Planning Committee Meeting

168/19). Present were: –

Councillor B. Delanchy (Chairman)
Councillor P. Edwards
Councillor R. Langford
Councillor L. Dale
Councillor E. Amos
Councillor P. Stenning
Councillor R. Taylor
Councillor J. Leather
Councillor C. Marshall
Councillor S. Mifflin
Mrs S.J. Worden (Clerk)

Apologies were received and accepted from Councillors Watson, P Jones and J Jones.

169/19). Public Participation: – There were two members of the public present. One resident spoke regarding concerns about the unfenced balancing pond located on the open space to the front of Overton Manor. Young children have been seen playing in the area with no supervision, and with the steep sides and water that collects in the bottom, it is a health and safety hazard. The resident is concerned serious injuries will occur if anyone was to slip and fall.

170/19). To confirm the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on August 14th, 2019:- The minutes, which had been previously circulated, were agreed and signed.

171/19). Planning decisions of Stafford Borough Council:-

19/30802/HOU- Proposed two storey extension. Hill Top, Offleyhay Lane, Stafford. Approved.

19/30072/FUL – Extension to match lake. Heron Brook Fisheries Slindon Road Slindon. Approved.

19/30092/LBC – Alterations to external area (retrospective). Royal Oak 25 High Street, Eccleshall. Approved.

172/19). To note any responses made to planning applications since the last meeting:-

19/30975/HOU – Demolition of existing garage and utility, proposed two storey side extension, and single storey rear extension. Hilltop, Cross Butts, Eccleshall. No Objection submitted. (Although the extensions are quite big it was noted that the location as a corner plot with verge adjacent is suitable and the proposal does not look too excessive in this location).

19/30995/HOU – Part demolition of existing kitchen. Rear and side single storey extensions. 19, The Crescent, Eccleshall. No Objection submitted.

173/19). Planning Applications for Consideration:-

19/31043/HOU – Demolition of existing conservatory. Single storey rear and side extension. The Blue House, Kerry Lane, Eccleshall. There were no objections to this application. One Councillor abstained from voting due to proximity of own property in relation to the application.
19/30307/HOU – Proposed rear garden room. The Parlour, Pershall Lane, Eccleshall. The committee resolved to object to this application on the grounds that it was believed to be against planning policy to extend a barn conversion. Due to recent changes in guidance, the Clerk will write to check if this policy is still in force.

19/31055/HOU – Creation of a new access drive and permanent closure of existing access drive. Laburnham Cottage, Doley Road, Eccleshall. There were no objections to this application.

174/19). Any Further Applications for consideration:-

19/31056/HOU – Single storey rear extension to form sunroom. Petts Farm, Blackwaters Road, Offley Hay. There were no objections to this application.

19/30772/HOU – Proposed conversion of existing outbuilding to study and proposed link to house to provide wet room utility and hall. 11 Walton Hall, Stafford Road, Walton, Eccleshall. There were no objections to this application.

175/19). Any Other Planning Matters:-
Stafford Borough Council – adoption of new updated validation criteria:- It was noted that the Borough Council had now published its updated validation criteria, which provides guidance to prospective planning applicants on the application process and documents required to support an application.
Concerns about health and safety issues with the balancing pond at Overton Manor:- The Council has ongoing concerns about the risks posed by the unfenced balancing pond, which did not appear on the initially approved plans for the area, only in plans that were later put forward for landscaping, and as such, it was felt that appropriate scrutiny of the safety issues were overlooked.
Due to the steep sides it is a hazard for falls, and if water has collected in the bottom, there could be risk of drowning if the individual was not conscious. Initial correspondence with Taylor Wimpey advised that they had no plans to provide fencing as it was not felt to be necessary and that the planting scheme would act to naturally screen and prevent unintentional crossing of the area. Cllr. P. Jones has raised the issue with Planning at Stafford Borough Council who have verbally advised that it is not planning policy to recommend fencing of balancing ponds.
It was resolved for the Clerk to obtain confirmation in writing from the Borough Council confirming its response and policy. In addition, the Clerk will write to the Borough Council to express its ongoing concerns about the heath and safety risk the pond poses regardless of standard policy protocol, and to request a health and safety risk assessment of the area as a matter of urgency.

176/19). The Eagle Sculpture Update:- The Clerk has submitted the revised planning application but is awaiting to see if amended plans will be produced by Barnett Radcliffe and whether this will be at a cost. A new location plan is also required, and this is in progress.

177/19). New & Proposed Developments:-
Complaint about location of pumping station for development off the Burgage:- A resident had concerns about the location of pumping station for development off the Burgage, in case it caused an obstruction for his farm vehicles accessing the field by the main gate. A meeting was held with the site manager and a Borough Council enforcement officer, at which the resident was present, and his concerns were allayed.

178/19). Correspondence:-
Receipt of letter advising an appeal against the SBC for refusal of planning permission 19/30114/HOU:- residents are appealing at the refusal of planning permission due to the proposed extension being in excess of 70% of the original property. This was noted by the committee, which had also objected on these grounds.

Installation of Bollards at Badgers Croft:- The Clerk has been advised that the bollards for installation on the piece of road between Badgers Croft and Sancerre Grange have been delivered will be installed any day. The bollards are de-mountable and will be locked in place with combination padlocks. The Clerk has asked whether access will be available for emergency vehicles.

Installation of fencing around play area at Overton Manor:- The Clerk is awaiting confirmation from Taylor Wimpey of the type of fence to be installed between the play area and the community centre, and the date of installation. It is expected to be a post and rail fence, although the Parish Council have requested a fence that completely blocks access for dogs.

179/19). Accounts for payment:-

Authorisation was sought for payment of the following accounts:-

SLCC Cheshire, conference attendance – LGA 1972 s.111 30.00
Ingestre Woodworks, oak bench for Croxton – Open Space Act 1906 s.10 420.00
Mr. D. Wright – refurbishment of Parish Milestones – Localism Act 2011 ss. 1-8 (GPC) 1050.00
Mr R. Sheard – refurbishments and bench installation – Parish Council Act 1957 s.2* 150.00
D&G Bus – Provision of No.14 morning service – GPC, Localism Act 2011 ss1-8 210.00

All were in favour and the cheques were signed.

180/19). Date and venue for next meeting:- September 18th, 2019, Eccleshall Community Centre.
There being no further business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 8.30pm.