Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - The Guildhall. View directions

Contact: Andrew Warnes  Democratic and Civic Officer - 01427 676595

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Items
No. Item

61.

Public Participation Period

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

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Minutes:

There was no public participation at this point in the meeting.

 

 

62.

To Approve the Minutes of the Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 342 KB

i)       Meeting of the Planning Committee held on 5 October, 2022, previously circulated.

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Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on Wednesday, 5 October 2022 be confirmed and signed as an accurate record.

 

63.

Declarations of Interest

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

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor A. White declared a non-pecuniary interest, in relation to agenda item 6b, application number 145135, that she had called in the application to be considered by the Planning Committee. She also declared that she had received communication from journalists, but had not communicated her views, and would remain as a Member of the Planning Committee.

 

Councillor M. Boles declared a non-pecuniary interest, in relation to agenda item 6a, application number 144738, that he was the County Councillor for Gainsborough Hill, but remain as a Member of the Planning Committee. He also declared that he had received numerous emails about the application, but had not engaged with them, and had deleted them.

 

Councillor D. Dobbie declared a non-pecuniary interest, in relation to agenda item 6a, application number 144738, that he was a Local Ward Member for Gainsborough East. He was involved with the decision as a Member of Gainsborough Town Council, and had made his views known then. He would speak as the Local Ward Member, and then leave the Chamber for the remainder of the item.

 

Councillor R. Patterson declared a non-pecuniary interest, in relation to agenda item 6a, application number 144738, that though he could not attend the site visit, he had visited the site in a personal capacity, and felt he knew the area and site sufficiently well to comment and vote on the application.

 

Councillor P. Morris declared a non-pecuniary interest, in relation to agenda item 6a, application number 144738, that he could not attend the site visit, and felt that he could not participate and vote on the application.

 

Councillor M. Devine declared a non-pecuniary interest, in relation to agenda item 6a, application number 144738, that he was also a Local Ward Member for Gainsborough East. He would give a statement in the public participation section, and then leave the Chamber for the remainder of the item.

 

64.

Update on Government/Local Changes in Planning Policy

 

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/

 

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Minutes:

The Development Management Team Manager informed Members that Michael Gove MP had been reappointed as Housing Secretary. He had so far confirmed that the government's 300,000 annual housing target was still in place and that he was reviewing the recent Investment Zones policy, stating that "anything that might in any way undermine environmental protections is out".

 

The Officer reminded Members that public examination of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan Review commenced this month. The Hearing sessions for the examination was to begin at 10.00 am on Tuesday, 15 November 2022, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Brayford Wharf North, Lincoln LN1 1YW. Members also heard that the latest Central Lincolnshire Five Year Land Support Report for 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2028 had been published, with a calculation of 8.05 years' supply of housing land in Central Lincolnshire.

 

Moving to local planning policy, the Officer detailed that the Keelby Neighbourhood Plan had its submission (Regulation 16 final) consultation was to end on 4 November 2022. Moving to Draft Regulation 14 progression, the Officer informed Members that the Reepham Neighbourhood Plan had a steering group that its Reg 14 consultation had been undertaken and that the Scothern Neighbourhood Plan Review had its Regulation 14 consultation underway, ending on 9 November 2022.

 

65.

144738 - Land off Willoughton Drive, Gainsborough pdf icon PDF 254 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced the first item of the meeting, application number 144738, to erect 7 no. commercial units, 5 units to fall within Use Class E((g)i) office ii) the research and development of products or processes or iii) any industrial process, (which can be carried out in any residential area without causing detriment to the amenity of the area)) and 2 units within Use Class B8 (Storage and Distribution) on land off Willoughton Drive, Gainsborough.

 

The Officer stated that there were a few updates to the application. The first was that this application had returned after a site visit. There had been additional landscaping plans, and it was deemed suitable for the site. Moving to the landscaping condition, the Officer confirmed that the replacement of landscaping was required for a period of 5 years He also stated that he would recommend the removal of condition three and renumber the conditions. There was also an additional letter of support from the Vulcan Bossit site.

