Wellington Town Council planning meeting November 2007
Minutes of the 127th planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington, on Monday 5th November 2007 at 5pm
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman) who presided, Councillors P. Critchard (vice-chairman), J. Clark, R. Bowrah, Councillor C. Hindley, A. Govier, R. Henley (who arrived at 7.20pm), G. Goodwin, Councillors Mrs S. Walters, J. Reed, J. Govier, N. Wilson, G. Copley (who arrived at 5.12pm) and V. Stock-Williams (who arrived at 5.05pm) and the clerk Mr A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning manager Mr J. Hamer. There was an apology from Councillor Mrs J. Lloyd. There were 30 members of the public present.
14480 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Councillors Critchard and Bowrah stated they were members of Taunton DBC planning committee and reserved their right to vote differently at Taunton DBC planning committee meeting than at the town council planning meeting as different facts could be placed before them.
COUNCILLOR STOCK-WILLIAMS ENTERED HERE AT 5.05PM
14481 APPLICATION FOR 5 ORCHARD CLOSE, WELLINGTON
The council received details of the following application: Alterations and extensions, including raising the roof height to form first floor accommodation and erection of dormer and velux windows, 5 Orchard Close, Lower Westford, Wellington (43/2007/132). The planning officer recommended refusal for the reasons of the adverse impact on the character of the building and on visual amenity. Letters of objection were also received from Mr and Mrs A.R Marke, W. Hansford, and M. Jordan on the grounds of overlooking, loss of privacy, too large, and out of keeping. Planning manager Mr Hamer told councillors he recommended refusal for the application because it was inappropriate to the street scene and would cause an imbalance to the existing properties. Councillor Bowrah proposed refusal which was seconded by Councillor Stock-Williams and was carried by 8 votes to 1 with 1 abstention.
COUNCILLOR COPLEY ENTERED HERE AT 5.12 PM.
14482 APPLICATION FOR TONEDALE MILL, WELLINGTON
The council considered the following application to be determined by Taunton Deane Borough Council: Conversion of existing buildings and the erection of new buildings to provide 224 dwellings and a number of commercial units together with associated car parking and access ways, Tonedale Business Park, Tonedale Mill, Milverton Road, Wellington (43/2007/092 and 093LB). Reports were received from Somerset Highways and English Heritage and a letter from Boonbown architects stating that EH requirements had been included in the amended plans. There was also a letter of objection from Rev. P. Curtis who raised concerns about access to the car park behind block J and about the location of the proposed store. A presentation was carried out by Shaun Travers of Boonbown architects on behalf of the developers outlining their proposals. He said the application was for high quality housing and would provide a mix of housing and commercial units. There would be provision for affordable housing and an increase in the amount of employment land. Mr Hamer said the principle of this development was established by the previous planning permission for the site. The main difference with this application was the increase in the proposed number of dwellings from 148 to 224. This proposal was to provide 20 units of affordable housing on the basis of a discounted market value equating to 75 per cent of the full market price.
COUNCILLOR WALTERS ENTERED HERE AT 5.20 PM
14482 APPLICATION FOR TONEDALE MILL, WELLINGTON (cont)
There would also be some flood alleviation measures and subsidised bus travel for residents would also be provided for the first 12 months. English Heritage raised some concerns about block F but was happy with the amended plans which addressed the issues. Somerset Highways did not have any objections in principle although the Environment Agency still had some concerns about flood alleviation and was waiting to get precise details. The planning department was overall happy with the scheme and was likely to recommend approval. The council agreed to suspend standing orders to allow members of the public to speak. Rev. P. Curtis raised concerns about the lack of a community centre. He also felt the proposed convenience store should be placed in the centre of the site and not at the entrance. He also thought the proposed store sign was out-of-keeping and should be re-designed. A representative for Keith Lissaman of Keith’s Store objected to the proposal of a convenience store because of the competition to Mr Lissaman who depended on trade from that part of the town. Other objections from local residents included concerns about not enough parking for residents which could lead to increased parking on the roads and an increase in traffic in that part of town. Developer Tim Wadsworth told the meeting he had carried out a similar successful scheme in Crewkerne. He explained this application allowed for 1,000 square feet for community use and there would also be a full time on-site management office to deal with any complaints or concerns and to monitor parking. He also assured residents there would be no illuminated sign for the proposed store. The amount of proposed residents parking was calculated on the planning guidance of 1.5 car spaces per household and this application was proposing 1.25 car spaces per household. The original plans had also proposed a roundabout on Milverton Road opposite Wardleworth Way to slow down traffic; however, Somerset Highways were not in favour of a roundabout. Councillor Hindley suggested the level of residents parking should be raised to the maximum in planning guidance of 1.5 car spaces per household. Councillor Bowrah although largely in favour of the application still had concerns about the increase in traffic in the area. Councillor A. Govier said the scheme had a lot of positive aspects but was concerned about the speed and increase in traffic on Milverton Road and felt this need to be looked at further and thought a mini roundabout would be a good idea. He also had concerns about the proposed store and hoped the developers would listen to residents’ comments about this. Councillor Walters asked about visitors parking and was told there would be a car park provided for visitors. Councillor J. Govier asked the developers to re-consider the need for a store particularly as residents had concerns it could become a place for anti-social behaviour. She also wanted to see an increase in residents parking to 1.5 car spaces per household. Councillor Bowrah proposed recommending approval for the application in principle but raised concerns about the proposed level of parking, the necessity of proposed store, and suggested the installation of a mini roundabout at the junction of Milverton Road with Millstream Gardens to slow down traffic and improve safety for drivers from the new development. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Copley and was approved by 11 votes to 0 with 2 abstentions.
