Minutes Planning Committee - Monday 24 May 2010
Committee Members Present:
Councillor Mrs K Bickley (Chair)
Councillor A Leech (Vice Chair)
Councillor Dr M Ireland
Councillor M Morse (Town Mayor)
Councillor Ms T Edwards (Chair, Parks)
Councillor Mrs M McDonald (Chair, P & R)
Other Members Present:
Councillor C Letchford
Councillor Mrs C Marsh
Councillor A Raymond
In Attendance:
D Bent (Town Clerk)
10. Apologies for Absence – An apology for absence was presented on behalf of Councillor Mrs D Smith.
11. Deferment of Business – (for comment by the public) – There were no members of the public present.
12. Members’ Questions – There were no questions from Members of the Council regarding the workings of the Committee.
13. Minutes – The minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 4 May 2010 were approved and signed on the proposition of Councillor M Morse, seconded by Councillor A Leech.
14. Matters Arising –
14.1 Jobcentre Plus – The Clerk advised the Jobcentre Plus operation was effective at the Ockment Centre from 14 May 2010; noted. Councillor Ireland expressed concern where a job seeker had been refused an interview at Exeter and questioned the number of people eligible to visit the Jobcentre in Okehampton. It was agreed that a letter be forwarded to the Jobcentre clarifying a full three-month trial for this operation and confirmation of numbers eligible to visit the Centre in Okehampton.
14.2 Lewis Court – The Clerk advised the Borough Enforcement Officer had reported on discussions with the developer, Mr Taylor, who had ordered a bollard and would be completing the works by the end of May. He reported that Mr Palmer would receive enforcement notices if the work was not completed within 10 days; noted.
14.3 Okehampton Primary School – The Chairman reported she had researched the County Cabinet minutes and their decision to not proceed with the new primary school. The reasons given were a) the school be delayed due to economic climate which would be monitored and a decision made in due course and b) alternative arrangements; this had not been clarified, but commented the existing school had capacity to accept greater numbers. Councillor Mrs Bickley sought further information, questioned why the decision had not been called in for scrutiny, but acknowledged responses from Councillors McInnes and Mrs Marsh which were noted. The conclusion was the County was looking at alternative arrangements.
Councillor Leech expressed concern over the proposed location for the Children’s Centre at the primary school from the Ockment Centre rather than the College. He also expressed concern over the new school set-up with COPSE, concern over parents’ lack of information and suggested that COPSE, together with the Council and Heartlands Forum, call a public meeting to inform parents of the total and current position. On the proposition of Councillor Leech, seconded by Councillor Mrs McDonald, it was resolved that formal proposals be made to Heartlands and COPSE to pursue a public meeting to inform parents of the situation.
14.4 WDBC Local Development Framework – Core Strategy Development Plan – The Clerk reported he had instructed S Gill (Planning Consultant) to represent this Council at the public inquiry on this plan using previous objections, proposals and preferences. He reported S Gill would forward documentation by 27 May for endorsement and onward submission to that inquiry. It was agreed the Chair and Clerk be granted delegated powers to examine the documentation and endorse; that documentation to be submitted to the next meeting.
WDBC Core Strategy – The Chairman referenced the Borough Planning and Housing Committee meeting on 19 April 2010 and questioned substitution of Councillor Mrs Marsh through Borough Members. The Clerk advised he had not had a response from the Committee Chairman, it was agreed further representations be made.
15. Plans – Planning applications received up to 24 May 2010 were considered and observations made as per the attached Annex A.
16. Private Water Supply Regulations 2009 – Councillor Mrs Bickley declared an interest. The Chairman reported many properties across rural Okehampton had a private water supply. She reported an EU directive which would determine water charges for these supplies, which may escalate to £1,000. Councillor Mrs Bickley explained that the Borough Council would scrutinise these supplies, carry out risk assessments and determine charges; she asked Members to note.
17. Members’ Reports –
Ockment Centre Children’s Centre – It was reported that D Dutson was seeking a meeting with all parties to clarify the situation on the Children’s Centre.
G10 – Councillors Morse and Mrs Marsh reported discussion relation to the maternity operation at Okehampton Hospital and commented that this operation was subject to consultation. Members were concerned the work at the hospital was being reduced due to financial reasons and, in a bid to prevent further deterioration of services, it was agreed to ask representatives from the hospital to attend a Council meeting to explain the role of the hospital, particularly maternity (Matron plus representatives of management team).
Chamber of Trade – Councillor Mrs Marsh reported at the Chamber of Trade meeting representatives from South West Water and Balfour Beatty had attended to explain sewage relining works across the town with some compromise on road closure notice and operations.
Councillor Mrs Marsh reported on essential emergency repairs to the gabion wall on the Granite Way.
Meeting closed 7.55 pm.
Recommendations – Planning Committee 24 May 2010
00431 / 2010 259854,95415
Full
Change of use from A1 (shop) to A5 (hot food take away) and addition of external flue
27 Stannary Court, Exeter Road, Okehampton EX20 1QF
Mr C Sawle
Members raised no objection but expressed concern over possible antisocial behaviour, smell from the flue and litter problems.
00401 / 2010 258338,95563
Full
Rear extension and new sedum roof over kitchen
5 Glendale Road, Okehampton EX20 1JB
Mr T Rixon
Support
00449 / 2010 258962,95256
Listed building
Affixment of signage to front of building
13 East Street, Okehampton EX20 1AS
Mrs J Simpson
Support
00439 / 2010 259309,95167
Full
Erection of pair of semi-detached dwellings to replace store, office and workshop
Workshop, West View Road, Okehampton EX20 1NF
Crisplane Ltd
The Town Council supported this proposal but made observations on difficult access and egress to this development.