Agenda, decisions and minutes

Members are required to notify any substitutions by midday on the day of the meeting.

Late substitutions will not be accepted and Members attending as a substitute without having given the due notice will not be able to take part in the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Louise Peace.

Having given notice, Councillor Jon Clayden substituted for Councillor Peace.

Audio recording – 1 minute 32 seconds

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Louise Peace.

Having given notice, Councillor Jon Clayden substituted for Councillor Peace.

Councillor Michael Muir was absent.

To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meetings of the Committee held on the 18 July 2024 and 25 July 2024.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meetings of the Committee held on 18 July 2024 and the 25 July 2024 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Audio Recording – 2 minutes 3 seconds

Councillor Elizabeth Dennis, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Ruth Brown seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meetings of the Committee held on 18 July 2024 and 25 July 2024 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Members should notify the Chair of other business which they wish to be discussed at the end of either Part I or Part II business set out in the agenda. They must state the circumstances which they consider justify the business being considered as a matter of urgency.

The Chair will decide whether any item(s) raised will be considered.

There was no other business notified.

Audio recording – 2 minutes 54 seconds

There was no other business notified.

Members are reminded that any declarations of interest in respect of any business set out in the agenda, should be declared as either a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest or Declarable Interest and are required to notify the Chair of the nature of any interest declared at the commencement of the relevant item on the agenda.  Members declaring a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest must withdraw from the meeting for the duration of the item. Members declaring a Declarable Interest, wishing to exercise a ‘Councillor Speaking Right’, must declare this at the same time as the interest, move to the public area before speaking to the item and then must leave the room before the debate and vote.

(1)   The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be recorded.

(2)   The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question.

(3)   The Chair clarified matters for the registered speakers.

(4)   The Chair advised that Section 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution applied to the meeting.

(5)   The Chair advised Members of the ongoing Community Governance Review survey which was being conducted to look at parish arrangements. The survey was open until the 7 October 2024 and posters had been provided to Members to distribute in their wards.

(6)   The Chair advised that items 8, 9 and 10 of the agenda, relating to The Bull, High Street, Gosmore, Hitchin, SG4 7QG had been withdrawn from the agenda due to the withdrawal of the call-in request.

Audio recording – 3 minutes 1 seconds

(1)   The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be recorded.

(2)   The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question.

(3)   The Chair clarified matters for the registered speakers.

(4)   The Chair advised that Section 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution applied to the meeting.

(5)   The Chair advised Members of the ongoing Community Governance Review survey which was being conducted to look at parish arrangements. The survey was open until the 7 October 2024 and posters had been provided to Members to distribute in their wards.

(6)   The Chair advised that items 8, 9 and 10 of the agenda, relating to The Bull, High Street, Gosmore, Hitchin, SG4 7QG had been withdrawn from the agenda due to the withdrawal of the call-in request.

To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.

The Chair confirmed that the registered speakers were in attendance.

Audio recording – 7 minutes 21 seconds

The Chair confirmed that the registered speakers were in attendance.

REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER    

Change of use of care home to 16 residential apartments (C3 use), with roof extension to comprise increased ridge height, dormer windows and rooflights, with internal and external alterations.

RESOLVED: That application 23/01492/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons and conditions set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.

Audio recording – 9 minutes 16 seconds

N.B. Councillor Nigel Mason declared a predetermination on this item and moved to the public speaking gallery to present as Member advocate.

The Senior Planning Officer provided an update that the Applicant had agreed to the pre commencement conditions set out within the recommendations.

The Senior Planning Officer presented the report in respect of Application 23/01492/FP supported by a visual presentation consisting of photographs and plans.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Ruth Brown

·       Councillor Ian Mantle

·       Councillor Tom Tyson

In response to questions, the Senior Planning Officer advised that:

·       The increase to the height ridge would be 1.5 metres to the main building, and 0.6 metres to the existing two storey side.

·       The surrounding buildings had higher elevations.

·       There was a Section 106 (s106) payment item for £15 for Childcare services.

·       There was an off-site contribution for affordable housing in the S106 agreement.

The Chair invited Councillor Nigel Mason to speak against the application. Councillor Mason thanked the Chair for the opportunity and provided the Committee with a verbal presentation, including that:

·       There were concerns regarding parking on the site.

