To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 June 2011.

With regard to Agenda Item 10/11 Schedule of Planning Applications (c) Item 3 : 3PL/2010/1366/LB paragraph 4 on page 5, the words ‘including on affordable housing’ should be inserted to read, “Deferred, on the grounds that further information including on affordable housing was required, and to allow independent advice be sought on the viability case”.

Subject to the above, the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 June 2011 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

It was expected that an Atlas training session for Members and all other Council Members would take place on the evening of 26 July 2011; when the date was confirmed all Councillors would be informed.

A half hour training session would take place after the end of the meeting for the benefit of new Members.

To receive an update. 

The Public Examination concluded last week, and the Inspector’s report was due to be received in October.  The Council had introduced a new policy which would be on the website later in the week, which identified villages with settlement boundaries, which would be the subject to a further six week consultation.

Report of the Director of Commissioning.

The report concerned an application for full planning permission for the erection of a two-storey detached dwelling with a cart lodge.  The proposal also included a new access off Parkland Avenue.  The application was considered by the Development Control Committee on 18 April 2011, when it was resolved to defer the application to consider the footprint of the dwelling marked out within the site boundaries, to confirm the roadway treatment and to enable further consideration of issues raised by a resident in respect of reported problems with foul water drainage in the local area.  A site visit was undertaken on 8 July 2011.

Following the site visit the Principal Planning Officer stated that the positioning of the building was still felt to be acceptable.  The drive surface treatment would be constructed in a porous bitumen finish. However some Councillors were not happy with the siting of the development and that it would not sit comfortably on the corner plot.

Anglian Water had admitted that there had been pump failures over the last decade but one of the pumps had now been fitted with non return valves and currently they were looking at costs to replace a second pump.  They had stated there was not a capacity issue at the main sewer.

Mr Pick, Objector, who lives at 49 Parklands Avenue advised that everyone who lives in the cul-de-sac had complained and their gardens have been covered in sewerage, the last time being January 2011, and residents were concerned that another property would compound the problem that already existed. He advised that in May 2010 a monitor had been placed in the drain for several months and he had been told that the bore of the pipe was not big enough to take the volume of sewerage through it.  The footpath constructed by Norfolk County Council had been moved nearer to the wall of his property recently, but he did not object to that.

The Planning Manager clarified with Members the need to establish if the site was capable of siting a dwelling of this type.

Members voted against the recommendation to approve the application.  It was then :

RESOLVED, contrary to officer recommendation, to refuse the application, on the grounds that the proposal was unacceptable as proposed as too little amenity space was provided and the design was inappropriate for this site and too cramped.

To consider the Schedule of Planning Applications:

RESOLVED that the applications be determined as follows :-

(a)       Item 1 : Griston : Land off Church Road : Proposed 10 Unit Housing Estate for Miss L Bunn : Reference 3PL/2010/1277/F

            The application sought full planning permission for the erection of 10 dwellings consisting of 4 semi-detached bungalows, 2 detached chalet bungalows and 4 semi-detached houses with associated garaging and parking spaces.  The site is accessed via Church Road.  The scheme proposes to provide the 4 semi-detached bungalows as affordable units.

            No pre-application consultation or discussions had taken place.  The Parish Council had objected.  The Highways Authority required amendments to the layout and access.  Environmental Health had concern over the sceptic tank.  The Tree & Countryside Officer felt the sacrifice of a small-leafed lime was not acceptable, and that due to the juxtaposition between Plot 9 and the trees, there would be additional pressure to fell others. It was felt the layout was poor and cramped.  With regard to foul drainage, there was a presumption to discharge into a public sewer, unless there were compelling reasons to use an alternative system e.g treatment plant.  It was evident that the main foul sewer is within the Church Road carriageway.  No justification had been put forward as to why this had been discounted as a viable option for dealing with foul water from the site.

            A Member of the Committee questioned whether a development plan for the whole site should be provided so that future intentions could be made known.

            Refused, as recommended.

(b)       Item 2 : Hockham : Poplars Farm : Re-building of 6 No Chicken Sheds, Tractor Shed & Associated Works (Retrospective) for Mr P Davidson : Reference 3PL/2011/0320/F

            The proposal sought retrospective planning permission for the rebuilding of 6 chicken sheds, a tractor shed and associated works.  The proposed buildings have the same footprint as the original buildings.  No objections had been received, there would be no increase in the number of birds, and the buildings were a significant improvement.

            Approved, as recommended.

(c)        Item 3 : Great Ellingham : Stallard Farm, Stalland Common : 3 No Duck Buildings Including Demolition Of Existing for Gressingham Foods : Reference  3PL/2011/0365/F

            The proposal sought the demolition of 7 existing duck buildings and the erection of 3 duck buildings.  The Parish Council, Environment Agency and Norfolk County Council had no objections.  Three letters of concern from local residents with regard to noise, flies and additional screening required on the western boundary had been received. The site operated with an environmental permit of 65,000 ducks and the number would not be exceeded by the proposal.  The Environmental Health Officer had recommended conditions for a boundary noise limit and a management plan for the control of pests.

            Mr Urwin, Applicant advised that pest control was covered by regional contractors, fans used are those utilised across most poultry sites.  The landscaping/screening would be implemented during the next Autumn-Winter.

            In answer to a question raised by a Councillor as to how the existing asbestos roofing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114.

Report of the Director of Commissioning

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.

APP/F2605/D/11/2151007 : Watton : 29 Merton Road, IP25 6BD : Appeal against a refusal to grant planning permission for a garden shed by Mr Robert Old : Application Reference 3PL/2011/0004/F.

Decision : Allowed

Noted.

Report of the Director of Commissioning

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.