MINUTES

OF THE MEETING OF THE

WEST AREA Committee

Wednesday 19th March 2003

HELD AT THE TOWN HALL, WESTON-SUPER-MARE, SOMERSET.

Meeting Commenced: 2.30 p.m. Meeting Concluded:4.05 p.m

PRESENT: Councillors Patrick Taylor (Chairman), John Wiltshire (Vice-Chairman), Michael Bell, Peter Bryant, Peter Crew, Michael Fazackerley, Peter Goulbourn, John Heenan, Alan Hockridge, Ian Hogg, Muriel Kraft, Kenneth Lacey, John Morris, Bill Prosser, Michael Roe

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Councillors Bob Bateman, John Carter, Derek Kraft, Michael Lyall, Ronald Moon, Ian Parker, Richard Skinner and Richard Tucker

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: Councillor Tony Lake – Chairman of the Planning and Regulatory Committee

WAC 202

Public Speaking at Planning Committees under Standing Order 17A Planning Application No. 03/P/0049/O

Mr Rendell addressed the Area Committee as spokesperson, generally, for all the residents of Fairfield Close, Weston-super-Mare. He raised objections to the application including: concerns that the site would be cramped, loss of privacy, parking and traffic safety issues and drainage and sewerage problems.

WAC 203

Public Speaking at Planning Committees under Standing Order 17A Planning Application No. 03/P/0150/F

Mr Jones addressed the Area Committee and explained the chronic parking problems in the area. Office workers and shoppers from the Boulevard parked their vehicles in the area as there were no parking restrictions. The granting of the application would provide an additional two parking spaces. The development would be done sympathetically to the existing property reusing existing materials. He acknowledged concerns regarding the horsechesnut tree and assured members that he was aware of the importance of retaining the tree.

WAC 204

Public Speaking at Planning Committees under Standing Order 17A Planning Application No 02/P/1815/F

Mr Hall, Agent for the Applicant, addressed the Area Committee he referred to the length of time that had been taken before the application was brought to the Committee and the result of the Rozel development on the ability to sell the hotel as a viable business. He further drew member’s attention to other hotels in the area that had undergone a change of use.

WAC 205

Declarations of Interest by Members

Councillor Prosser – Personal Interest – Application No. 03/P/0126/F as he is a friend of the objector.

Councillor Heenan – Personal Interest – Application 03/P/0049/O – his property overlooks the site.

Councillor Heenan – Personal Interest – Application 03/P/0067.F – his son’s property overlooks the site.

WAC 206

Minutes of the Meeting held on 19th February 2003 (Agenda Item 4)

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be approved as a correct record.

PART 1 – RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PLANNING AND REGULATORY COMMITTEE

WAC 207

Application 02/P/1815/F – Proposed change of use from a hotel to seven self-contained flats at the Penylan Hotel, 5 Paragon Road, Weston-super-Mare (Agenda Item 6.1)

The Acting Director of Development and Environment reported on the above application.

RECOMMENDED TO THE PLANNING AND REGULATORY COMMITTEE: that the application be APPROVED on the grounds that the site is outside the Prime Tourist Area, other hotels in the vicinity (eg Rozel Hotel and Highbury Hotel) have changed use; and the use for residential purposes would help regenerate this part of the town in accordance with SRB6 objectives. .

The voting was unanimous.

PART 2 – DECISIONS OF THE AREA COMMITTEE

WAC 208

Application 02/P/2733/F – Proposed construction of a new sluice, including temporary stream diversion and excavation and extension of boatyard pond and construction of new earth bund for coastal defence at Uphill Sluice, Links Road, Weston-super-Mare (Agenda Item 6.2)

The Acting Director of Planning and Environment reported on the above application and referred to the update sheet which contained a re-worded condition two, to that printed in the report.

RESOLVED: that the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:-

1. The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiry of five years from the date of this permission.

2. Prior to the commencement of the construction of the new floodbank full details of the proposed design and materials for the surface of the path along the top of the new floodbank and the junction of the new and existing footpaths including the design of access/control gates shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The works shall be carried out in complete accordance with the approved scheme unless amendments are first submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

3. No development shall take place until full details of a landscaping scheme, which shall be in accordance with the approved principles, have been submitted to and approved, in writing, by the Local Planning Authority.

