In the chair: Miss. C. Cannell
Present: Cllrs. R. Falco, R. Green, A. Law, G. Massey and J. Skittrall.
Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk).
Apologies for absence
Cllr. J. Beavis
Declarations of interest
Miss. C. Cannell declared a personal interest in connection with the application relating to Duckdown Cottage, High Street Green, as she knows the applicant’s mother. Dr. R. A. Green declared a personal interest in connection with the application relating to Hulls Mill as he lives near the site.
No interests other were declared.
3. Minutes of previous meeting
The minutes of the previous Planning Committee Meeting held on 26th September 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
There were no matters arising.
5. Public Comment
There was no public comment.
6. Planning Applications
The following planning applications were considered:
08/01774/FUL – Washlands Farm, Prayors Hill – Improvement to access comprising of 2 new gates, 4 brick piers and new walling –no objections
08/01784/DEM – 135 Swan Street – Prior notification of proposed demolition of existing shop – no objections
08/01813/FUL – 13 Sparrow Close – Erection of rear extension to provide two additional bedrooms and lounge area, demolition of existing conservatory and demolition of existing single skin brickwork porch and re-build in cavity work. It was noted that the property had previously been extended so that there is no side entrance. The neighbours had been consulted and they have no objection even though access through neighbour’s property is required. Resolved no objections.
08/01821/FUL – 133 Swan Street – Erection of extension and alterations. It was noted that when adjoining shop is demolished it will leave a hole in the house so work must be carried out to house – resolved no objections
08/01827/FUL – Woolmans, Harrow Cross Road – Creation and use of 20m x 40m manege – no objections
08/01833/TPOCON – 79 Swan Street – Fell one lime tree – application withdrawn
08/01843/FUL – Duckdown Cottage, High Street Green – Erection of two storey side/front extension. The Chairman reported that Mrs. E. Jones was concerned about parking on the corner. It was noted that there is parking space within the property and when building work is complete people can park there – resolved no objections
To consider application listed under Great Maplestead
08/01740/FUL & 08/01741/LBC – Hulls Mill, Hulls Mill Lane – Change of use from private residential to wedding venue and accommodation for guests in five bedrooms.
Whilst the postal address for this site is Great Maplestead and BDC had listed the application under Great Maplestead, it appears that three quarters of Hulls Mill building is actually in Sible Hedingham because the River Colne, which is the parish boundary at this point actually passes under the Mill (the sluice, mill pond and ford, which is not part of the main river is wholly within SH). In addition the whole of the site of the proposed car park falls within Sible Hedingham. Therefore, as the majority of the site, the subject of this application falls within SH, Councillors resolved to make representations. Dr. R. A. Green reported that Great Maplestead Parish Council and Hedingham Heritage Society were opposed to the application and that the Colne Stour Countryside Association had also been consulted and will consider it. Councillors considered five letters of representation from residents who all oppose the application for various reasons. It was resolved that the Parish Council support the resident’s objections, oppose the application and emphasise the following points:
Policy and in particular RLP 79.
Highway objections, bad access onto A1124, narrow and unsuitable lanes, few passing places, application by SHPC to ECC for lane to be designated a “Quiet Lane”, difficult for emergency services to get access.
No main sewer, inadequate septic tank, risk of pollution into River Colne and recent evidence of otters, water voles and other wildlife.
Grade II Listed building – fire regulations required - external fire escape and internal fire prevention measures not acceptable in listed building.
Plan showing extent of property owned by applicant defective, as incomplete, leading to apparent discrepancy of acreage.
Objection to additional vehicles, parking area, noise pollution, etc.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 5pm.
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(Date) (Chairman)