Minutes Planning Committee - Monday 22 March 2010
Committee Members Present:
Councillor Mrs M McDonald (Chair)
Councillor A Leech (Vice Chair)
Councillor Mrs K Bickley
Councillor Dr M Ireland
Councillor M Morse
Councillor D Weekes (Town Mayor)
Councillor A Raymond (Chair, Parks)
Councillor C Hodgson (Chair, P & R)
Other Members Present:
Councillor Ms T Edwards
Councillor C Letchford
Councillor Mrs C Marsh
Councillor Mrs D Smith
Councillor P Vachon
In Attendance:
D Bent (Town Clerk)
J Young (Borough Councillor)
576. Apologies for Absence - There were no apologies for absence.
577. Deferment of Business - (for comment by the public) - There were no members of the public present.
578. Members’ Questions - Councillor Ireland questioned the origin of the names selected for the Persimmon development at Crediton Road ie Ockment Grove; Town Clerk to research.
579. Minutes - The minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 1st March 2010 were approved and signed on the proposition of Councillor A Leech, seconded by Councillor M Morse.
580. Destination Okehampton Working Group - The notes of the meetings held on 11 January and 8 March 2010 were circulated and endorsed. Councillor Ireland referenced a town ‘spring clean’ day for Saturday 17 April 2010 and invited Members to become involved in this exercise. He commented this would be a litter pick and spring clean audit of the town with evidence submitted to the Borough and Town Councils identifying their responsibilities. He encouraged Members to become involved, to act as a Council and to take a responsible role.
581. Matters Arising -
581.1 Speeding on Upcott Hill - A letter from County Highways Management advised that that authority was not in a position to consider a 30 mph speed limit without departing from policy and following the acquisition of speed data, alternative safety measures would be implemented. Councillor Mrs Bickley expressed disappointment at a slow response, further the response had been submitted to the Police Liaison Committee with similar comments; she questioned where speed checks would take place, who would do them and questioned Devon County policy and criteria for the implementation of 30 mph limits. Following discussion it was agreed that the Area Engineer be asked to explain this policy.
581.2 Persimmon Development - Correspondence from the Borough Treasurer relating to a breach of planning condition was noted. Members expressed disappointment in a lack of control by the Planning Office, questioned the duration of the 56 days notice and acknowledged the problem in Okehampton Hamlets. Councillor Ireland referred to discussions with the site manager at Persimmon and that company’s willingness to discuss issues relating to the development. It was agreed the Clerk consult the Hamlets Clerk to offer this Council’s support over any planning or other issues connected with this scheme.
On the proposition of Councillor Raymond, seconded by Councillor Ireland, it was agreed to suspend standing orders to allow Borough Councillor J Young to speak. Councillor Young referred to his discussions with Mrs Hart, WDBC Planning Officer, and adherence to law over the implementation of serving of notice following breach of planning conditions, he further referenced inefficiencies by the developer in securing access to the site due to overhead cables and the installation of temporary traffic lights to the site. Members noted the comments and it was resolved to reinstate standing orders.
582. Plans - The Committee examined plans as below and made comments as noted.
00235/2010 259296,95333
Full
Single storey rear extension to provide utility room, office and shower room
2 Barton Close, Okehampton EX20 1NP
Mr S Parsons
The Council supported this proposal
00237/2010 258776,95555
Full
Addition of conservatory to residents lounge
Rivers Edge Court, Oaklands Drive, Okehampton EX20 1FN
McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd
The Council supported this proposal
583. MCTI Community Action Plan - Councillor Mrs Marsh asked Members to consider updating or modifying this action plan. Members acknowledged the Town Design Statement (which had been submitted to the Borough for reference when considering planning applications) and the Concept Plan prepared by P Woodgate. It was noted that action had followed each document, however with the passage of time it was deemed necessary to update with the focus on Okehampton. The meeting acknowledged the necessity to consult with the public and to pursue funding sources for project schemes on a recognised time frame.
It was suggested this topic be addressed by Destination Okehampton group. Councillor Ireland acknowledged the request and, on behalf of the group, accepted this task, subject to support from additional Members of the Council. It was agreed that all documents be submitted to that meeting on 26 April 2010.
584. West Devon Local Development Framework - Core Strategy Update - Correspondence from the Borough planning team advised that this strategy would be presented to the next planning meeting due to be held on 19 April 2010.
585. Public Transport Survey - Members were asked to complete a survey relating to the use of transport in West Devon. The meeting questioned the omission of reference to trains as a form of transport in West Devon following the town’s support for the re-introduction of a commuter service to Exeter, further questioned funding and the composition of the questionnaire, but concluded to complete the survey on an individual basis.
586. Devon and Cornwall Constabulary - A newsletter from Inspector Hammond was circulated and the content noted without comment.
587. Members’ Reports -
(i) G10 Group Meeting - The Clerk advised that the minutes of the meeting held on 26 February 2010 were available in his office.
(ii) Senior Council - Councillor Morse referred to a successful conference held on 11 March.
(iii) Police Liaison Committee - Councillors Mrs McDonald and Mrs Bickley attended this meeting and referenced the use of taser guns, police share of information using PCSO’s on intelligence collection and the concentrated effort at solving local crime with police listening to local opinion and emphasis on PACT, a helpful initiative concentrating on local issues.
Meeting closed 7.58 pm.