Planning Committee Meeting

155/19). Present were: –

Councillor B. Delanchy (Chairman)
Councillor P. Edward
Councillor R. Langford
Councillor L. Dale
Councillor M. Watson
Councillor P. Stenning
Councillor R. Taylor
Mrs S.J. Worden (Clerk)

Apologies were received and accepted from Councillors Leather, Marshall, Mifflin, Amos, P Jones and J Jones.

156/19). Public Participation: – There were no members of the public present.

157/19). To confirm the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on July 17th, 2019:- The minutes, which had been previously circulated, were agreed and signed.

It was noted that the concerns raised by the Council regarding the health and safety issue of the balancing pond at Overton Manor had not yet been answered by the Borough Council. Recent rain has increased the water levels and young people are still playing near the edge. Cllr. P. Jones has spoken to the Head of Planning at the Borough Council and is awaiting feedback. The Clerk will speak to Cllr. P. Jones for an update, and for him to stress the urgency of the matter.
The balancing pond was not featured on the original plans approved by the Borough Council and only appeared on later landscaping plans.

158/19). Planning decisions of Stafford Borough Council:-

19/30165/OUT- The development of up to 43 residential dwellings; access from A519,
Castle Street; earthworks to facilitate surface water dressing; all other
Matters (layout, scale, appearance and landscaping) are reserves. Application Withdrawn

19/30659/FUL- Removal of condition 2 on application No. 89/23965/FUL. Springfield Slindon Road Slindon. Refused.

19/30618/OHL- Upgrade existing Overhead Line. Street Record Wincote Lane Wootton. Approved.

19/30614/OHL- Upgrade existing Overhead Line. Adjacent Newport Road Wootton. Approved.

19/30623/COU – Change of use from Retail (A1) to Yoga Studio and Holistic Health (A1 and D2). Unit 4 12 High Street Eccleshall. Approved.

19/30725/HOU – Demolition of Dairy store, two single storey side extensions, and one rear second story extension with balcony, in addition to internal and external alterations. Little Blore Farm Langot Lane Fair Oak. Approved.

19/30696/HOU – Proposed conversion of existing utility room/store/covered way to kitchen and dining room and proposed porch extensions including internal alterations to existing kitchen and alterations to North and West elevations to living room. The Malt Barn Garmelow Lane Elford Heath. Approved.

19/30389/FUL – Erection of a polytunnel within the area used as a nursery within the grounds to Walton Hall School. Walton Hall School Stafford Road Walton. Approved.

19/30617/FUL – New kennel building. Meadowcroft Old Hall Lane Mill Meece. Approved.

19/30089/FUL – Extension to existing Garden Centre building to form enlarged kitchen with store, laundry, office/locker room, wc area, enlarged restaurant area, function room, soft play area, wc and baby changing area, outdoor patio, car wash area and associated buildings (retrospective). Fletchers Garden Centre Stone Road Eccleshall. Approved.

159/19). To note any responses made to planning applications since the last meeting:-
19/30389/FUL – Walton Hall School, Stafford Road Walton. Amended Application. No Objection submitted.
This is based on the observation that the polytunnel has been moved to a better location, and no objection was previously submitted by the Council.

160/19). Planning Applications for Consideration:-

19/30908/HOU – Erection of detached garage. Brick Kiln Farm, Blackwaters Road, Offley Hay. There were no objections to this application.

19/30958/HOU – Two Storey front, side and rear extension. The Dale, Fairoak Bank, Fairoak. The committee resolved to object to the planning application as the proposed extension exceeds 70% of the original dwelling, in accordance with Policy C5, (C) Extensions or Alterations of The Plan for Stafford Borough.

19/30945/COU – Change of use from B1 (offices) to Beauty Salon (sui generis). Sugnall Business Centre, Unit 5, Sugnall Road, Sugnall. There were no objections to this application.

161/19). Any Further Applications for consideration:-

19/30995/HOU – Part demolition of existing kitchen. Rear and side single storey extensions.
19 The Crescent, Eccleshall. There had not been time to consider the application ahead of the meeting, so the committee resolved for the chair to respond on behalf of the Council, as the deadline was before the next meeting.

19/30975/HOU – Demolition of existing garage and utility, proposed two storey side extension, and single storey rear extension. Hilltop, Cross Butts, Eccleshall. There had not been time to consider the application ahead of the meeting, so the committee resolved for the chair to respond on behalf of the Council, as the deadline was before the next meeting.

19/30961/FUL – Removal of condition 3 on 18/29491/FUL. Building adjacent to Appledene, Slindon Road, Slindon. The committee resolved to object to this application, as the removal of condition 3 would make the property a new dwelling in the countryside and as such, is contrary to Policy C4 of the Plan for Stafford Borough. The Council will also note on the submission that the planning history of this property showed potential implications that the property would eventually be turned into a new property in the countryside, and as it has also refused earlier applications for this reason.

