/143 (43/2007/007); (j) Installation of telecommunications base station incorporating 15m high slimline monopole with 3 antennas on highways land adjacent to Kings Centre, Blackdown Trading Estate, Wellington (43/2007/017TEN), providing the monopole was placed further into the estate near the rear of Travis Perkins and not in the prominent location proposed. Councillor Critchard requested his opposition to this application be recorded in the minutes.
It was agreed to inform Taunton DBC that the town council was opposed to the following plans: (a) Erection of 4 new dwellings on land to the south of Foxdown Lodge, Foxdown Hill, Wellington (43/2007/004), because it would cause traffic problems and adversely affect road safety; (b) Retention of first floor internally illuminated projecting sign at Vintage Inn, 24 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2007/002A) because is it out keeping with this listed building; (c) Display of sign and illuminated sign at Lloyds TSB, 27 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/175), because it is out of keeping with this fine building.
14105 PROPOSED CHANGE TO DELEGATED PLANNING AGREEMENT
Councillors considered a letter from Taunton DBC development control manager Tim Burton who proposed changing the delegated planning agreement to empower planning officers to refuse an application where there has been no expression of support unless the clerk informs planners the town council wishes to consider the application further. Councillor Bowrah said he felt the comments from the town council should be part and parcel of the planning process and recommended the situation remain as it is which was unanimously supported by councillors.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7.18 PM
posted by Wellington Town Council @ 12:00 pm
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