Agenda and minutes

To confirm and sign the minutes from the previous meeting of 19 June, 2019.

The minutes of the meeting of 19 June 2019 were confirmed and signed.

To consider the appeals report.

David Rowen presented a report to members with regards to appeal decisions received on applications over the last month and explained this will be a standing agenda item going forward.

To Determine the Application.

 The committee had regard to its inspection of the site (as agreed in accordance with the Site Inspection Policy and Procedure (minute P19/04 refers)) during its deliberations.

Gavin Taylor presented the report to members and drew their attention report which had been circulated to members.

Members received a presentation in objection to the application, in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure, from Mr Peel.

Mr Peel explained that he has lived in his property since 1995 and referred to the overhead projector where he highlighted to members a map which he had asked to be displayed. He pointed out the fields which had been maintained at that time, however shortly after the year 2000 the area was left to deteriorate by the landowners. There has been no maintenance carried out and the area has been left to remain in a natural state.

Mr Peel identified a gentleman who has been maintaining the lane and as far as he is aware there have been no issues raised with regard to trespass.

Mr Peel added that with regard to hazards, there is not the need to have any additional hazard and there is already pedestrian and cycle traffic twice a day. He explained that trying to cross Springfield Avenue can be dangerous when traffic turns into the road from The Avenue.

He added that the officer has already outlined the plans which contravene the set out plans however the Executive Officer states that the plans are agreeable.

He stated that a Wildlife Trust Officer has stated that March has a deficit of natural green space and had highlighted this when he had reviewed the phase 1 habitat map of the town had been reviewed.

Mr Peel stated that in 2018 the Government had published a summary of targets for a 25 year environment plan to integrate wildlife and humans together. He drew member’s attention to the conclusion on page 151 of the plan and added everyone feels better after a walk in the park or the woods. He added that the people of Fenland need their open spaces and listed some of the other aspects listed within the plan.

Mr Peel referred to the Fenland Local Plan and referred to some land which was gifted to the Town by a family in the 1950’s. He mentioned that the old nursery grounds should be restored and made into a community wildflower and orchard facility. He added that the only green area which he believes has been created in March in the last ten years is the Crematorium.

He concluded by questioning who would want to build over the high pressure gas main.

Members received a presentation in support of the application, in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure, from Mr Kratz, the Agent.

Mr Kratz stated that the proposal is on land, half of which is part of the allocation, but all of it is within the built framework of March, for a 100% affordable housing scheme, with guaranteed funding for it.

The  ...  view the full minutes text for item P16/19

To Determine the Application.

The Committee had regard to its inspection of the site (as agreed in accordance with the Site Inspection Policy and Procedure (minute P19/04 refers)) during its deliberations.

David Rowen presented the report to members and drew their attention to the update report which had been circulated.

Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows;

·         Councillor Sutton questioned why this proposal was not submitted in the original application.

·         Councillor Patrick commented that there has been the loss of so many buildings in Wisbech and the building in question is central to the town of Wisbech and the demolition needs to take place and move on.

·         Councillor Meekins has recently visited Constantine House which backs onto the proposed site before the committee today and has been advised by the developer that pigeons nesting in the site are causing considerable damage. He added that although he is not over enamoured with the proposal, anything is better than the current eyesore.

Proposed by Councillor Sutton, seconded by Councillor Patrick and decided that the application be APPROVED as per the officer’s recommendation.

To Determine the Application.

The Committee had regard to its inspection of the site (as agreed in accordance with the Site Inspection Policy and Procedure (minute P19/04 refers)) during its deliberations.

David Rowen presented the report to members.

Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows;

·         Councillor Sutton commented that this site has been presented to members on 4 previous occasions and the proposal before members today is the best option seen to date.

·         Councillor Hay stated that she felt that it was a good scheme because it tidies up the area. She added that in 2017, March Town Council recommended approval for a proposal of 4 dwellings, however in 2019, they are recommending refusal for over development where it is fewer dwellings. She commented that she will be agreeing with the officer recommendation for approval.

·         Councillor Patrick stated that he was impressed with the layout of the plans and he concurs with Councillor Hay with regard to the reasons for refusal from March Town Council.  He added that the proposal does tidy up the area and will make it far more pleasant.

·         Councillor Mrs Bligh added that this is not over development and will complete the area.

·         Councillor Lynn added that in his opinion the road needs to be completed before residency and also there is an archaeological investigation required.

Proposed by Councillor Patrick, seconded by Councillor Mrs Bligh and decided that the application be APPROVED as per the officer’s recommendation.

To Determine the Application.

The Committee had regard to its Inspection of the site (as agreed in accordance with the Site Inspection Policy and Procedure (minute P19/04 refers)) during its deliberations.

David Rowen presented the report to members and drew their attention to the update report which had been circulated.

Members received a presentation in support of the application, in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure, from Mr Gareth Edwards, the Agent.

Mr Edwards explained that the proposal is before the committee after working closely with the planning officer and he asked for his thanks to be recorded. He stated that the application is purely a change in design for what has been previously approved and is in the same location. He confirmed that the application has the support of all the statutory consultees with the exception of the Parish Council who have commented that it is over development, however in Mr Edwards opinion he feels that it is not over development as there has already been approval for 3 dwellings on the site and it is purely a change of design.

He stated that in his opinion, the proposed dwellings are more in keeping with the area and this view is further supported as there have been no local objections.

Members asked Mr Edwards the following questions:

·         Councillor Sutton asked for confirmation of which drain is the responsibility of the Internal Drainage Board. Mr Edwards confirmed it is the drain that is the drain to the left hand side and there will be the normal agreement in place.

Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows:

·         Councillor Sutton commented that he cannot see how any Planning Inspector can state that the proposal is adjacent to the village. He added that he will support this scheme.

·         Councillor Hay stated that members need to be mindful that we are here to determine the application before them today. She added that permission has already been granted for 3 houses irrespective of the Inspectors decision, and irrespective of whether we agree with it. It would prove very difficult to refuse this application, as it is just a change of design and she will be supporting it.

Proposed by Councillor Meekins, seconded by Councillor Sutton and decided that the application be APPROVED, as per the officer’s recommendation.

(Councillor Patrick left the meeting following this agenda item)

To Determine the Application.

The Committee had regard to its Inspection of the site (as agreed in accordance with the Site Inspection Policy and Procedure (minute P19/04 refers)) during its deliberations.

David Rowen presented the report to members and drew their attention to the update report which had been circulated to members.

(Councillor Mrs French had registered to speak in support of this application, however withdrew her request.)

Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows:

·         Councillor Sutton asked whether the bricks are 4 inches or 9 inches. David Rowen stated the officers do not have that level of detail, however they are satisfied that as long as the wall does not exceed the height specified, the fact as to whether it is single or double skin will not have any impact on the character of the area.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Hay, seconded by Councillor Clark and decided that the application be APPROVED as per the officer’s recommendation.