14483 APPLICATION FOR HAYMANS MILL, WESTFORD, WELLINGTON
Further to minutes 14363, 14409, and 14450, the council considered the following application: Conversion of mill building (former Haymans Coalyard Warehouse) and extension to form 21 two bed apartments and formation of 32 car parking spaces and bike lockers for 42 bikes, Haymans Mill, Payton Road, Westford, Wellington, as amended by letter dated 12th October 2007 (43/2007/087). Mr Hamer said Somerset Highways were not objecting to the proposal and explained the road outside the site was a private road and not a public highway. The Environment Agency was still concerned about the risk of flooding and wanted to see details about how the potential flooding could be overcome and Mr Hamer said he felt this could be achieved.
14483 APPLICATION FOR HAYMANS MILL, WESTFORD, WELLINGTON (cont)
The chairman said he was concerned about the blind corner not far from the access to the site. Councillors suspended standing orders to allow a member of the public, Mr A Bundy, to speak who again said he believed the development would create a narrow road and was concerned about the nearby blind corner and would be happier to see the original application implemented as he felt the proposal for 21 flats was too much. Councillor Bowrah thought it would be better to knock down the building and put a new building on the site which could be placed in a better position. He also felt traffic calming measures needed to be placed outside the site such as double yellow lines as it was only a short distance from the site entrance to the corner. Mr Hamer informed the council the visibility distance from the site entrance to the corner was about 33 metres and that was considered a luxury in highway terms. However Councillor Mitton recommended refusal on the basis the development would create a road safety hazard which was seconded by Councillor Critchard and was agreed by the council unanimously.
14484 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The council considered the following applications:
(a) Erection of bungalow on land to the rear of 32 Mantle Street, Wellington, (43/2007/146). Mr Hamer said he was happy overall with the application but was concerned about the lack of parking as he felt the site was too far from the town centre. The council suspended standing orders to allow Mrs J Thorne, whose property was next to the proposed development, to speak who informed councillors she was disappointed with the planning department because it had failed to notify the neighbours about the application until she pointed out to the planning officer about the oversight. She also said she would not want parking or vehicle access to be allowed for the application because of the narrow access and felt the site was only a two minute walk from the town centre. Mrs J. Thorne then left the room after she had spoken and returned after the vote was taken. The council agreed to recommend approval.
(b) Conversion and extension to form 3 flats to rear of 23 North Street, Wellington (43/2007/139). Mr Hamer said the planning department were in principle in favour of the proposal. The council recommended approval subject to no undue overlooking or loss of privacy for neighbours.
COUNCILLOR HENLEY ENTERED HERE AT 7.20 PM
(c) Application to fell a eucalyptus tree within the Wellington conservation area at 39a Fore Street, Wellington, (43/2007/151T). The tree officer had raised no objections. The council recommended approval.
(d) Erection of non illuminated sign (retrospective) at 21 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/145LB). Mr Hamer said the conservation officer felt the sign was out-of-keeping.
However the councillors were happy with the sign and thought it should be retained and recommended approval.