·       There were road safety concerns as the site was on a known traffic hot spot.

·       The application had 12 parking spaces, but had 16 apartments, this was below the guidelines which stated that for this size development there should be 18 resident parking spaces and 12 visitor parking spaces.

·       The parking space explanation at 4.3.33 and 4.3.34 of the report did not appease the situation.

·       It was likely that the majority of residents would have at least one car, and parking would therefore spill out onto the surround already overcrowded streets, causing a traffic problem in an already congested area.

·       The roads surrounding the development were frequently congested and the traffic light junction onto Bedford Road caused chaos, leading to the area being gridlocked.

·       There would be addition traffic congestion from any construction traffic.

·       The conversion of the care home would lead to the loss of a viable business and residential beds. There was an aging population, and this conversion was not in the best interest of the public.

·       Raising the roofline would have an impact on the character of the area.

·       Paragraph 111 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) should be applied in this matter as there would be an unacceptable impact on the traffic system in this area.

·       The application offered too many flats, with no affordable housing and an inadequate amount of parking.

The Chair thanked Councillor Nigel Mason for his presentation.

N.B Councillor Nigel Mason left the Chamber at 19:52 for the duration of this item.

The Chair invited Mr James Gran to speak as agent to the applicant, in support of the application. Mr Gran thanked the Chair for the opportunity and provided the Committee with a verbal presentation, including that:

·       The roof extension and the conversion had received a positive response from Highway and Officers.

·       There was an under provision of parking spaces, however the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER    

Erection of six 3-bed bungalows with associated parking and landscaping following the demolition of the existing buildings. Conversion of reception building into one residential 3-bed dwelling with associated parking.

RESOLVED: That application 24/00103/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons and conditions set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager with the following amendment to Condition 15.

“Condition 15:

Prior to commencement a site-wide sustainability strategy shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority for approval addressing renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and water conservation and the measures shall be implemented on site prior to the first occupation of each dwelling.

Reason: To reduce carbon dioxide emissions and promoting principles of sustainable construction and the efficient use of buildings in accordance with Policies SP9 and D1 of the North Hertfordshire Local Plan 2011 to 2031.”

Audio recording – 1 hour 3 minutes 35 seconds

N.B Councillor Nigel Mason returned to the Chamber at 20:33.

The Senior Planning Officer presented the report in respect of Application 23/00103/FP supported by a visual presentation consisting of photographs and plans.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Nigel Mason

·       Councillor Jon Clayden

·       Councillor Amy Allen

·       Councillor Elizabeth Dennis

·       Councillor Ruth Brown

·       Councillor Tom Tyson

·       Councillor Emma Fernandes

In response to questions, the Senior Planning Officer advised that:

·       The applicant may be able to clarify the centre circles on the aerial view of the site.

·       All applications were considered individually, on their own merits and depending on the facts of each application.

·       The ownership of the completed bungalows was not a material planning consideration.

·       The sitemap showed spaces for refuse bins for each bungalow, and there was a turning point on the site for a refuse vehicle near a bin collection point.

·       The site could be accessed via Deadman’s Hill and via the cut over from Royston.

·       This was a brown site for 7 dwellings and would be in conflict of Policy SP2 of the Local Plan.

·       There had been an objection from Highways, but this had been considered in depth in the report..

·       There was a condition in the report for sustainable energy and this had been agreed by the applicant.

·       The development would create less trip generation compared to its current commercial usage.

·       Requesting a vehicle pass area was beyond the scope of the application.

·       All the dwellings would have EV charging points.

·       Although the applicant mentioned securing a lynx bus service to the site, this could not be a planning condition as it was beyond the scope of the application.

·       Condition 15 of the report related to the sustainability of the site.

The Chair invited Mr Jeremy Burrowes the applicant to speak in support of the application. Mr Burrows thanked the Chair for the opportunity and provided the Committee with a verbal presentation, including that:

·       The site was used for kennels and had been for sale for the last 4 years.

·       There was a downward trend for kennels, with recent local closures and it was not easy to get permission to open a new kennel.

·       Three enforcement notices due to noise levels had been served on the premises.

·       No objections had been received to the change or use, or the proposed development.

·       There was a public footpath along the A505 and current employees walked to the site from the train station.