 

Note:               Councillor I. Fleetwood declared a non-pecuniary interest that he had previously hired the agent but had not spoken to him about this application.

 

Note:               Councillor S. England entered the Chamber at 6.43 pm.

 

The Chairman advised that there were five registered speakers for the application. He invited the Democratic and Civic Officer to read out the first statement, from the agent for the application. The following statement was read aloud.

 

“Good evening to the planning committee members and thank you for considering this planning application during both Octobers and this current November committee meeting.

 

The Development Proposals. As previously discussed, the proposals seek planning permission for 7no commercial units on a plot of land within the Foxby Lane Business Park, Gainsborough. We note that during the previous committee meeting, comments were raised regarding the un-maintained hedgerow being partly removed. The legal team clarified that none of the trees or hedgerow on the site were protected and the site owners were perfectly within their legal rights to instruct the clearing of all vegetation without consequence.

 

After the clarification above, the applicant, without hesitation chose to appoint a landscape specialist to ensure the landscape proposals were developed further and not removed completely. This approach would retain as much as possible and provide new tree and shrub planting with a detailed planting/ maintenance strategy. The applicant also met with the adjacent site owners Vulcan Bossitt to discuss our proposals and we have now received written support for our proposals.

 

The applicant has once again demonstrated a collaborative approach and willingness to engage with others to produce a scheme which will be beneficial both socially and economically and goes far beyond the minimal requirements often seen on other business parks throughout the region. The proposals will provide aesthetically pleasing units which will enhance the character and locality. To compliment Policy LP3, the proposals will provide much needed employment and business start up opportunities in the area and will also compliment the major housing developments on the land adjacent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

66.

145135 - Land Rear of Watering Dyke Cottages, Grange De Lings pdf icon PDF 121 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced the next item, application number 145135, for the change of use of land for the siting of 12no. gypsy/traveller residential caravan and the erection of 2no. amenity buildings, on land rear of Watering Dyke Cottages, Grange De Lings, Lincoln.

 

The Officer informed Members of the Committee that there was one update, which was a letter of support for the application, the family on the site, and highlighted the standards on the site. The Officer then gave a short presentation, and highlighted the relevant policies to the discussion.

 

The Chairman advised that there were 3 registered speakers, all of whom were objectors. He invited the first registered objector, Alex Wright, to address the Committee. The following statement was read aloud.

 

“The objections presented tonight are raised by the Watering dyke cottages, the closest households to the development. We strongly wish to object to this proposal; this has been a disastrous 6 months since they have occupied the site with constant disruption caused to our lives. We have received verbal abuse from the applicants on multiple occasions including receiving multiple threats to rip out our septic tank which is on our site. On one occasion the applicant came to my house being very aggressive, shouting, swearing, and making various threats to me and my neighbour. This is despite The LP56 referenced in their application states they want to live peacefully with the other residents.

 

We haven’t used our garden as much because of the overlooking from the shared driveway, the noise pollution, the traffic disruption, the aggressive behaviour, and excessive shouting from the site. My children are already scared and intimidated by the shouting and disruption from the site, they don’t like being in the garden as much. What was once a lovely green space now looks industrialised from the driver entrance. Most sites are a distance away from other properties, this development is adjoining our properties making disruptions significantly worse and will do so even more if it is passed and triples in size.

 

This Development is also having a significant impact on our need to replace our septic tank. The development has and will further make it very difficult to install new needed sewage provisions which we have rights to on their land due to the sheer lack of room now and hardstanding.

 

This application could lead to 25 plus vehicles onsite, I believe it will be disastrous. There have already been 3 accidents on the junction outside our house to the A15 this year. To access their site, you must drive right next to our houses which is intrusive and dangerous especially getting my children in and out of the cars. Hall Lane, the road used for accessing the shared driveway often gets congested with people who are waiting to turn onto the A15. this will get worse and could impact us exiting our driveway. We will also have a loss of garden privacy from passing traffic and a lot more people walking from the site.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

67.

