Agenda and minutes

Venue: Rennes Room, Civic Centre, Paris Street, Exeter

Contact: Howard Bassett, Democratic Services Officer (Committees)  01392 265107 or email  howard.bassett@exeter.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

71.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 118 KB

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 30 September 2019.

 

 

 

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 30 September 2019 were taken as read, approved and signed by the Chair as correct.

 

72.

Declarations of Interest

Councillors are reminded of the need to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests that relate to business on the agenda and which have not already been included in the register of interests, before any discussion takes place on the item. Unless the interest is sensitive, you must also disclose the nature of the interest. In accordance with the Council's Code of Conduct, you must then leave the room and must not participate in any further discussion of the item. Councillors requiring clarification should seek the advice of the Monitoring Officer prior to the day of the meeting.

 

Minutes:

No declarations of interest were made by Members.

 

 

 

73.

Planning Application No. 19/0770/FUL - Police HQ Devon and Cornwall Constabulary Police Training College pdf icon PDF 88 KB

To consider the report of the Service Lead City Development.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Principal Project Manager (Development) (MH) presented the application for the formation of a temporary car park comprising a total of 287 spaces on 1.35 hectares in the middle of the site for a period of three years, the land comprising a stoned finish.

 

The Principal Project Manager (Development) advised that the County Council, as Lead Local Flood Authority, sought the submission of details in respect of a surface water drainage management plan.

 

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

 

·         Middlemoor is the Devon and Cornwall Police command and control centre with around 2,000 officers. Increased parking is required during specialist operations, especially for strategic co-ordination with partner agencies during a crisis. Staff are drawn from four Counties;

·         the new Police Station will see an increase of around 250 officers working at Middlemoor and the remodelling of the campus will impact on parking spaces;

·         the application is to cope with existing demand and not additional officers from the Heavitree Road site;

·         to mitigate flooding concerns, the type of stone to be used has been changed and a survey carried out to ensure the soil has a good contaminant attenuation potential;

·         the ground has very low permeability which will prevent contaminants entering the watercourse and spill kits will be inserted in case of a fuel spillage. Consideration will be given to providing a textile membrane to soak up any contaminants;

·         this is a temporary application as reliance on vehicles will be reduced. By 2021, officers will be issued with better mobile devices and staff may work remotely. The timeframe for the car park has been reduced from five to three years; and

·         the Force is committed to a green agenda and promoting sustainability.

 

During discussion the following points were raised:-

 

·         urge early consultation on Green Travel Plan to secure support of officers and unions, accepting that a nine month period is necessary to consult;

·         seek to encourage sustainable transport choices amongst staff/officers and to reduce overall parking demand through Green Travel Plan initiatives; and

·         other Green Travel Plans in the city should be studied to embrace best practice with consideration to be given to introducing car parking charges.

 

The recommendation was for approval once satisfactory clarification of drainage matters had been received, subject to the conditions as set out in the report.

 

The recommendation was moved and seconded.

 

RESOLVED that, subject to the receipt of a surface water drainage management plan to the satisfaction of Devon County Council as Lead Local Flood Authority, planning permission for the formation of a temporary car park comprising a total of 287 spaces on 1.53 hectares in the middle of the site, for a period of three years, be APPROVED, subject also to the following conditions:-

 

1)         The development to which this permission relates must be begun not later than the expiration of one year beginning with the date on which this permission is granted and the applicant shall notify the Local Planning Authority of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73.

74.

Planning Application No. 19/1047/FUL - Land off St Leonards Road, Exeter pdf icon PDF 161 KB

To consider the report of the Service Lead City Development.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Principal Project Manager (Development) (PJ) presented the application for seven new build dwellings, associated landscaping, amenity and vehicular access. The application sought to change the use of the existing playing field, owned by the Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education (ERADE), for housing and public open space.

