Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor R Boam.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring disclosable interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is pecuniary or non-pecuniary.

In accordance with the Code of Conduct, Members declared the following interests:

Councillor R Adams declared a non-pecuniary interest in item A1, application number 17/01326/REMM, as he had campaigned in the past over development on the site but had come to the meeting with an open mind.

Councillor R Johnson declared a non-pecuniary interest in items A2, application number 17/00320/REMM and A5, application number 17/01098/FUL, as a member of Hugglescote and Donington le Heath Parish Council.

Councillor J Legrys declared a non-pecuniary interest in item A5, application number 17/01098/FUL, as he lived 400-500 metres from the site but had come to the meeting with an open mind.

Councillor P Purver declared a non-pecuniary interest in item A1, application number 17/01326/REMM, as her mother lived in the vicinity of the development.

Members declared that they had been lobbied without influence in respect of various applications below.

Item A1, application number 17/01326/REMM

Councillors R Adams, R Canny, J Cotterill, D Everitt, R Johnson, J Legrys, P Purver, N Smith, M Specht and M B Wyatt

Item A2, application number 17/00320/REMM

Councillor J Legrys

Item A3, application number 17/01174/FULM

Councillor J Legrys

Item A4, application number 17/00921/FUL

Councillor J Legrys

Item A5, application number 17/01098/FUL

Councillor R Adams

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 9 January 2018

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 9 January 2018.

It was moved by Councillor J G Coxon, seconded by Councillor J Hoult and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 January 2018 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct.

Report of the Head of Planning and Infrastructure.

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Planning and Infrastructure, as amended by the update sheet circulated at the meeting.

Land Off Greenhill Road Coalville Leicestershire  

The Principal Planning Officer presented the report to Members.

Miss J Tebbatt, objector on behalf of the residents, addressed the Committee. She thanked the developer for the information changes received since the last meeting however the recreational activities in the water retention area and the road close to the existing properties were still not satisfactory. She highlighted that policy D1 and D2 were there to protect the existing residents and requested that the road that was showing on the new plan be removed and retained as green space to protect the existing residents from noise, dust and pollution created by vehicles using the road. She asked that the southwest drainage area be used for just that and that no recreational activities take place and that residents expected the layout on the approved plan to be forthcoming. She highlighted that the recreational use would cause noise and disturbance to the existing residents and pose a health and safety risk as a result of potential vandalism of the flood controls, adding that it would produce an activity zone that in its own rights had to meet certain requirements. She informed the Committee that dual use areas must be addressed and consulted on early in the process and be addressed on a site by site basis. She asked that a buffer zone around the area be 10m not 8m and/or a no ball or equipment use imposed and that councillors help to impose a common sense approach to the application.

Ms A Gilliver, applicant, addressed the Committee. She advised Members that the developer had addressed the number of issues that had been raised at the last meeting and reminded them that the principle of development had already been established and highlighted the following:-

-       The existing drystone boundary wall would be retained and it was proposed that a green living screen be put in place along with landscaping and a 1.2m high post and rail fence.

-       The drainage features have been designed in accordance with the approved FRA including all the discharged rates and including all provisions. The finer details were to be submitted for consultation with the relevant statutory consultee in respect of a required discharge of condition submission and as such no development could take place until approval given.

-       A local stonemason had advised the internal stonewalls could not be built as they currently were, but with a solid core, they could be built to look very similar.

-       It was proposed to reduce the ground level near to the existing properties by 500mm above neighbouring land.

-       The western parcel of land would be two fold, firstly to ensure the correct drainage on the site and secondly an attractive open space. The previous viewing platform would be removed from the plan and replaced with soft landscaping.

She urged the Committee to support a now acceptable, sustainable and deliverable application.

The officer’s recommendation was moved by Councillor D Harrison and seconded by Councillor G Jones.

Councillor M B Wyatt  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

Land At Grange Road Hugglescote Leicestershire  

The Principal Planning Officer presented the report to Members.

Councillor S Palmer, on behalf of Hugglescote and Donington le Heath Parish Council, addressed the Committee. He stated that the development formed part of the local plan but was a missed opportunity as the site would only have 7.5% affordable housing as it would not be made up elsewhere. He expressed concerns over the lack of smaller sized dwellings and greenspace on the site, and that there was a lack of ability to walk and cycle anywhere, highlighting safety concerns with walking children to school, with lack of street lighting being the biggest concern. He stated that the proposed estate was ideally situated for those working at the Bardon industrial estate but again the only way to get to work would be to drive as there was a lack of public transport. He advised that the application went against the NPPF and Local Plan for those reasons, suggesting to Members that it appeared that they would be going against an excellent Local Plan.

Mr P Waterfield, agent, addressed the Committee. He stated that the high quality scheme that was before them would be the opportunity to help start the Coalville South East urban extension and would set the standard for other developers to adhere to. He advised that many comments had been raised over the lack of open space, the lack of open market bungalows and not providing suitable footpaths. He informed Members that amendments to address the concerns had been made, including the timing and delivery of the green space, bungalows, and footpath along Grange Road. He urged Members to support the application.

The officer’s recommendation was moved by Councillor J G Coxon and seconded by Councillor D Harrison.

