Planning Committee Meeting

Planning committee Minutes

143/20).        Present were:-

Councillor B. Delanchy  (Chairman)
Councillor L. Dale
Councillor R. Taylor
Councillor R. Langford
Councillor G. Dale
Councillor P. Jones
Councillor S. Perren (to 9.50pm)
Councillor P. Stenning
Councillor E. Amos
Councillor S. Kean
Councillor J. Leather
Councillor J. Jones
Councillor S. Mifflin
Councillor C. Wilkins
Mrs S.J. Worden (Clerk)

Nine members of the public

No apologies were received.

144/20).       Public Participation:-

Three members of the public spoke regarding application number 20/33190/COU, Greatwood, Offleybrook.

2 residents spoke in detail in opposition to the application, representing a number of residents in the area who are also opposed to the application.

There were many concerns raised, either in relation to the lack of access to relevant facilities and services for the children, concerns about impact to residents in terms of potential antisocial behaviour, the inaccessible location of the property, especially in inclement weather, parking issues and the impact of increased vehicular activity along a stretch of lane where passing or manoeuvring is not possible.

Mr. Berry from the Keys Group was also in attendance and spoke to support the application and to address concerns regarding the parking and access to the property, as well as to outline the aims of the Keys group with regards to care of the children and its successes.

145/20).       Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on November 4th, 2020:-

The minutes, which had been previously circulated, were agreed and will be signed at the earliest opportunity.

146/20).        Planning Decisions of Stafford Borough Council:-

20/33048/HOU – Proposed single detached garage and new vehicular access. Bank Farm, Back Lane, Croxton. Application Withdrawn.

20/33004/FUL – Change of use of land to increase size of cricket pitch with new boundary fencing and replacement of existing fencing. Eccleshall Cricket Club Chester Road.  Refused.

20/33025/HOU – Double storey and single storey side extension including enlargement to front porch and (rear dormer under PD). Wayside Cottage Newport Road Wootton. Approved.

20/33125/HOU – Alterations and extensions to a two bedroom dwelling to form a four bedroom family house. Outlane Walton Hurst Lane Eccleshall. Approved.

147/20).       Planning Applications for consideration:-

20/33190/COU– Change of use of dwellinghouse (Class C3) to residential care home (Class C2). Greatwood Offleybrook Road Offleybrook.

The application was discussed at length, and members took into consideration the feedback of nearby residents and from the Keys group representative. There were wide ranging concerns raised about the suitability of the property as a children’s home.

Concerns that were pertinent to the planning application response criteria are in relation to accessing the property and parking concerns:

• The access road is extremely narrow and it is not possible for cars to pass in the opposite direction or turn without progressing further down the lane to a wider stretch where a car can then turn round.
• As a result of this limited access, increased vehicular activity to and from the property would adversely affect neighbouring residents and the lane is not suitable for the increased traffic.
• Access roads can be snowbound or icy in winter and residents are often not able to leave the property safely. There is concern on the impact of this within a children’s home where staff need to be able to access and leave the property according to their work patterns, and access appointments for the children.
• Whilst there is reference to parking for up to 6 cars, there is concern that during case conferences, there may be further vehicles needing to park. There is no other parking available without blocking the lane or resident access.

It was resolved to object to this application on the grounds that the location is unsuitable for the proposed change of use due to the limited accessibility and parking, which will impact day to day operations within the home, particularly in inclement weather. The increased traffic and potential parking issues will also be detrimental to neighbouring properties.

(Cllr Perren left at this point in the meeting).

20/33254/COU – Change of use from agricultural land to a secure dog field consisting of two fields both with an area for a gravel car park for a maximum of two cars. The fields will be secured with deer fencing with wooden posts around the perimeter. Land North Of Brick Kiln Farm Blackwaters Road Offley Hay. It was noted that the application does not include any building or structure, but it was unclear of the change of use categorisation that has been applied for. Members wished to confirm that approval of the application would not lead to development at a later date.

It was resolved that Cllr. P. Jones will contact the Borough Council Planning Officer to establish the change of use type that has been applied for, and if there is no scope for development, the committee has no objection to the application. If the response of the Planning Officer raises queries, the planning application will be considered further at the next meeting on the 2^nd December and an extension to the response deadline requested.

20/33246/HOU – New double garage with conservatory and office at first floor. 9 Horsefair Eccleshall. There were no objections to this application.

20/33359/FUL – Erection of new stable block including tack, feed and bedding room for leisure. Walton Farm Stafford Road Walton Eccleshall. There were no objections to this application.

148/20).       Any further applications for consideration:-

There were no further applications to consider.

149/20).       Any Other Planning Matters:-

There were no other planning matters to discuss.

150/20).       Correspondence:-

No correspondence has been received.

151/20).       Date and venue for next meeting:

December 2nd 2020, Via Zoom online meeting, 7.30pm.

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 10.00pm.