145252 - Land to the rear of 20 Queensway, Sturton by Stow pdf icon PDF 133 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced the next item, application number 145252, for removal of existing detached garage and construction of 1no. detached single storey two bedroom bungalow with driveway and turning head - resubmission of 144493, on land to the rear of 20 Queensway, Sturton by Stow. The Officer informed Members that there were no updates, and gave a short presentation.

 

The Chairman advised that there was one registered statement to be read out by the Democratic and Civic Officer. The following statement was read aloud.

 

“Sturton by Stow Parish Council discussed this application at length and the following points were raised.

 

We have grave concerns regarding the driveway running directly past the existing house to the rear of the property.  The driveway is narrow with no option to widen.  The consensus reached was that this would disturb the residents of the existing property.  We recognise that the current residents are applying for planning permission, nevertheless disturbance should be taken into consideration.

 

We have concerns that the new build will be excessively close to the existing house; the plans state that the closest point is just shy of 8m.  The deprivation of garden for the existing property is concerning. The proposed property will be overshadowed. Overlooking and lack of privacy is a problem for each property and potentially for 24 Saxilby Road. 

 

Light and noise disturbance needs to be addressed due to the close proximity of the buildings. This particular location, being at the north eastern corner of Queensway, has its own logistical problems. Queensway is a very narrow road. The demolition of the garages and subsequent development of housing has exacerbated the situation. There is a distinct lack of parking provision for the original residents of Queensway. The road is subject to on-street parking and can be difficult to navigate.

 

Sturton by Stow Parish Council object to this proposal and urge the planning committee to refuse this application.”

 

The Chairman thanked the Democratic and Civic Officer for reading the statement and invited a response from the Officer. He emphasised that the comments made by the Parish were addressed in the report and that the Authority’s view was that undue noise and disturbance would not arise from a bungalow in a residential area.

 

The Chairman then invited comments from Members of the Committee. Members expressed that the distance to other neighbours of the proposed dwelling was unlikely to be affected by the proposed dwelling, that it was easily accessible, and that no statutory bodies objected to the application. It was also expressed that the Parish Council had always expressed concerns about Queensway.

 

In response to a query about the narrowness of the driveway and the impact on refuse collection, the Officer clarified that the drive proposed was wide enough to allow refuse bins to be stored at the entrance for collection and clarified that Lincolnshire County Council Highways had not objected to the application.

 

Responding to a remark about parking, the Officer explained that the existing parking arrangements on the street were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

68.

145585 - West Lindsey Operational Services Depot, Caenby Corner pdf icon PDF 111 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced the next application of the meeting, application number 145585, for a permanent canopy covering to an existing road sweeper bunker at West Lindsey Operational Services Depot, Caenby Corner, Market Rasen, LN8 2AR.

 

The Officer stated that there was no update and gave a short presentation. The Chairman informed Members of the Committee that there were no registered speakers and invited comments. Members commented that there were no significant issues and that the application would likely not be in front of them if the applicant was not West Lindsey District Council.

 

Responding to a question about the site's lighting, the Officer explained that the lighting was strip lighting placed on the underside of the proposed canopy itself, facing downwards which would minimise light spillage within this countryside location.

 

Having been proposed and seconded, the Chairman took the vote and it was unanimously agreed that permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:

 

Conditions stating the time by which the development must be commenced:

 

1.The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

 

Reason: To conform with Section 91 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

 

Conditions which apply or require matters to be agreed before the development commenced:

 

None.

 

Conditions which apply or are to be observed during the course of the development:

 

2. With the exception of the detailed matters referred to by the conditions of this consent, the development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the following drawings:

 

·       Site Location: 180229 WCA 00 00 DR A PL100 S0 P01

·       ENCLOSURE LIGHTING LAYOUT 19/3300/E63/EX04 REV B

 

69.

145222 - Land West of 19 Waggoners Close, Scotter pdf icon PDF 136 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced the next item, application number 145222, for change of use of open grassed land to domestic garden land, on land west of 19 Waggoners Close, Scotter, Gainsborough. The Officer gave no updates, and conducted a short presentation on the application.

 

The Chairman advised that there were three registered statements, and invited the first statement, from Scotter Parish Council, to be read aloud by the Democratic and Civic Officer. The following statement was read aloud.