Councillor R Johnson stated that he had called the application in due to fear that the road was dangerous and that he had worked closely with officers on the application raising concerns over the footpath and street lights. He noted that LCC Highways had addressed the footpath but sought clarity on the street lights being installed. He expressed concerns over the mix of housing on the site and that there was only 7.5% affordable dwellings all clumped together and that there were only 2 bungalows when policy H6 stated that bungalows were needed. He stated that there were many things he did not agree with and that the application was all over the place. He expressed concerns that the report talked about the wider context of the site, not the 200 before them that would activate the trigger points in the viability assessment. He could not support that application in its present form with a lack of affordable mix and highways safety concerns.

Councillor M Specht stated that he took on board Councillor R Johnson’s concerns over street lighting but stated that it did not matter if roads were well lit or not, there would always be accidents.

Councillor J Bridges asked if condition 17 would be going back to LCC  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.

Police Station Ashby Road Coalville Leicestershire LE67 3QG

The Principal Planning Officer presented the report to Members.

Councillor R Bayliss, supporter, addressed the Committee. He stated that he was speaking as the Housing Portfolio Holder and that once built the homes would become part of the Council stock, providing 24 affordable homes exactly where they were wanted. He advised that the application before them was an improved plan following consultation with the Urban Designer. He highlighted that the development would remove a redundant building and replace with much needed homes for local people and would add vitality to the centre of Coalville. He informed the committee that the homes would be let to those on the waiting list that wished to live in Coalville.

The officer’s recommendation to permit was moved by Councillor J Bridges and seconded by Councillor G Jones.

Councillor M B Wyatt disagreed that the site should be used for affordable housing as the Council ran the risk of creating deprivation in the town centre and that more desirable housing should be encouraged. He stated that he could not support the application.

Councillor J Bridges stated that he could not agree with Councillor M B Wyatt as the report stated that the Urban Designer had been involved in the application from the start and that he had full confidence in both the Urban Designer and planning officer to ensure that the dwellings that will be on the site will be of the highest quality. 

Councillor D Everitt stated that he supported the application going forward but regretted that the town did not have a police station.

Councillor G Jones stated that he agreed with Councillor D Everitt and felt the current building was ugly.

Councillor J Legrys stated that there were already a number of empty buildings in the town and the town did not need any more. He highlighted that this was an application for 24 units and that there were some traders that would like more people living in the town centre, and that the application would be driven by the Council. He welcomed the application.

Councillor R Adams stated that he welcomed the application and any increase in stock, but he expressed concerns over the demolition and construction following issues raised during the redevelopment of the former Pick and Shovel.

The Head of Planning and Infrastructure advised Members that a construction traffic management plan was to be provided as a condition of planning permission, and any specific concerns could be raised with officers.

RESOLVED THAT:

The application be permitted in accordance with the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Infrastructure.

74 High Street Coalville Leicestershire LE67 3EE 

The Senior Planning Officer presented the report to Members.

Mr A Funnell, agent, addressed the Committee. He advised Members that the intention was to provide a much needed coffee shop and give a facelift to a neglected building, and that the investment would come from both the applicant and the building owner. He highlighted that the development would bring much needed residential accommodation to the town and the various Council car parks would provide the parking for the visitors, residents and customers. He acknowledged the concerns over parking at the front of the building and would ensure that it was pedestrian use only. He drew Members attention to the comments from LCC Highways which supported the application.

The officer’s recommendation was moved by Councillor J Legrys and seconded by Councillor R Adams.

Councillor J Legrys stated that he had called the application in as there had been sixteen objections to the application and he wanted to give the objectors an opportunity to put forward their concerns. He advised that he was concerned that the opening times of the coffee shop was to be earlier than stated in the report and application, but it was a good use of the building and it would bring much need flats to the town centre, which in turn would increase footfall. He asserted that the area in front of the shop should not be obstructed to not allow parking, as it also serviced the Constitutional Club premises next door, which he frequented.

Councillor R Canny stated that she welcomed the development to renovate a property in a prominent position.

Councillor N Smith stated that it was great to see investment in Coalville as it was an eyesore, and he supported the application.

Councillor J G Coxon stated that he welcomed the application as it would add vibrancy to the town, and that the authority needed to be promoting flats above shops as it was a good way to provide much needed homes. He supported the application.

Councillor R Adams stated that he also welcomed the application but was confused that the objectors had concerns over the restaurant use, which as he felt was much needed in the town centre.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The application be permitted in accordance with the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Infrastructure.

2A North Avenue Coalville Leicestershire LE67 3QX 

The Senior Planning Officer presented the report to Members. She advised the Committee that if they were minded to permit the application it would be subject to consultation with Hugglescote and Donington le Heath Parish Council and permission would be granted  subject to no new relevant planning material considerations being raised.

The officer’s recommendation was moved by Councillor G Jones and seconded by Councillor J Hoult.

Councillor M Specht stated that he had expressed some concerns whilst on the site visit, but these had now be alleviated and was happy to support the application.

Councillor J Legrys stated that there had been a number of objections and it had been a retail unit which had been well used. He was pleased to see that the applicant wished to create a business in that part of the town but he had concerns over the noise that would be generated from the garage. He stated that Councillor V Richichi had advised that the noise would be kept to a minimum with the use of a pit and that it could only be used for MOTs. He supported the application.

RESOLVED THAT:

The application be permitted in accordance with the officer’s recommendation subject to consultation with Hugglescote and Donington le Heath Parish Council and the parish council raising no new, relevant, material planning considerations to indicate that planning permission should be refused.

Councillor M B Wyatt left the meeting at 5.50pm.