 

The Principal Project Manager (Development) reported the following:-

 

·         the receipt of a statement objecting to the proposal from Councillor D. Moore;

·         a proposed amendment to the first reason for refusal to include reference to the adverse impact on the St Leonards Conservation Area; and

·         the distance from the proposed properties from those on Barnardo Road being 25 metres not 35 metres as set out in the report, requiring an additional reason for refusal on the grounds of the overbearing impact on Barnardo Road.

 

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

 

·         local community object strongly to the loss of an historic open green space;

·         because of the strength of local opposition, signs originally displayed by the applicant were quickly removed;

·         this green space should be saved from development and used instead for the benefit of the community. A well-resourced local community is committed to an alternative vision for community use;

·         ERADE and the developers are seeking to maximise planning gain and profits. The former should have sought instead to work with the Neighbourhood Association to bring forward a sustainable solution for the community; and

·         it is an unsuitable, low density development.

 

Councillor J. Moore put forward the following points raised by Councillor D. Moore:-

 

·         valuable playing field historically used by school, community and sporting groups, not affiliated with ERADE, for recreational activity for many years;

·         private owners more than the wider public likely to use the open space;

·         Sport England object and the proposed open space does not suit the Council’s own playing field strategy;

·         proposal lacks a sustainable transport plan and the already high pollution levels in the area will increase; and

·         loss of biodiversity.

 

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

 

·         very high number of objections to an inappropriate development;

·         a low density development of large houses does not reflect the mixed nature of the St Leonards community and house types;

·         the St Leonards Neighbourhood Association have devised an alternative solution to protect the green open space;

·         ERADE failed to adequately consult the local community;

·         the proposed open space will not be particularly accessible to the community;

·         insufficient information on highway issues and there are concerns regarding the impact on the school dropping off point. 23 car parking spaces are excessive for only seven properties;

·         negligible contribution to housing need in the city;

·         objections from Sport England, the Football Foundation, Devon County Council, the City Council’s Heritage Officer and 225 residents and the application is recommended for refusal; and

·         important green buffer between the community and Topsham Road and with a future potential for community and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74.

75.

Planning Application No. 19/0360/FUL - Land adjacent to 17 New North Road, Exeter pdf icon PDF 460 KB

To consider the report of the Service Lead City Development.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Principal Project Manager (Development) (JD) presented the application for the demolition of existing garages and construction of one building to form five new apartments and associated landscaping. The proposed development would be car free and retains the two beech trees along the site frontage. The development would be five storeys high, with the lowest floor level being situated below the current ground level.

 

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

 

·         welcome long term residential provision on this brown field site;

·         design unsuitable as set between two 19th century listed terraces;

·         the St James Forum, whilst welcoming some changes, are concerned that a five apartment block is over development with associated loss of amenity and hope that plans can be examined further;

·         the Bury Meadow Residents’ Association object as the massing does not respect the scale and character of the surrounding area and is monolithic in form, changing the nature of the street scene;

·         the height of the building will cause significant harm to neighbouring private residential gardens;

·         guidance within the SPD on communal open space has not been followed impacting on the privacy of 16, 17 and 18 New North Road;

·         no provision for disabled drivers;

·         floodwater problems on New North Road will be exacerbated; and

·         request deferral for submission of revised details.

 

Mr Macquisten spoke against the application. He raised the following points:-

 

·         objecting on behalf of the Bury Meadows Residents’ Association;

·         the proposal is surrounded by listed buildings and the aesthetics of this proposed building are poorly judged and will jar with the surrounding listed terraces and harm designated heritage assets;

·         the building will overlook the rear aspects of neighbouring gardens and the higher rear elevation, greater set back and large glass windows of the development will compound the impact on privacy;

·         excessive mass amplifies issues of aesthetics, privacy and light. The mass is out of line with the existing listed terraces; and

·         the listed terraces are three story buildings but the proposal is five storeys high. The existing listed terrace is just 9 metres deep and this proposal will stick out an additional 6.5 metres.