4. All works comprised in the approved details of landscaping shall be carried out during the months of October to March inclusive following completion of the development.

5. Trees, hedges and plants shown in the landscaping scheme to be retained or planted which, during the development works or a period of ten years following full implementation of the landscaping scheme, are removed without prior written consent from the Local Planning Authority or die, become seriously diseased or are damaged, shall be replaced in the first available planting season with others of such species and size as the Authority may specify.

6. No development shall be commenced until samples of the proposed external materials for the walls have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Thereafter, the materials to be used in the development hereby permitted shall be in accordance with the approved details.

7. Prior to the commencement of use of the new footpath by the public, full details of the design and location of safety and information boards/signs shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The works shall be carried out in complete accordance with the approved scheme.

Advice notes

1. The applicant is advised that the application is approved on the basis of the following plans and details :-

Letters dated 24, 13 and 5 February 2003.

Supporting statement received 20 November 2002.

Plans no’s 290045/7007 rev P3; /7000 rev P3; /7008 rev P2; /7003 rev P2; /7006 rev P2; /1016 rev C; / 1037 rev B; /7001 rev A; /7005 rev P1; / 7004 rev B; and /7002 rev B.

Environmental Appraisal Report – Uphill Sluice Defence scheme.

2. You are advised to consult with the Environmental Protection Officers at North Somerset Council to agree a scheme to minimise the impact from construction work noise to neighbouring residents (tel. 01275 884812.)

3. You are advised to contact Wessex Water prior to the commencement of works to ensure protection of their infrastructure (tel. 01225 526000.)

WAC 209

Application 03/P/0049/O – Construction of one two storey dwelling with garage and vehicular access fronting Fairfield Close, Weston-super-Mare (Agenda Item 6.3)

The Acting Director of Development and Environment reported on the above application.

RESOLVED: that the application be DEFERRED pending a site visit, details to be advised.

WAC 210

Application 03/P/0067/F – Proposed erection of a new dwelling rear of 19 Uphill Road South, Weston-super-Mare (Agenda item 6.4)

The Acting Director of Development and Environment reported on the above application.

RESOLVED: that the application be REFUSED for the following reasons:-

The proposed dwelling would be disproportionate to the size of the plot; would have an adverse impact of the amenities of adjoining residents, would be detrimental to the character of this part of Uphill Village and would be out of keeping with adjoining dwellings contrary to policies CON/1 and HOU/2 of the North Somerset Local Plan.

WAC 211

Application 02/P/2551/F – Demolition of existing buildings and construction of three dwellings at 139A Moorland Road, Weston-super-Mare (Agenda Item 6.5)

The Acting Director of Development and Environment reported on the above application.

RESOLVED: that the application be DEFERRED to seek revised scheme to include reduction in the height and scale of the building to make it more acceptable to the residents of Quantock Road.

WAC 212

Application No. 03/P/0150/F – Proposed excavation of part of front garden and construction of car parking area at 25A Southside, Weston-super-Mare (Agenda Item 6.6)

The Acting Director of Development and Environment reported on the above application.

RESOLVED: that the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:-

1. The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiry of five years from the date of this permission.

2. The parking area hereby permitted shall not be used except for private and domestic purposes and shall at no times be used for caravan parking or any commercial or business purposes whatsoever.

3. Notwithstanding the drawings received by this authority on 22/01/2003 no works shall begin until sample panels of the proposed finishes of the retaining walls demonstrating the material, colour, texture, face bond, and pointing are erected on site and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be completed in accordance with the approved details.

4. Notwithstanding the drawings received by this authority on 22/01/2003 no works shall begin until full details of the wall pillars are approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be completed in accordance with the approved details.

WAC 213

Application 03/P/0126/F – Proposed first floor side and rear extension over existing to form new bedroom at 7 Broadoak Road, Weston-super-Mare (Agenda Item 6.7)

The Acting Director of Development and Environment reported on the above application.

RESOLVED: that the application be DEFERRED pending a site visit to be advised.

WAC 214

Application 03/P/0073/F – Replace existing fire escape with a balcony of timber decking on supporting steel structure to include two staircases at Windsor Castle Public House, 54 Upper Bristol Road, Weston-super-Mare (Agenda Item 6.8)

The Acting Director of Development and Environment reported on the following application.

