MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING OF SIBLE HEDINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE MEETING ROOM AT THE PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE, 75 SWAN STREET, SIBLE HEDINGHAM ON FRIDAY, 22ND FEBRUARY 2008 AT 4.45 PM

In the chair: Miss C. Cannell
Present: Councillors S. Brown, R. Falco, R. Green, G. Massey and J. Skittrall
In attendance: Councillor A. Law together with two members of the public.

1. Apologies for absence
Cllr. J. Beavis

2. Declarations of interest
There were no declarations of interest.

3. Minutes of previous meeting
The minutes of the previous Planning Committee Meeting held on 2nd February 2008, having been previously circulated, were taken as read, were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

4. Matters arising from those minutes
There were no matters arising.

5. Public Comment
Mrs. S. M. P. Keeble of Langthorne, Wethersfield Road spoke against the application by Hedingham Omnibuses for high palisade fence to secure bus depot. The fence is out of character in a rural area and if there is a need for a fence then it should be of a type more in keeping with the environment. (Please see Mrs. Keeble’s letter to BDC for full details of objections).

6. Presentation by Colne Valley Railway Preservation Society
Mr. J. Dunn of the Colne Valley Railway Preservation Society stated that some years ago the Society decided to seek to extend the railway to Halstead. The Society already owns the site of the old track bed from the River Colne (roughly opposite the Wimpey site) to Alderford Street. Premdor had previously indicated that they were prepared to allow the railway to go through their site. Unfortunately part of the Wimpey development had protruded onto the former track bed despite representations to BDC at the time of the Wimpey application. A detour will therefore be necessary as at Nunnery Street, Castle Hedingham, which it is proposed to cross by a level crossing. New bridges will be required over Station Road, Sible Hedingham and also across the River Colne. Following some discussion it was unanimously resolved to support the proposals of the Colne Valley Railway Preservation Society and they were advised to liaise direct with Premdor’s professional advisers.

7. Planning Applications
The following planning applications were considered:
08/00139/FUL – Hedingham Omnibus Depot, Wethersfield Road – Erection of 2.4m high palisade fence to secure bus depot – opposed as contrary to RLP 78 and the height and nature of the fence.
08/00175/FUL – Wondrous Place, 5 Cut Maple – Erection of single storey front extension and single storey side garage extension – no objection (as proposals smaller than previous application).
08/00230/FUL – Hare House, Wethersfield Road – Erection of single storey rear conservatory extension – no objection.
08/00236/FUL – 17 Church Street – Proposed loft conversion – no objection but proposed PVC windows opposed as more suitable windows are required in a Conservation Area (it was noted that the reference to the garage was not applicable as it was a mistake in the application).
08/00250/FUL and 08/00251/LBC – Cresswells, 13 Church Street – Erection of store and garden room – no objection.
08/00255/FUL – Sugar Lane Farm, Sugar Lane – Erection of single storey wash room extension – no objection.
The above recommendations of the Planning Committee were approved.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 5.35 pm.