Agenda and minutes

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 19 March 2018.

Subject to the amendment of Min. Nos. 113, 115 and 117 to refer to Councillor Denham declaring personal rather than disclosable pecuniary interests, the minutes of the meeting held on 19 March 2018 were approved and signed by the Chair as correct.

Councillor Harvey declared a personal interest in respect of Min. No. 126 and left the meeting during consideration of the issue.

To consider the report of the City Development Manager.

The Project Manager (Planning) (GM) presented the application for the construction of a building and associated landscaping for three classrooms and staff area.

Sport England had objected to the application as it was considered that it would lead to the loss of or prejudice the use of part of the playing field. Members noted that the playing field would be able to accommodate the same activities and that the development would not result in the loss of, or inability to make use of any playing pitch. Officers would discuss the issues with Sport England and Members supported consultation with the school on whether use could be made of the playing field, for example, by one of the local football clubs. It was noted that the additional capacity sought was not related to increased pupil numbers and that such numbers would fluctuate over time.

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

RESOLVED that, subject to the withdrawal of the current holding objection by Sport England or,consultation with the Secretary of State, and receipt of confirmation that the Secretary of State raises no objection to approval of the application, the City Development Manager be granted delegated authority to APPROVE planning permission for the construction of a building and associated landscaping for three classrooms and staff area subject to:-

(a)  demonstration to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority that the development can achieve BREEAM Excellent as required by Exeter Core Strategy policy CP15, or an equivalent level of sustainable design; and

(b)  the imposition of appropriate conditions, including conditions relating to the submission of a Green Travel Plan and a Construction Method Statement.

To consider the report of the City Development Manager.

The Assistant City Development Manager presented the application for the change of use from dwelling to supported living accommodation for six residents and staff facilities (sui generis use).

Members were circulated with an update sheet.

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

·         representing a large number of residents of Wrefords Close objecting to the application;

·         application is in conflict with Policy H5 of the Local Plan which requires adequate community and service facilities for occupants with special needs with housing to be located close to local shops and services;

·         application also conflicts with Policy CP5 of the Core Strategy which requires a facility of this nature to be easily accessible and close to local facilities;

·         the proposal therefore conflicts with both policies;

·         the only local shop is a farm shop which is some distance away and is a steep walk up Wrefords Lane;

·         Stagecoach have recently reduced the H service in this area;

·         the lower part of Wrefords Close is a cul-de-sac and the windows of this development will look directly into the bedroom window of a lower ground floor flat opposite;

·         this is an inappropriate location on the edge of Exeter which lacks community facilities, limited shops and a reduced public transport link; and

·         the proposal would be a disservice to both the future occupants and the residents of Wrefords Close.

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

• speaking on behalf of Wrefords Close residents;
• the Close is a narrow cul-de-sac and when cars are parked it effectively becomes a one way street;
• the extra traffic generated by the proposal will compromise pedestrian safety and the safety of children using the nearby childrens’ play area;
• the proposal will generate additional parking and clarification is required on the exact number of parking spaces being generated;
• the proposal is contrary to Policy H5 of the Local Plan as there is a lack of community facilities in the area, the Policy requiring such a facility to be close to local shops and services;
• a location on the edge of Exeter is unsuitable for social integration and will not be close to the thriving deaf community referred to;
• a further supporting letter refers to full use being made of local facilities but it is unclear what these are;
• Cowley Bridge Road is dangerous to cyclists which will discourage staff from using this mode of transport;
• the farm shop, accessed by a footpath, is some 320 yards away up a steep hill;
• the Local H bus service has been reduced; and
• the windows of 34 Wrefords Close, where children live, will be overlooked and the distance from the proposed development will be 18.5 metres which is below the minimum recommendation of 22 metres. The development does not meet the residential design guidance within Supplementary Planning Guidance.

Mrs Ellis spoke against the application. She raised the following points:-

• have valid  ...  view the full minutes text for item 125.

To consider the report of the City Development Manager.

Councillor Harvey declared a personal interest and left the meeting during consideration of this item.

The Assistant City Development Manager presented the application for the change of use from commercial building (Use Class B1/B2/B8) to Trampoline Academy (D2).