RESOLVED: that the application be APPROVED subject to the following condition:-

1. The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiry of five years from the date of this permission.

WAC 215

Application 02/P/1574/F – Erection of portal framed industrial unit with 2 storey office element and soft landscaping, access, parking, security lights and fencing at Area 17 Railway Triangle Business Park, Aisecombe Way, Weston-super-Mare (Agenda Item 6.9)

The Acting Director of Development and Environment reported on the following application.

RESOLVED: that the details of the yellow cladding on the drawing received on 12th February 2003 be APPROVED.

WAC 216

Application 02/P/1771/F – Retrospective application for erection of an air duct and exhaust flue. Relocate existing chimney at Bridge Garage, Drove Road, Weston-super-Mare (Agenda Item 6.10)

The Acting Director of Development and Environment reported on the following application.

RESOLVED:

(A) that planning application 02/P/1771/F be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:-

1. The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiry of five years from the date of this permission.

2. The air extract and oven burner flue pipes shall be painted or stained dark grey within one month of their installation on the roof.

3. The spray booth, fan and filter as shown on the details submitted on 27 February 2003, shall be constructed entirely in accordance with those details within three month from the date of this permission. No other system shall be installed or used unless this has first been submitted to and agreed, in writing, by the Local Planning Authority.

4. The spraying of motor vehicles shall take place only within the building and within the booth provided specifically for that purpose and the main (roller shutter) door onto Drove Road shall be kept shut when spraying is undertaken.

5. The spraying of vehicles on the site shall not take place before 08.00 hours on weekdays and 08.00 hours on Saturdays nor after 18.00 hours on weekdays and 13.00 hours on Saturdays, nor at any time on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

(B) Should the existing flues not be removed within 3 months from the date of this permission: That ENFORCEMENT ACTION including any court action if applicable, be taken to remedy the breach of planning control subject to consultation between the Director of Planning and Environment and the Solicitor to the Council

WAC 217

Applications determined by the Officers (Agenda Item 6.11)

RESOLVED: that the decisions contained in Section 3 of the report of the Acting Director of Planning and Environment for the period 07/02/03 – 28/02/03 detailing the applications dealt with by the officers under delegated authority be noted.

WAC 218

Planning Appeals (Agenda Item 6.12)

The Acting Director of Planning and Environment reported on the following appeals:-

(a) Planning Appeal Decisions

02/P/0498/F – Change of use of outbuildings to form a dwelling, 53 Severn Road, Weston-super-Mare (Mr. G. Batt) – Appeal Dismissed.

(b) Planning Appeal received since the last Committee

02/P/2136/F – Proposed erection of a dwelling, rear of 22 Clarence Road South (accessed from Quantock Road, Weston-super-Mare) – Mr. P. Castle.

WAC 219

Application 02/P/2338/F – Proposed Magistrates’ Court building and office headquarters building for the Magistrates and Probation Services, land adjacent to B3340, Bristol Road, Homebase, Worle (Agenda Item 6.13)

The Acting Director of Planning and Environment reported on the above application which was to be submitted to the South Area Planning Committee on 19th March 2003 for determination. During debate members raised concerns regarding when the agreed improvement measures to the Queensway junction were to be undertaken.

RESOLVED: that the report be received.

WAC 220

Draft Planning Enforcement Protocol (Agenda Item 6.14)

The Acting Director of Planning and Environment submitted a report on an enforcement protocol to guide the priorities for enforcement action. The draft protocol had been agreed with the Executive Member for the purposes of consultation. The views of the Parish Councils had been sought and their comments were summarised. Member’s concerns included the need for adequate staffing to deliver the service and the importance of prioritisation in times of scare resources.

RESOLVED: that the report be noted.

WAC 221

Area Committees – Budget Bidding (Agenda Item 7)

The Committee considered a report from the Customer Services Officer. Applications for consideration comprised one deferred item and three new applications for financial assistance under Budget Bidding Process.

RECOMMENDED TO THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL:

(1) that the bid in respect of Coronation Action Team to purchase a multi purpose sports wall in the sum of £2,268 be GRANTED; and

(2) that the bid in respect of Uphill Scout Group to refurbish the hall in the sum of £500 be GRANTED.

It was further

RESOLVED:

(1) that the bid in respect of Springboard Opportunity Group be DEFERRED for further information; and

(2) that the bid in respect of the Potteries Community Association be DEFERRED for further information.

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Chairman

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