·       The was regular access to the site by large lorries, and this was likely to cease with the new development.

·       There was a lack of affordable housing in the area and a housing shortage.

·       The development was for modest 3 bedroom bungalows, suitable for young families.

The following Members asked points of clarification:

·       Councillor Nigel Mason

·       Councillor Emma Fernandes

·       Councillor Tom Tyson

In response to points of clarification, Mr Burrowes advised that:

·       Planning permission had previously been granted for a small lake on the site, it was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER    

Change of use of the public house (Sui Generis) to residential (Class C3) comprising 1x four-bed dwelling and associated landscaping, Erection of carport/storage.

The Chair confirmed that agenda item 8, 24/00796/FP had been withdrawn from the agenda due to the withdrawal of the call-in request.

The Chair confirmed that agenda item 8, 24/00796/FP had been withdrawn from the agenda due to the withdrawal of the call-in request.

REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER    

Temporary planning permission for a period of 12 months for the continued use of the first floor as residential accommodation.

The Chair confirmed that agenda item 9, 24/00751/FP had been withdrawn from the agenda due to the withdrawal of the call-in request.

The Chair confirmed that agenda item 9, 24/00751/FP had been withdrawn from the agenda due to the withdrawal of the call-in request.

REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER    

Internal and external alterations to facilitate change of use of the public house (Sui Generis) to residential (Class C3) comprising 1x four-bed dwelling.

The Chair confirmed that agenda item 10, 24/00725/LBC had been withdrawn from the agenda due to the withdrawal of the call-in request.

The Chair confirmed that agenda item 10, 24/00725/LBC had been withdrawn from the agenda due to the withdrawal of the call-in request.

REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER    

Erection of headquarters building for Wheatley Group Developments Ltd including workshop, storage facilities, associated car parking and landscaping.

RESOLVED: That application 23/02706/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons and conditions set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.

Audio recording – 1 hour 42 minutes 14 seconds

The Senior Planning Officer presented the report in respect of Application 23/02706/FP supported by a visual presentation consisting of photographs and plans and stated that the recommendation was to grant permission for this application subject to the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) matters being resolved and to the conditions in the report.

In response to a point of clarification from Councillor Sadie Billing, the Senior Planning Officer advised that Highways had not raised any objections to this application and any request for yellow lines outside of the application site, could not be dealt with by this application.

The Chair advised that the application offered adequate, disable, cycle and car parking spaces.

Councillor Ruth Brown proposed to grant permission and this was seconded by Councillor Jon Clayden and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That application 23/02706/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons and conditions set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.

N.B. Following the conclusion of this item, there was a break in proceedings and the meeting reconvened at 21:23.

REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER    

Variation of Condition 2 of planning permission 20/02507/FP granted on 04/07/2022 (for the erection of 24 dwellings including extended access from Knights Templar Court and all associated works following demolition of existing dwelling and outbuilding). Revised site plan for the provision of garages to plots 21 & 22.

RESOLVED: That application 24/01285/S73 be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons and conditions set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.

Audio recording – 1 hour 42 minutes 14 seconds

The Development Management Team Leader presented the report in respect of Application 24/01285/S73 supported by a visual presentation consisting of photographs and plans.

The following Members asked points of clarification:

·       Councillor Jon Clayden

·       Councillor Ruth Brown

In response to points of clarification, the Area Planning Officer advised that:

·       The variation to the planning application did not extend the 3 years time period to commence the development.

·       There were no garages on any other dwellings on the site, and the request was for market choice.

Councillor Tom Tyson proposed to grant this application and Councillor Ruth Brown seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That application 24/01285/S73 be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons and conditions set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.

REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER

To update Members on appeals lodged and any decisions made.

The Area Planning Officer provided an update on Planning Appeals.

Audio recording – 1 hour 58 minutes 55 seconds

The Development Management Team Leader provided an update on Planning Appeals and highlighted that, the applications submitted for appeal were detailed on page 131 of the report and that there had been 2 decision appeal recorded both of which had been dismissed.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Ruth Brown

·       Councillor Jon Clayden

In response to questions the Area Planning Officer advised that about 90% of appeal were dismissed and that currently there was no comparison data on this topic regarding nearby Local Authorities.

The Chair advised that the information could be requested from the Development and Conservation Manager.