(e) Amended plans for demolition of building and erection of 6 dwellings (phase 2) and amended plans for demolition of building and erection of 2 dwellings (phase 1) on land to rear of 14 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/113) and (43/2007/112). The council recommended approval.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7.25 PM
Signed……………………………………
Chairman
3rd December 2007
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman) who presided, Councillors P. Critchard (vice-chairman), J. Clark, R. Bowrah, Councillor C. Hindley, A. Govier, R. Henley (who arrived at 7.20pm), G. Goodwin, Councillors Mrs S. Walters, J. Reed, J. Govier, N. Wilson, G. Copley (who arrived at 5.12pm) and V. Stock-Williams (who arrived at 5.05pm) and the clerk Mr A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning manager Mr J. Hamer. There was an apology from Councillor Mrs J. Lloyd. There were 30 members of the public present.
14480 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Councillors Critchard and Bowrah stated they were members of Taunton DBC planning committee and reserved their right to vote differently at Taunton DBC planning committee meeting than at the town council planning meeting as different facts could be placed before them.
COUNCILLOR STOCK-WILLIAMS ENTERED HERE AT 5.05PM
14481 APPLICATION FOR 5 ORCHARD CLOSE, WELLINGTON
The council received details of the following application: Alterations and extensions, including raising the roof height to form first floor accommodation and erection of dormer and velux windows, 5 Orchard Close, Lower Westford, Wellington (43/2007/132). The planning officer recommended refusal for the reasons of the adverse impact on the character of the building and on visual amenity. Letters of objection were also received from Mr and Mrs A.R Marke, W. Hansford, and M. Jordan on the grounds of overlooking, loss of privacy, too large, and out of keeping. Planning manager Mr Hamer told councillors he recommended refusal for the application because it was inappropriate to the street scene and would cause an imbalance to the existing properties. Councillor Bowrah proposed refusal which was seconded by Councillor Stock-Williams and was carried by 8 votes to 1 with 1 abstention.
COUNCILLOR COPLEY ENTERED HERE AT 5.12 PM.
14482 APPLICATION FOR TONEDALE MILL, WELLINGTON
The council considered the following application to be determined by Taunton Deane Borough Council: Conversion of existing buildings and the erection of new buildings to provide 224 dwellings and a number of commercial units together with associated car parking and access ways, Tonedale Business Park, Tonedale Mill, Milverton Road, Wellington (43/2007/092 and 093LB). Reports were received from Somerset Highways and English Heritage and a letter from Boonbown architects stating that EH requirements had been included in the amended plans. There was also a letter of objection from Rev. P. Curtis who raised concerns about access to the car park behind block J and about the location of the proposed store. A presentation was carried out by Shaun Travers of Boonbown architects on behalf of the developers outlining their proposals. He said the application was for high quality housing and would provide a mix of housing and commercial units. There would be provision for affordable housing and an increase in the amount of employment land. Mr Hamer said the principle of this development was established by the previous planning permission for the site. The main difference with this application was the increase in the proposed number of dwellings from 148 to 224. This proposal was to provide 20 units of affordable housing on the basis of a discounted market value equating to 75 per cent of the full market price.
COUNCILLOR WALTERS ENTERED HERE AT 5.20 PM
14482 APPLICATION FOR TONEDALE MILL, WELLINGTON (cont)
There would also be some flood alleviation measures and subsidised bus travel for residents would also be provided for the first 12 months. English Heritage raised some concerns about block F but was happy with the amended plans which addressed the issues. Somerset Highways did not have any objections in principle although the Environment Agency still had some concerns about flood alleviation and was waiting to get precise details. The planning department was overall happy with the scheme and was likely to recommend approval. The council agreed to suspend standing orders to allow members of the public to speak. Rev. P. Curtis raised concerns about the lack of a community centre. He also felt the proposed convenience store should be placed in the centre of the site and not at the entrance. He also thought the proposed store sign was out-of-keeping and should be re-designed. A representative for Keith Lissaman of Keith’s Store objected to the proposal of a convenience store because of the competition to Mr Lissaman who depended on trade from that part of the town. Other objections from local residents included concerns about not enough parking for residents which could lead to increased parking on the roads and an increase in traffic in that part of town. Developer Tim Wadsworth told the meeting he had carried out a similar successful scheme in Crewkerne. He explained this application allowed for 1,000 square feet for community use and there would also be a full time on-site management office to deal with any complaints or concerns and to monitor parking. He also assured residents there would be no illuminated sign for the proposed store. The amount of proposed residents parking was calculated on the planning guidance of 1.5 car spaces per household and this application was proposing 1.25 car spaces per household. The original plans had also proposed a roundabout on Milverton Road opposite Wardleworth Way to slow down traffic; however, Somerset Highways were not in favour of a roundabout. Councillor Hindley suggested the level of residents parking should be raised to the maximum in planning guidance of 1.5 car spaces per household. Councillor Bowrah although largely in favour of the application still had concerns about the increase in traffic in the area. Councillor A. Govier said the scheme had a lot of positive aspects but was concerned about the speed and increase in traffic on Milverton Road and felt this need to be looked at further and thought a mini roundabout would be a good idea. He also had concerns about the proposed store and hoped the developers would listen to residents’ comments about this. Councillor Walters asked about visitors parking and was told there would be a car park provided for visitors. Councillor J. Govier asked the developers to re-consider the need for a store particularly as residents had concerns it could become a place for anti-social behaviour. She also wanted to see an increase in residents parking to 1.5 car spaces per household. Councillor Bowrah proposed recommending approval for the application in principle but raised concerns about the proposed level of parking, the necessity of proposed store, and suggested the installation of a mini roundabout at the junction of Milverton Road with Millstream Gardens to slow down traffic and improve safety for drivers from the new development. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Copley and was approved by 11 votes to 0 with 2 abstentions.