 

“The site plan for the development clearly shows this area was designated to add amenity value to the development in line with NPPF. It is the Parish Council opinion that any change of use for the land would not be in line with the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan policies LP23, LP12 and LP9 and would create a permanent loss of amenity for residents. The area noted in the application is noted as open grass land, the area is not open as it should be and the Parish Council would encourage WLDC to take enforcement action to have the hedges removed or lowered to no more than 30cm height and access allowed to the area for the benefit of residents.

 

The application is incorrect as it states no trees or hedges are on the area, which is clearly not the case. From the evidence produced by other comments on this application it is clear the planning system has failed on more than one occasion to the detriment of the residents of Waggoners Close. The Parish Council would encourage WLDC to pursue the purchase of this land as previously investigated and open conversations with the Parish Council to adopt it for future maintenance and preservation.”

 

The Chairman thanked the Officer for reading the statement, and invited the next registered speaker, Jon Bayley, the agent for the application, to address the Committee.

 

In his statement, the speaker expressed a particular interest in the application's attention and hoped his statement would clarify the differing planning, historical, and legal aspects of the application. He stated that the site was not designated as a Local Green space, a protected open space under the same local plan, or the Scotter Neighbourhood Plan and that the site was not publicly accessible.

 

The speaker explained that this was one area of land under the applicant's ownership, which was maintained. Members heard that the land was identified initially as open space under the original planning approvals for broader development but was not formally adopted and that legal statements confirmed that it was not for public use but would benefit the public visual amenity.

 

The speaker stated that the original agreed plan formed part of the full site landscaping scheme covered by condition on the previous original planning applications. This was not yet formally implemented, nor was the variation in the initially approved landscaping, and the planted trees were relatively minor.

 

The speaker said that the sites still include some trees, a grassed area and hedging, and clarified that in the 12 years of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

70.

144289 - Land off Station Road, Reepham pdf icon PDF 263 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced the final application of the meeting, application number 144289, to demolish swimming pool and annexe building and erect 1no. detached dwelling, on land off Station Road, Reepham, Lincoln, LN3 4DN.

 

Note:               Councillor I. Fleetwood declared a non-pecuniary interest that he was the County Councillor for Bardney and Cherry Willingham, which included Reepham, and had attended Parish Council meetings. He had not discussed the application, and would remain in the Chair.

 

The Officer informed Members that there were no updates and gave a short presentation. The Chairman advised that there were no registered speakers and invited comments from Members of the Committee. Members provided comments about the size of the land and the dwelling usage.

 

In responding to a query about the access, the Officer clarified that it was a gate used by the existing dwelling and was to be continued to be used by both dwellings in the outcome of this proposed dwelling being built. Members also learned in separate queries that this proposed dwelling was one and a half storeys in height and that the full materials would be known and applied for at a later date.

 

Having been proposed and seconded, the Chairman took the vote and it was agreed that permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:

 

Conditions stating the time by which the development must be commenced:

 

1. The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

 

Reason: To conform with Section 91 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

 

Conditions which apply or require matters to be agreed before the development commenced:

 

2. No development shall take place until full details of the proposed foul and surface water drainage for the site have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved details shall thereafter be implemented in full before the building is first occupied and retained thereafter.

 

Reason: To ensure that an adequate scheme serves the development and protects the Water environment in accordance with the provisions of Policies LP14 and LP16 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan and guidance within the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

3. No development shall take place until, a contaminated land assessment and associated remedial strategy, together with a timetable of works, have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) and the measures approved in that scheme shall be fully implemented.

 

The scheme shall include all of the following measures unless the LPA dispenses with any such requirement specifically in writing:

 

a) The contaminated land assessment shall include a desk study to be submitted to the LPA for approval. The desk study shall detail the history of the site uses and propose a site investigation strategy based on the relevant information discovered by the desk study. The strategy shall be approved by the LPA prior to investigations commencing on site.

 

b) The site investigation, including relevant soil,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.

71.

Determination of Appeals pdf icon PDF 130 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The determination of appeals was NOTED.