Agenda and minutes

The Chairman commenced the meeting by welcoming all those present, as members of the public, visiting Members and presenting Officers.

The Chairman addressed the room to express his sadness at the recent passing of former District Councillor Stuart Curtis. For those who may not have been aware, Councillor Curtis had been Chairman of the Planning Committee for a number of years and would be sadly missed. All present were asked to join the Chairman in a minute’s silence in memory of Councillor Curtis.

The Chairman also asked Members to take a moment in remembrance of the late Councillor Chris Underwood-Frost to mark the anniversary of his death. Councillor Underwood-Frost had previously been Chairman of the Planning Committee and passed away four years ago.

The Committee and all present came together for a minute’s silence.

Up to 15 minutes are allowed for public participation.  Participants are restricted to 3 minutes each.

The Chairman explained there was due to have been a participant, Mr Steven Taylor, however he was subsequently unable to attend. The Chairman stated that Mr Taylor intended to contact the Chairman directly with his questions and comments and he would receive a written response in due course.

i)       Meeting of the Planning Committee held on 23 August 2017, previously circulated.

Meeting of the Planning Committee held on 23 August 2017.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 23 August 2017 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Members may make any declarations of interest at this point but may also make them at any time during the course of the meeting.

Councillor J. Milne declared that she had facilitated a meeting with Sir Edward Leigh, MP, for a group of people in relation to the Kingsmead Park application but she had not participated in the meeting.

Note – the status of Neighbourhood Plans in the District may be found via this link

https://www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/my-services/planning-and-building/neighbourhood-planning/

The Planning Services Manager informed Members that the Brattleby Neighbourhood Plan would be going to Council on 13 November and the Scotter and Lea Neighbourhood Plans would shortly be going to public referendum. He advised that as well as the link provided in the agenda, there would be further notifications sent to Members and assured the Committee that Officers were seeking to improve communication with Members about such matters.

RESOLVED that the application detailed in agenda item 6 (a) be dealt with as follows:-

The Chairman introduced the proposal for a change of use of land to site 35 holiday lodge caravans and a site office/reception caravan with associated site road, parking and services. He explained the location of the site as being between Brookenby and Kingsmead Park, a residential caravan park. He noted that the site was located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Members of the Planning Committee visited the site on 2 October 2017 prior to the Planning Committee on 18 October 2017. The recommendation was to grant Permission subject to conditions.

Note: At this point in the meeting, the Chairman made a declaration that prior to the commencement of Committee, he had received a letter from the Agent for the Applicant setting forward their case for the application. All Councillors declared they too had received this letter.

There were five people registered to speak, each having up to five minutes to speak. The Chairman stated he had received communication from Dr Edwards, who had been registered to speak but was subsequently unable to attend, and Chairman had noted his objections.

The Senior Development Management Officer noted an amendment to the report and explained that the target decision date had been extended again to 20 October 2017. 

The first speaker, Mr Martin Taylor, introduced himself as the agent for the applicant, Turners Parks Group, and spoke in favour of the application. He reiterated the details of the site and noted that the recommendation was for the application to be approved. He explained that he understood the two main objections were regarding traffic and noise issues. With regard to fears over problems with traffic, Mr Taylor commented that the Highways Agency had raised no objections, subject to conditions, and similarly, the Environmental Agency Officer did not raise any issues or add comment. Mr Taylor noted that those objecting had made reference to another application which had been refused. Mr Taylor countered this by stating that the application had been for a residential development and this application was fundamentally different in that the development was to be used for tourism purposes only. With regards to the perceived impact on the AONB, Mr Taylor explained the area was screened already, the development would be of low density and there would be significant open space in the centre of the site. He expanded on plans to further landscape the area for improved screening of the lodges and stated that the main access had been sited to the north of the area in order to minimise loss of trees. Mr Taylor noted there would be benefits to the local economy with increased tourism as well as the three permanent jobs created as well as numerous temporary and seasonal positions. Mr Taylor concluded by apologising to Members for the letter they had received, he explained it had been intended as a supporting document only and did not contain any additional information to that which he had spoken about. He also thanked Committee for allowing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38a

·         135142 North Kelsey Road, Caistor

·         134561 King Street, Market Rasen

·         135770 Bishop Norton Road, Atterby

·         135552 1 Kingsway, Nettleham

·         134930 Land at Stainton Lane, Stainton-by-Langworth, Lincoln

·         135522 3 The Green, Ingham

·         136171 23 Ashfield, Sturton-by-Stow

·         135495 The Hawthorns, High Street, Marton

·         135764 Land at Glendale, Broadholme Road, Saxilby

·         131548 Main Street, Torksey

The Chairman commented that it was very positive that all ten decisions were upheld. Councillor G. McNeill asked for it to be recorded that thanks were extended to all Planning Officers for their work in view of the number of appeal decisions that were upheld.

RESOLVED that the determination of appeals be noted.