To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 10 May 2022.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 10 May 2022 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Atterwill and Clarke.  There were no substitutes in attendance.

The duties to register, disclose and not to participate for the entire consideration of the matter, in respect of any matter in which a Member has a disclosable pecuniary interest are set out in Chapter 7 of the Localism Act 2011.  Members are also required to withdraw from the meeting as stated in the Standing Orders of this Council.

1.    Little Cressingham, Village Farm, Watton Road: Reference(s): 3PL/2021/0641/F, 3PL/2021/0699/VAR, 3PL/2021/0700/F, 3PL/2021/0701/VAR, 3PL/2021/0713/VAR

Councillor Bowes declared a personal & prejudicial interest in the above applications due to her being a personal friend of the applicant.  Councillor Bowes left the            room whilst these applications were discussed.

All Members had received direct correspondence from the applicant.

2.    Hilborough: Stanford Training Area: Reference: 3PL/2022/0072/F

Councillor Bowes declared a personal & prejudicial interest in this application due to her having an interest in land adjacent to the site and left the room whilst this application was being discussed.

The Chairman thanked those Members who attended the site visit held recently at Quidenham (agenda items 8(a) and 8(b) refers). However, there had been some questions asked about how the voting should subsequently be conducted on these particular items, and an email had been circulated to all Committee Members prior to the site visit explaining how this matter should be dealt with.

Mr Horn, the Council’s Solicitor then explained that those Members who voted to defer these applications for a site visit and then, for whatever reason, did not attend that site visit, would be more then welcome to take part in the discussion and ask questions but they should not vote.

Councillor Gilbert asked if a recorded vote should be taken for any future applications that were subsequently deferred.

The Chairman agreed and a recorded vote would be taken for such decisions in future.

Councillor Duigan said that he did not attend the meeting when these applications were deferred and did not attend the site visit either and asked if he would still be able to vote.

In response, the Solicitor advised that Members could vote if they did not attend the said meeting or the site visit.  In other words, if Members felt that they had enough information before them to vote on the matter, then this would be in the same context as a normal planning application. The issue was what could be considered as reasonable and what could potentially be judicially reviewed i.e. if a Member voted for a site visit, and then was subsequently unable to attend, but he/she then voted, this would be seen to be wholly illogical.

To consider any requests from Ward Members, officers or applicants to defer an application included in this agenda, so as to save any unnecessary waiting by members of the public attending for such applications.

The following applications were deferred at the meeting:

Agenda item 8(a): Quidenham:  Anvil Park Stud, Overa House Farm, Sallow Lane: Reference: 3PL/2020/0043/F

To await accurate plans of the development on the application site.

Agenda item 9(f): Thetford: Deers Leap, 38 Norwich Road: Reference: 3PL/2022/0112/F

To await clarification of site ownership and the receipt of the certificate of ownership.

To note whether the Chairman proposes to accept any item as urgent business, pursuant to Section 100(B)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

None.

To receive an update. 

Rebecca Collins, the Head of Development Management provided Members with the following update on the Local Plan.

Work was continuing on the preparation of the partial review of the Local Plan. The call for sites consultation ended on 20 May 2022 with almost 200 submissions for development and local green space proposals.

This information was being collated and would be published once this work had been completed.

The annual monitoring of housing was nearing completion and a report setting out the 2022 5-year housing land supply report would be presented to a future Planning Committee meeting.

The Vice-Chairman, Councillor Wilkinson queried the word ‘partial’ review as he thought that a full review had been agreed.

Members were informed that a partial review was still required in respect of the relevant policy within the Local Plan followed by a full review.  

To consider applications deferred at previous meetings including some, but not all, of those shown on the attached Schedule of Deferred Applications.

Recommendation Approval.

Retrospective application to:

1.Extend commercial equestrian use to include shows/events/competitions, training/riding holidays; quiz nights and social events

2. Ancillary use of PA system

3. Change of use of part of indoor school to cafe and use of building as forge

4. Hiring out of facilities

5. Six stables

6. Increase level of 'old' outdoor arena

7. Submit details of landscaping, removal of manure and lighting.

This application was deferred from the Planning Committee meeting on 29 November 2021 for a site visit requested by Members.

This application was deferred at the meeting as accurate plans of the proposed development were required.

Recommendation: Refusal.

Erection of 4 Cabins to be used as holiday accommodation.

This application was deferred from the Planning Committee meeting on 29 November 2021 for a site visit requested by Members.

Erection of 4 cabins to be used as holiday accommodation.