Mrs Johns spoke in support of the application. She raised the following points:-

• Exeter Trampoline Academy (ETA), a British Gymnastics affiliated club, had been running for 18 months. A mobile club was not sustainable, due to the one hour set up and pack down time, the size and amount of equipment required and price and availability of hall hire. A permanent base was required to develop;
• the project was in a position to move into a full time facility and offer Exeter an extraordinary facility to provide a service that was in demand to better the mental and physical health of the community whether pre-school tots and mums, disabilities to access rebound therapy or home education groups to have P.E lessons. ETA is inclusive to all;
• a suitable height (minimum of 8m) was required with enough parking, an easily accessed location and suitable price. Unit 6 Apple Lane ticked all boxes. The unit had been empty for two years, Haarer Goss having actively marketed it and it had attracted enquiries from many D2 users but not for B uses. The location of the unit meant that the use of public transport could be promoted as the unit was close to bus, rail and cycle networks. It was not a trampoline park but a safe, educational sporting environment for over 300 ETA members;
• the recommendation of refusal had been based on the  retention of employment premises. The club employed 11 part-time coaches, apprentices and administrators. Full-time jobs would automatically be available and a coaching team of 15-20, full-time administration team, cleaners and more apprentices would be required which would only increase employment of the business, the building and Exeter. This was greater than most B employment uses could generate. There were other examples in the other ‘employment protected areas’ that had been allowed a change of use due to exceptional circumstances;
• there were exceptional circumstances for this sport previously not available in Exeter at this capacity;
• to demonstrate long term protection, a temporary change of use would be acceptable in case the market changed in the future and the demand for B uses returned. A five year lease and change of use was a fair short term period of time to develop as a club and to work with the City Council to find a permanent facility; and

• there would be  a huge benefit to people’s lives and for the city and community of Exeter. It would be an inclusive sport and help promote health and wellbeing with specialist training in trampolining.

Responding to Members, she stated that she had been searching for a suitable premises for some three years and that, although the Riverside area would have been a suitable location, there were no available buildings of sufficient height. A height  ...  view the full minutes text for item 126.

To consider the report of the City Development Manager.

The Assistant City Development Manager presented the application for the demolition of an existing garage building to be replaced with two residential units.

Mr Scarr spoke in support of the application. He raised the following points:-

• the scheme has been developed over the past six months with collaboration from the Council’s Planning Officer, the result being a scheme which complied with all planning policies and provided new quality family homes for the city.;
• theBendene Hotel has been in operation for many years and the current owners were looking to invest in the facilities to ensure that the listed building was well maintained and the hotel could continue to operate. Developing the land at the rear of the site provided income for the hotel and an opportunity for investment; 
• the new houses were designed to be built on the same footprint of the existing garage building. The ground floor was the same area as the existing building with the angle squared off at the front to make it slightly smaller, there was no increase in the built footprint. It replaced a post-war building that the planning and conservation team agreed had no historic or Architectural merit.  The argument that the approval of this scheme would set a precedent for future development to the rear of Richmond Road was not valid as the other sites did not have existing buildings to be replaced;
• there were some objections by local residents mostly relating to maintaining access to the rear car parks during the construction period. The suggested condition would involve the submission of a construction methodology statement to show how the works would be carried out whilst maintaining access to the other car parks;
• wealth of experience and a track record in designing in sensitive conservation areas, and on difficult urban sites such as this. Have successfully managed and delivered projects in far more difficult city centre locations than this and are very confident that the construction work involved when building this site would not impact the neighbours ability to use this access road;
• the applicant had met with the neighbours on site since the objections were raised. The issue of access was explained and it was also requested by a number of the neighbours that the side windows from the proposed building were removed. This has been done at their request;
• proposing a car free development which is supported by the Highways Officer and the Planning Officer. This approach is perfect for locations such as this, there would be no option for the residents to apply for parking permits and the central location would not create a need for them to own a car.  By removing a garage and replacing it with houses which do not have parking the traffic situation on this road has been removed; and
• no planning reasons to refuse this application.

Responding to Members, he stated that there was limited outdoor space of approximately 15 square metres and that, accordingly, every effort had been made to ensure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 127.

To consider the report of the City Development Manager.

The report of the City Development Manager submitted.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To consider the report of the City Development Manager.

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 8 May 2018 at

9.30 a.m. Councillors attending to be advised.

RESOLVED that the next Site Inspection Party will be held on Tuesday 8 May 2018 at 9.30 a.m.