14483 APPLICATION FOR HAYMANS MILL, WESTFORD, WELLINGTON
Further to minutes 14363, 14409, and 14450, the council considered the following application: Conversion of mill building (former Haymans Coalyard Warehouse) and extension to form 21 two bed apartments and formation of 32 car parking spaces and bike lockers for 42 bikes, Haymans Mill, Payton Road, Westford, Wellington, as amended by letter dated 12th October 2007 (43/2007/087). Mr Hamer said Somerset Highways were not objecting to the proposal and explained the road outside the site was a private road and not a public highway. The Environment Agency was still concerned about the risk of flooding and wanted to see details about how the potential flooding could be overcome and Mr Hamer said he felt this could be achieved.
14483 APPLICATION FOR HAYMANS MILL, WESTFORD, WELLINGTON (cont)
The chairman said he was concerned about the blind corner not far from the access to the site. Councillors suspended standing orders to allow a member of the public, Mr A Bundy, to speak who again said he believed the development would create a narrow road and was concerned about the nearby blind corner and would be happier to see the original application implemented as he felt the proposal for 21 flats was too much. Councillor Bowrah thought it would be better to knock down the building and put a new building on the site which could be placed in a better position. He also felt traffic calming measures needed to be placed outside the site such as double yellow lines as it was only a short distance from the site entrance to the corner. Mr Hamer informed the council the visibility distance from the site entrance to the corner was about 33 metres and that was considered a luxury in highway terms. However Councillor Mitton recommended refusal on the basis the development would create a road safety hazard which was seconded by Councillor Critchard and was agreed by the council unanimously.
14484 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The council considered the following applications:
(a) Erection of bungalow on land to the rear of 32 Mantle Street, Wellington, (43/2007/146). Mr Hamer said he was happy overall with the application but was concerned about the lack of parking as he felt the site was too far from the town centre. The council suspended standing orders to allow Mrs J Thorne, whose property was next to the proposed development, to speak who informed councillors she was disappointed with the planning department because it had failed to notify the neighbours about the application until she pointed out to the planning officer about the oversight. She also said she would not want parking or vehicle access to be allowed for the application because of the narrow access and felt the site was only a two minute walk from the town centre. Mrs J. Thorne then left the room after she had spoken and returned after the vote was taken. The council agreed to recommend approval.
(b) Conversion and extension to form 3 flats to rear of 23 North Street, Wellington (43/2007/139). Mr Hamer said the planning department were in principle in favour of the proposal. The council recommended approval subject to no undue overlooking or loss of privacy for neighbours.
COUNCILLOR HENLEY ENTERED HERE AT 7.20 PM
(c) Application to fell a eucalyptus tree within the Wellington conservation area at 39a Fore Street, Wellington, (43/2007/151T). The tree officer had raised no objections. The council recommended approval.
(d) Erection of non illuminated sign (retrospective) at 21 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/145LB). Mr Hamer said the conservation officer felt the sign was out-of-keeping.
However the councillors were happy with the sign and thought it should be retained and recommended approval.
(e) Amended plans for demolition of building and erection of 6 dwellings (phase 2) and amended plans for demolition of building and erection of 2 dwellings (phase 1) on land to rear of 14 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/113) and (43/2007/112). The council recommended approval.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7.25 PM
Signed……………………………………
Chairman
3rd December 2007
posted by Wellington Town Council @ 10:14 am
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