Agenda and minutes

No declarations of interest were made by Members.

To consider the report of the Assistant Director City Development.

The Principal Project Manager (Development) (MH) presented the application for development comprising change of use to Golf Driving Range including erection of an eight bay plus two training bay driving range building incorporating reception and tractor store, associated flood lighting, 2m high mesh security fencing and 10m high netting, associated car parking and access.

Members were circulated with an update sheet - attached to minutes.

Mrs Collingwood spoke against the application. She made the following points:-

• own and run Collingwoods Bed & Breakfast at Broom Park Nurseries;
• 12 years ago had a successful business running a Market Garden and a Farm Shop but had to diversify to run a bed and breakfast following supermarkets and large garden centres taking on many of the same lines but at a lower cost;
• the bed and breakfast has a shared boundary to this development. Being our only income this small business supports tourism by attracting national and international customers who also assist the local economy and are open throughout the year;
• accommodate a variety of clients including the elderly and those with disabilities, some of whom retire to bed early and value the relaxed and peaceful atmosphere;
• the proposed development could have a devastating effect on our livelihood and future in Topsham;
• appreciate that some objections raised have been overcome by recent amendments but feel that the noise factor and the lighting still remains relevant objections to our business and our home; and
• request refusal of the application.

Mr Butler spoke in support of the application. He made the following points:-

• speaking in capacity as President of the Exeter Golf and Country Club;
• the driving range is destined to become the property of the Golf Club in due course. The Club have entered in to a formal; agreement with Heritage Homes for them to develop the existing practice ground at Newcourt for housing. Part of the Agreement required Heritage Homes to provide a replacement practice facility;
• the outcome will release much needed funds for the Golf and Country Club to invest in much needed sporting facilities to benefit its 5,000 members; and
• approval of the application will enable the Club to take a further step towards securing the Club’s future at Countess Wear for many years to come.

Responding to Members queries, he confirmed that low compression balls would be used on the driving range and that the flood lights would be turned off at 8.30pm. He stated that it was the firm intention of the Club to strictly manage the use of the facility to ensure that neighbours were not disturbed and it was acknowledged that the Club already worked hard to maintain good relations and did not cause problems for the neighbourhood. With regard to the early morning collection of balls from the Range by tractor, he agreed that the Club would adhere to an appropriate time. Given concern expressed by a Member, this would be conditioned.

The recommendation was for approval, subject to the conditions as set out in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

To consider the report of the Assistant Director City Development - TO FOLLOW.

The report of the City Development Manager was submitted.

            RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To consider the report of the Assistant Director City Development – TO FOLLOW.

The schedule of appeal decisions and appeals lodged was submitted.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To advise that the next Site Inspection Party will be held on Tuesday 10 May 2016 at 9.30 a.m.  Councillors attending to be advised.

RESOLVED that the next Site Inspection Party will be held on Tuesday 19 April 2016 at 9.30am, comprising Councillors Bialyk, Buswell and Edwards. The following site inspection will be on 10 May 2016 at 9.30 a.m., Councillors attending to be advised.

The Chair reported that this would be the last Planning Committee meeting for Councillors Choules, Buswell and Williams who were standing down at the May elections. He and Committee Members paid tribute to their hard work for the Council as well as their service as Members of this Committee.