Agenda and minutes

To sign the minutes of the meeting held on 14 March and 11 April 2016.

The minutes of the meetings held on 14 March and 11 April 2016 were taken as read and signed by the Chair as correct.

Councillor Newby declared an interest in Minute No. 35 as he was a Trustee of the Dorothy Holman Centre and an Executive Member of the Scout Association in Exeter.

The Project Manager (Planning) (KW) presented the application for 22 dwellings (houses and flats), associated access through Phase 1 landscaping and infrastructure provision.

Councillor Baldwin, having given notice under Standing Order No.44, spoke on the item. She raised the following points:-

·         a development by Heritage Homes on Phase I next to Exeter Road had been deferred in 2015 for further consultation and discussions in respect of play area provision, an application for 28 dwellings being subsequently approved. The proposal for 22 dwellings on Phase II will bring the total units to 50 which is considered to be over development;

·         residents and local Members have not been consulted on the Phase II proposals where land has already been levelled and trees removed in spite of a Tree Preservation Order;

·         as there are likely to be a number of young families with children a play area with play equipment should be provided in this location and the financial contribution to be used at Seabrook Orchards instead of Ferry Road;

·         construction traffic has been using Retreat Drive even though this is a private road;

·         accept that there is pressure for extra houses in Exeter but Topsham itself is experiencing a massive expansion in housing; and

·         higher density development is out of keeping with neighbouring residential areas; and request reduction in number of units to reduce density.

Mr Burley spoke against the application. He made the following points:-

·         site has a semi rural character and is bounded by established landscape/trees, leading to the low density housing and the listed Retreat;

·         the 2013 Exeter Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA), identified this site as having a maximum yield of eight units. Outline approval was granted for up to nine units and showed low density detached two storey dwellings contained by the existing landscape. By contract, the proposal is for 22 dwellings, nearly 3 times the SHLAA yield. This combined with approval of the neighbouring site for 28 units will result in a total of 50 units on an area previously identified for 24. This constitutes gross overdevelopment and an excessive urbanisation of this small town fringe site;

·         the proposals will result in the removal of the majority of mature landscape on the site, much already undertaken, in advance of consideration by Members;

·         the stated justification of scale of buildings relative to the M5 embankment, is factious and will result in a canyon effect along Retreat Drive. The proposed buildings are close to site boundaries and leave no opportunity for meaningful landscape buffering. Multiple pedestrian accesses are proposed to Wessex Close/Retreat Drive which have no planning justification;

·         the development exacerbates the intensification of traffic and safety at the junction of Exeter Road and Retreat Drive;

·         despite the assurances given by the applicant at the time of the outer field approval, no proper on-site play space is provided;

·         whilst it is understood that the City Council is under housing number pressure, approval of these applications breach the duty to balance the need for housing and the rights  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

To consider the report of the Assistant Director City Development.

Councillor Newby declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of this item as he was a Trustee of the Dorothy Holman Centre and an Executive Member of the Scout Association in Exeter.

The Assistant Director City Development presented the application for the demolition of existing Scout Hut and erection of new building, including storage, hall, changing facilities and meeting room. He covered the following areas in his presentation:-

·    Design - the new building would be about 10.8 metres at its highest point with its overall size and massing increased, partly by the greater height but also by additional width and length. The Local Plan encouraged contemporary design approaches;

·    Flooding - the proposed development should help to improve the current situation and ensure that a building on this site is not easily flooded in the foreseeable future.

·    Heritage - the impact of the building would not have a harmful impact on the setting of the nearby listed building - the contrast between a striking and distinctive modern building and a traditional historic cottage should provide a more vibrant relationship than that which exists between the listed building and Halyards;

·    Residential amenity - hours of operation were unlikely to be very different to previous operations with most activities ceased by 10pm with occasional Friday/Saturday events continuing until 11.30pm. If there were significant levels of disturbance the Council would be able to address these using enforcement powers; 

·    Traffic and intensification of use - and concerns about the impact of the development on traffic attracted to the site and on parking in Ferry Road. Devon County Council was currently reviewing parking arrangements in this road. Given the lack of availability of parking in the area it was felt that the majority of users of the building would walk to the site. The project represents a joint venture between three groups, all of which encouraged local children to develop skills through a wide range of activities. The Council would not seek to intervene to prevent the building from being hired out to other parties.

He confirmed that careful regard had been had to both Sections 66 and 72 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 in respect of special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and in considering the effect on the setting of the listed building.

Councillor Baldwin, having given notice under Standing Order No.44, spoke on the item. She raised the following points:-

·         do not object in principle to the upgrade of the Scout Hut as the current structure is in a dilapidated state and the new building will be put to good use by the Sea Scouts and the two local charities;

·         concerns regarding the size, density and setting in the Topsham Conservation Area, the proposed materials and traffic issues in Ferry Road;

·         the previous Conservation Officer had expressed the view that any increase in size, height and general style for a new Scout Hut  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

To consider the report of the Assistant Director City Development.

The Principal Project Manager (Development) (PJ) presented the application for the creation of a new external sports pitch (3G artificial grass pitch) with perimeter fencing, floodlights, and storage container for maintenance equipment.

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

Members were supportive of upgraded sporting provision in this area noting the high quality and well managed provision proposed. They did not envisage difficulties in respect of passing members of the public along footpaths adjacent to the flood relief channel as the playing of a cricket game would be evident. They noted that Sport England had objected to the lack of provisions to ensure a satisfactory replacement of the cricket pitch but it was understood from Exeter College that confirmation of the English Cricket Board support was imminent in respect of the new cricket facility. Members requested that Exeter College be asked to ensure that those sporting bodies supporting the facility would not be seeking restrictive covenants to prevent use for other sports.

The recommendation was for approval subject to the conditions as set out in the report.

RESOLVED that, subject to the applicant:-

(a)    addressing the requirements of the English Cricket Board and Sport England including details of the cricket pitch construction specification, implementation and maintenance;

(b)    undertaking a risk assessment including appropriate mitigation measures and an appropriately sited cricket changing facilities; and

(c)    completing a Section 106 Agreement under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 covering the replacement cricket pitch and associated management measures to ensure the new pitches are available prior to use of the new artificial pitch.

the Assistant Director City Development, in consultation with the Chair, be authorised to APPROVE the application for the creation of a new external sports pitch (3G artificial grass pitch) with perimeter fencing, floodlights, and storage container for maintenance equipment subject to the following conditions:-

Given the objection raised by Sport England, the application be referred to the Secretary of State, via the National Planning Casework Unit in accordance with the Town and County  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

The report of the Assistant Director City Development was submitted.

            RESOLVED that the report be noted.

The schedule of appeal decisions and appeals lodged was submitted.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To consider the report of the Corporate Manager Democratic and Civic Support.

The report of the Corporate Manager Democratic and Civic Support was submitted.

RESOLVED that the circulated rota of site inspections be approved subject to any changes during the course of the year.

To advise that the next Site Inspection Party will be held on Tuesday 14 June 2016 at

9.30 a.m.  The Councillors attending will be advised.

RESOLVED that the next Site Inspection Party will be held on Tuesday 14 June 2016  at 9.30 a.m. The Councillors attending will be Bialyk, Mrs Henson and Prowse.