This application was considered at the Planning Committee meeting in November 2021 but was deferred for a site visit to take place.  The site visit had been held on Monday, 6 June 2022.

Consideration was given to the report presented by Rebecca Collins, Head of Development Management.

Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in light of prevailing policies and guidance.

A representation was made in respect of the application in accordance with the Council’s scheme of public speaking at Planning Committee meetings:

Ward Representative:             Cllr Sarah Suggitt (spoke against the application)

DECISION: Members voted 8 x 1 in support of the Officer’s recommendation of refusal.

To consider the Schedule of Planning Applications:

The 5 x applications for Little Cressingham were presented together, but Members were asked to vote on each application.

Recommendation: Approval

Erection of Warehouse for the storage of goods in connection with STV International Ltd's pest control product business and carpark.

Erection of warehouse for the storage of goods in connection with STV International Ltd’s pest control product business and carpark.

Councillor Bowes declared a personal & prejudicial interest in this application due to her being a personal friend of the applicant.  Councillor Bowes left the room whilst this application was being discussed.

All Members had received direct correspondence from the applicant.

Consideration was given to the report presented by Matthew Blackie, Development Management Planner.

Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in light of prevailing policies and guidance.

Representations were made in respect of the application in accordance with the Council’s scheme of public speaking at Planning Committee meetings:

Parish Council:           Cllr Tony Abel (Chairman)

Applicant:                    Mr S Scott

Applicant’s Agents:     Mr O Jones and Mr D Barker (Plandescil Ltd)

DECISION: Members voted 7 x 1 for approval in support of the Officer’s recommendation; subject to:

1.    the conditions as listed in the report;

2.    delegated authority to be given to Officers to grant planning permission, subject to the receipt of satisfactory comments from the Ecological Consultant in regard to ecological considerations for biodiversity net gain related matters; and

3.    an additional condition be imposed in respect of times of loading and unloading HGV vehicles.

Recommendation: Approval

Variation of Condition No 5 on 3PL/2007/0304/F - Variation of operating hours - 2 shifts from 6am to 10pm from Monday to Fridays and from 8am to 6pm on Saturdays.

Variation of Condition No. 5 on 3PL/2007/0304/F – Variation of operating hours – 2 shifts from 6am to 10pm from Monday to Friday and from 8am to 6pm on Saturdays.

Councillor Bowes declared a personal & prejudicial interest in this application due to her being a personal friend of the applicant.  Councillor Bowes left the room whilst this application was being discussed.

All Members had received direct correspondence from the applicant.

Consideration was given to the report presented by Matthew Blackie, Development Management Planner.

Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in

light of prevailing policies and guidance.

Representations were made in respect of the application in accordance with the Council’s scheme of public speaking at Planning Committee meetings:

Parish Council:                Tony Abel (Chairman)

Applicant:                        Mr S Scott

Agents:                            Mr O Jones & Mr D Barker (Evolution Town Planning Ltd)

DECISION: Members voted 7 x 1 in support of the Officer’s recommendation of approval; subject to the conditions as listed in the report.

Recommendation: Approval.

Erection of an acoustic boundary screen fence.

Erection of an acoustic boundary screen fence.

Councillor Bowes declared a personal & prejudicial interest in this application due to her being a personal friend of the applicant.  Councillor Bowes left the room whilst this application was being discussed.

All Members had received direct correspondence from the applicant.

Consideration was given to the report presented by Matthew Blackie, Development Management Planner.

Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in light of prevailing policies and guidance.

Representations were made in respect of the application in accordance with the Council’s scheme of public speaking at Planning Committee meetings:

Parish Council:           Cllr Tony Abel (Chairman)

Applicant:                    Mr S Scott

Applicant’s Agents:     Mr O Jones and Mr D Barker (Evolution Town Planning Ltd)

DECISION: Members voted unanimously for approval in support of the Officer’s recommendation; subject to the conditions as listed in the report.

Recommendation: Approval.

Variation of Condition No 6 on 3PL/1998/1199/F - Variation of operating hours - 2 shifts from 6am to 10pm from Monday to Fridays and from 8am to 6pm on Saturdays.

Variation of Condition No. 6 on 3PL/1998/1199/F – Variation of operating hours – 2 shifts from 6am to 10pm from Monday to Friday and from 8am to 6pm on Saturdays.

Councillor Bowes declared a personal & prejudicial interest in this application due to her being a personal friend of the applicant.  Councillor Bowes left the room whilst this application was being discussed.

All Members had received direct correspondence from the applicant.

