In the chair: Mrs. G. Massey
Present: Cllrs. J. Beavis, R. Green, and J. Skittrall.
Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk).
Mrs. H. Carter (Bursar – Hedingham School)
Apologies for absence
Cllrs. C. Cannell, R. Falco and A. Law
Declarations of interest
Mrs. G. Massey declared a personal interest in connection with the application relating to Hedingham School, as she is a School Governor and Mrs. J. Beavis declared a personal interest with the same application, as her nephew is a pupil at Hedingham School. No other interests were declared.
3. Minutes of previous meeting
The minutes of the previous Planning Committee Meeting held on 7th November 2008, having been previously circulated, were taken as read, were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
Matters arising from those minutes
The Clerk reported that he had consulted Mr. B. Taplin, Enforcement officer, BDC regarding the three large ‘GOLDSMITH CAR SALES’ signs, which had appeared at the front and rear of 114 Swan Street. Mr. Taplin is of the opinion that the area on which the signs are situated may be deemed to be a forecourt for the purposes of advert regulations. Class 6 of the Control of Advertisement Regulations permits signs up to 4.6 square metres without the need for Express Consent being obtained. Where there are two frontages 4.6 metres of signage may be on each. The term forecourt for the purposes of the regulations includes any enclosing fence, wall, screen or other structure (but not the building itself which enjoys separate advertising rights). The total area of signage on the frontage does not appear to exceed the permitted criteria. (The only restriction is that where premises are in a Conservation Area then they may not be illuminated). Mr. Taplin was aware of the involvement of the Community Warden and Mr. Gary Philp, Environmental Protection Officer, BDC, regarding Goldsmith’s cars for sale parked on the public highway namely Summerfields, which is being investigated with a view to action being taken. It was accepted that no further action could be taken regarding the signs.
Public Comment
Mrs. H. Carter, Bursar of Hedingham School attended to answer any questions arising from the School application and produced a sample of the proposed artificial grass which was examined by Councillors who found it impressive. Dr. R. Green enquired about flood lighting and Mrs. Carter explained that the latest type of floodlighting would be installed so any spillage will be minimal. A tree planting scheme is being included which will prevent the affects of lights. There will be no upward spillage so lights will not affect astrologers. A noise impact survey had been undertaken and all recommendations will be implemented. Mrs. J. Beavis enquired about the open meeting and was informed that it was very successful. The issues raised included car parking, noise and opening times. The pitch will be closed when other events are held at the School but it needs to be open 85 hours a week to comply with grant conditions. The residents of Christmas Field will be largely unaffected but two bungalows adjacent to the school grounds may be affected by noise but not by anything else. Mrs. Beavis enquired about the residents of Yeldham Road but no complaints had been received, as there will be no impact to any houses there. There should not be any additional parking problems in the vicinity of the school. There was no other public comment.
6. Planning Applications
The following planning applications were considered:
08/02084/FUL – 11 Recreation Road – Formation of roof to include dormers on existing front roof slope - no objections.
08/02093/FUL – Oak House, Morris Green Road – Erection of a replacement dwelling – no objections but it was resolved to make similar representations as before regarding the history of the site and retention of historical features.
08/02102/FUL and 08/02103/LBC – Rookwoods, Yeldham Road – Amendments to plans approved under 06/01788/FUL and 06/01789/LBC – Internal and external alterations – no objections.
08/02125/FUL – The Gardeners Cottage, Rookwoods – Removal of condition no. 3 of application 06/01788/FUL – no objections.
08/02088/FUL – Land adjacent to 1 Hawkwood Road – Amendment to approved application 07/00669/FUL – to increase the overall height of the roof – no objections.
08/02188/FUL and 08/02189/LBC – Tile Kiln Farm, Braintree Road – Conversion of Listed barn to form new dwelling including live/work office space. It was confirmed that the exterior of the building would not be changed. Mr. J. Skittrall asked for this application to be deferred in view of verbal representations from a neighbour. A site visit will be arranged for Saturday 13th December 2008 at 10.15am to visit the site and the neighbour. Thereafter another Planning Committee Meeting will be held on Friday, 19th December 2008 at 4.30pm at PC Office to consider this application further.
To consider application from Essex County Council
The following application was considered:
CC/BTE/127/08 – Hedingham School, Yeldham Road – Construction of artificial grass sports pitch with perimeter ball stop fencing and floodlights, plus the installation of boundary fencing with rabbit barrier – resolved to support application as it will be a good community asset.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 4.35pm.
………………….. ………………………………
(Date) (Chairman)