To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 18 December 2017.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 18 December 2017 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive apologies for absence.

Councillor Mike Brindle (substitute) was in attendance to observe only.

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 room as stated in the Standing Orders of this Council.

The Chairman left the room whilst item 5 of the Schedule of Applications (Dereham) was being discussed.

The Chairman welcomed Councillor Marion Chapman-Allen to the meeting.

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.

None.

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. 

Nothing to report.

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

Noted.

To consider the Schedule of Planning Applications:

RESOLVED that the applications be determined as follows:

a)    Item 1: Dereham: Land off Shipdham Road, Westfield Road and Westfield Lane: Residential development for a minimum of 291 dwellings, link roads, open space and recreational space: Applicant: Glavenhill Strategic Land (Number 1) Ltd C/O Lanpro Services Ltd: Reference: 3PL/2015/1490/O

Consideration was given to the report presented by Jon Berry, Head of Development Management.

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

Further representations had been received in the form of a letter from Mr George Freeman MP, a letter from Councillor K. Millbank, and additional information from Dereham Town Council relating to traffic data had been received (see supplementary agenda pages 139 – 163).

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

Ward Representative of neighbouring Parish:            Councillor Paul Claussen

As an Elected Councillor:                                           Councillor Alison Webb

Applicant’s Agent:                                                       Jane Crichton

Dereham Town Council:                                             Tony Needham

Highways Consultant:                                                 Simon Clewlow

Chairman of Yaxham Parish Council:                        Peter Lowings

Vice-Chair NP4Yaxham Neighbourhood Plan:          Ian Martin

Toftwood Community Life:                                         Val Baker

DECISION: Members voted 7 x 4 not to accept the Officer’s recommendation of approval.

            REASONS:

1.    the intrusion of built development into the open countryside and the creation of a hard edge to the Town of Dereham; and

2.    significant visual impact and harm to the character and appearance of the site and surrounding landscape.

            DECISION: Members voted 5 x 5 (plus one abstention) not to accept the        Officer’s recommendation of approval and refuse the application.

The vote was tied 5 x 5.  The Chairman was entitled to his casting vote and voted that the application be refused on the above stated two grounds together with a highway ground, including the impact of the junction on a ‘C’ Class road being used as an entrance/access point to the development.

It was agreed that the final wording for the decision of refusal would be drafted by Officers in consultation with the Chairman.

b)    Item 2: Necton: Erne Farm, North Pickenham Road: Demolish farmhouse, bungalow & agricultural buildings & erest up to 46 dwellings & provision of a Community Park: Applicant: Heritage Development Ltd: Reference: 3PL/2016/0983/O

Consideration was given to the report presented by Debi Sherman, Principal Development Management Planner.

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

Further representations had been received from Necton Parish Council (see supplementary agenda page 164).

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

Applicant’s Agent:                                                       Ian Reilly

DECISION: Members voted 10 x 1 to accept the Officer’s recommendation of approval subject to the conditions as listed in the report and an additional condition as listed on the supplementary agenda.

c)    Item 3: Thetford: Tulip Viking, Caxton Way: Erection of a retail terrace (Class A1) and a detached restaurant and takeaway (Class A3/A5),  ...  view the full minutes text for item 917.

Report of the Executive Director of Place.

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.