Consideration was given to the report presented by Matthew Blackie, Development Management Planner.

Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in

light of prevailing policies and guidance.

Representations were made in respect of the application in accordance with the Council’s scheme of public speaking at Planning Committee meetings:

Parish Council:                Tony Abel (Chairman)

Applicant:                        Mr S Scott

Agents:                            Mr O Jones & Mr D Barker (Evolution Town Planning Ltd)

DECISION: Members voted 7 x 1 in support of the Officer’s recommendation of approval; subject to the conditions as listed in the report.

Recommendation: Approval.

Variation of Condition No 6 on 3PL/2014/1129/F - variation of operating hours - 2 shifts from 6am to 10pm from Monday to Fridays and from 8am to 6pm on Saturdays.

Variation of Condition No. 6 on 3PL/2014/1129/F – Variation of operating hours – 2 shifts from 6am to 10pm from Monday to Friday and from 8am to 6pm on Saturdays.

Councillor Bowes declared a personal & prejudicial interest in this application due to her being a personal friend of the applicant.  Councillor Bowes left the room whilst this application was being discussed.

All Members had received direct correspondence from the applicant.

Consideration was given to the report presented by Matthew Blackie, Development Management Planner.

Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in light of prevailing policies and guidance.

Representations were made in respect of the application in accordance with the Council’s scheme of public speaking at Planning Committee meetings:

Parish Council:           Cllr Tony Abel (Chairman)

Applicant:                    Mr S Scott

Applicant’s Agents:     Mr O Jones and Mr D Barker (Evolution Town Planning Ltd)

DECISION: Members voted 7 x 1 in support of the Officer’s recommendation of approval; subject to the conditions as listed in the report.

Recommendation: Approval.

Demolition of the remaining part of the public house building and erection of a two storey 66no. bed care home for the elderly with associated works.

This application was deferred at the meeting as clarification of site ownership was awaited.

Recommendation: Approval.

Rear garden summer house (retrospective).

Rear garden summer house (retrospective).

Consideration was given to the report presented by Matthew Blackie, Development Management Planner.

Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in light of prevailing policies and guidance.

A representation was made in respect of the application in accordance with the Council’s scheme of public speaking at Planning Committee meetings:

Objector:         Liz Whitcher (Chairman of Watton & Saham Flood Action Group)

DECISION: Members voted unanimously for approval in support of the Officer’s recommendation; subject to:

1.    the conditions as listed in the report; and

2.    delegated authority be given to the Officers, following consultation with the Lead Local Flood Authority, to update wording of conditions 4 and 5, to ensure relevant works be undertaken in respect of drainage.

Recommendation: Approval.

Erection of 2.4m perimeter fence with an anti climb gate & entrance for equipment.

Erection of 2.4m perimeter fence with an anti-climb gate and entrance for equipment.

Consideration was given to the report presented by Matthew Blackie, Development Management Planner.

Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in light of prevailing policies and guidance.

No representations were made in respect of the application.

DECISION: Members voted unanimously for approval in support of the Officer’s recommendation; subject to:

1.    the conditions as listed in the report; and

2.    condition 3 be updated to require ‘green’ finish to fencing.

Recommendation: Approval.

Proposed additional 40 tonne bridge located across the river Wissey along with an improved track route, fencing, gates, cattle grids, signage etc either side of the bridge.

Proposed additional 40 tonne bridge located across the river Wissey along with an improved track route, fencing, gates, cattle grids, signage etc either side of the bridge.

Councillor Bowes declared a personal & prejudicial interest in this application due to her having an interest in land adjacent to the site and left the room whilst this application was being discussed.

Consideration was given to the report presented by Naomi Minto, Development Management Planner.

Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in light of prevailing policies and guidance.

Representations were made in respect of the application in accordance with the Council’s scheme of public speaking at Planning Committee meetings:

Ward Representative:             Cllr Fabian Eagle (spoke against the application)

Parish Council:                       Cllr Henry Sands (spoke against the application)

DECISION: Members voted 6 x 2 for approval in support of the Officer’s recommendation; subject to:

1.    the conditions as listed in the report; 

2.    no objections being received from the Council’s Ecologist in respect of ecology considerations; and

3.    additional conditions be imposed in terms of mitigation measures to address potential flooding as recommended in the submitted Flood Risk Assessment.

Report of Rob Walker, Executive Director & Monitoring Officer.

Members are requested to raise any questions at least two working days before the meeting to allow information to be provided to the Committee.

Noted.

Noted.