162/19). Any Other Planning Matters:-
Fencing between the play area and Community Centre at Overton Manor (Taylor Wimpey):- At present, a single piece of post and rail fencing has been installed to block the gap in the hedge that is being used as access between the play area and the Community Centre. The Clerk has contacted Taylor Wimpey and advised written agreement was in place for Taylor Wimpey to install a full length of fencing along the hedging separating the community centre and the play area. Taylor Wimpey have acknowledged its commitment and have advised a full fence will be installed. The Clerk will contact Taylor Wimpey to confirm the style of fence to be used, to ensure it is suitable.
Maintenance of Overton Manor Play area:- The small bin provided is not large enough or emptied frequently enough to cope with the volume of rubbish, which is being left on the floor around the bin and blowing around the area. The grass is also not being cut regularly enough. It was resolved for the Clerk to contact Taylor Wimpey to determine if it is the management company or Taylor Wimpey who have responsibility for the area, and to request whoever is responsible to supply a larger bin and to empty it more regularly. A more frequent grass cut will also be requested.
Footpath 13 to the rear of Taylor Wimpey:- The Clerk advised that there is ongoing correspondence between a resident, the County Council Rights of Way team and Taylor Wimpey regarding the presence of Japanese Knotweed near the start of footpath 13 at Shaws Lane, and in the rear garden of a resident who backs onto the footpath. There has been a large volume of correspondence about the issue and what actions will be taken and by whom. There has been some confusion regarding confirmation of the plant/.
The resident has also advised that it may also be present in the verge at Shaws Lane, next to the allotments.
The Clerk has alerted the Chair of the Allotments to the issue, and also Trent Grounds Maintenance, as they have been asked to undertake 3 tidies of the footpath this season on behalf of the Council. TGM have been asked to avoid the area until more is known. It is important the knotweed is not strimmed or disposed of in usual green waste, and an appropriate treatment plan is in place.
Concerns about the location of the pumping station on the development off the Burgage:- A resident has concerns that the location of the pumping station is too close to the access gate for an adjacent field and will prevent access for their tractor. The Clerk has contacted Borough Council Enforcement, who are arranging a site visit to look at the location and to address the concerns.
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 will be delivered by mid August. The Clerk will contact Chasetown for confirmation of an installation date and whether they are de-mountable bollards that can be used for access by emergency vehicles.

163/19). The Eagle Sculpture Update:- The Clerk has submitted the revised planning application but is awaiting amended plans from the architect to reflect the new location on the verge before the application can be validated.

164/19). New & Proposed Developments:-

It was noted that the planning application for the development off Castle Street has been withdrawn.

165/19). Correspondence:-

Ongoing resident concerns regarding access from Overton Manor onto St. Chad’s Road:- Further concerns have been raised after a car has been seen using the pedestrian path to go between Overton Manor and St. Chads Road. The Clerk has contacted highways to stress the urgency of the issue and for an update on any potential resolutions.
It was noted that the area may not be adopted by the County Council and as such it may not be obliged to act. Any measures should have been part of the original planning application.

Stafford Borough Council Rural Survey:- The Parish Council has been asked to complete a survey concerning businesses in the rural area, with a deadline of the 6th September. It was noted that due to the level of detail required that the Council do not have access to this information and will only be able to respond to a question regarding local challenges such as transport and digital connectivity. The Clerk will submit a response to this question.

Stafford Borough Council Community Awards:- The Council has been asked for nominees for this year’s awards, but the deadline is the 8th September, prior to the next Council meeting so there is not the opportunity to discuss at a full Council meeting. After discussion, the committee resolved not to submit a nomination this year.

166/19). Accounts for payment:-

Authorisation was sought for payment of the following accounts:-

Vaughtons, replacement green ribbon for Chain of office – Chairs allowance,
LGA 1972 ss. 15 (5) 41.06
Elan City Ltd, 2 Solar Speed indication devices and accessories – Localism Act 2011 ss. 1-8 (GPC) 4814.63
Rialtas Business Solutions Ltd – Supply, install, training and yr. 1 licence – LGA 1972 s.111 886.92
Trent Grounds Maintenance – completion of siding out works from Cross Butts to Wootton (£996) plus grass cutting for July – Open Space Act 1906 s.10 1365.30
Parton Agri-Plant Ltd – hedge cutting at Croxton/Elford – Open Space Act 1906 s.10 294.00
Mrs S. Worden – Eagle Street Art Application (SBC cheque voided to allow online payment) – Localism Act 2011 ss. 1-8 (GPC) 142.00

Community First Trading – Eccleshall Community Centre insurance – LGA 1972 s.145 1516.32
Society of Local Council Clerks – CertHE course deposit – LGA 1972 s.111 294.00
Mazars – Audit Fee – Accounts and Audit Regs. 2015 360.00
D&G Bus – Provision of No.14 morning service – GPC, Localism Act 2011 ss1-8 230.00
S. Worden – Salary – LGA 1972 s. 112 1177.53
Expenses – Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act 1963 93.32
PAYE – LGA (Financial Provisions) 1963 54.00
NHI – LGA (Financial Provisions )1963 173.96
Pension – LG Pensions Scheme Regs. 1995 423.55
G.C.S. Ltd – Installation of poles for Speed Indication devices – Localism Act 2011 ss. 1-8 (GPC) 5130.66

All were in favour and the cheques were signed.

167/19). Date and venue for next meeting:- September 4th, 2019, Eccleshall Community Centre.
There being no further business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 8.45pm.