 

The Principal Project Manager (Development) confirmed that:-

 

·         the Council was not aware of any proposals for development to the rear of the site;

·         disabled parking was not considered necessary as any disabled resident could apply for a blue badge and there is a disabled parking bay along New North Road;

·         parking on the frontage would look unattractive in the Conservation Area; and

·         although there would be some loss of light for neighbouring properties it was not considered that this would be so great as to warrant refusal.

 

During discussion the following points were raised:-

 

·         good infill development and not unsympathetic to the surrounding area;

·         a modern development can be more suitable in a street scene of older design rather than seeking to emulate the existing properties;

·         efficient use of infill site;

·         cycle parking provision should be greater than  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

76.

Planning Application No. 19/0458/ECC - Green Lane Solar Farm pdf icon PDF 88 KB

To consider the report of the Service Lead City Development.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Principal Project Manager (Development) (HS) presented the application for solar panel array and battery storage, relocation of green waste facility and ground levelling with associated access, fencing, hardstandings and ancillary works.

 

During discussion the following points were raised:-

 

·         a suitable location for a facility of this nature supplying cheap electricity to fuel electric vehicles and contributing to the goal of carbon neutrality and reducing air pollution;

·         ecological survey confirms that the species to be removed are of low quality; and

·         facility will be fenced and covered by Close Circuit Television.

 

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

 

The recommendation was moved and seconded.

 

RESOLVED that planning permission for a solar panel array and battery storage, relocation of green waste facility, and ground levelling with associated access, fencing, hard-standings and ancillary works be APPROVED, subject to the following conditions:-

 

1)         The development to which this permission relates must be begun not later than the expiration of five years beginning with the date on which this permission is granted

Reason: To ensure compliance with sections 91 and 92 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

 

2)         The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out otherwise than in strict accordance with the submitted details received by the Local Planning Authority on 9th and 10th September 2019 and the revised planning statement received 9th October 2019 as modified by other conditions of this consent.

Reason In order to ensure compliance with the approved drawings.

 

3)         Prior to the installation of any solar panels, supporting structures, batteries or associated apparatus a detailed levels survey of the site shall be undertaken and plans showing the existing and proposed levels of the land on the site  shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To safeguard the rights of control by the Local Planning Authority in respect of the reserved matters.

 

4)         Notwithstanding condition no 2, no work shall commence on site under this permission until full details of the following have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority and the following shall thereafter be provided in accordance with such details:

            a) Fencing

            b) Supporting Structures for Solar Panels

            c) Water Lane vehicular access details

Reason: Insufficient information has been submitted with the application and in the interests of visual amenity.

 

5)    A detailed scheme for landscaping, including the planting of trees and or shrubs, the use of surface materials and boundary screen walls and fences shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority and no dwelling or building shall be occupied until the Local Planning Authority have approved a scheme;  such scheme shall specify materials, species, tree and plant sizes, numbers and planting densities, and any earthworks required together with the timing of the implementation of the scheme.  The landscaping shall thereafter be implemented in accordance with the approved scheme in accordance with the agreed programme.

Reason: To safeguard the rights of control by the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

77.

List of Decisions Made and Withdrawn Applications pdf icon PDF 45 KB

To consider the report of the Service Lead City Development.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The report of the Service Lead City Development was submitted.

           

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

 

78.

Appeals Report pdf icon PDF 54 KB

To consider the report of the Service Lead City Development.

 

Minutes:

The schedule of appeal decisions and appeals lodged was submitted.

 

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

 

 

79.

SITE INSPECTION PARTY

To advise that the next Site Inspection Party will be held on Tuesday 19 November 2019 at 9.30 a.m.  The Councillors attending will be Branston, Bialyk and Foale.

 

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the next Site Inspection Party will be held on Tuesday 19 November 2019 at 9.30 a.m. The Councillors attending will be Councillors Branston, Bialyk and Foale.