Minutes Planning Committee - Monday 28 June 2010
Committee Members Present:
Councillor Mrs K Bickley (Chair)
Councillor A Leech (Vice Chair)
Councillor Dr M Ireland
Councillor Mrs D Smith
Councillor M Morse (Town Mayor)
Councillor Ms T Edwards (Chair, Parks)
Councillor Mrs M McDonald (Chair, P & R)
Other Members Present:
Councillor Mrs C Marsh
Councillor A Raymond
Councillor P Vachon
In Attendance:
D Bent (Town Clerk)
12 members of the public
Declaration of Interest: Councillor Ms T Edwards agenda item 5.2 Lewis Court.
64. Apologies for Absence - There were no apologies for absence.
65. Deferment of Business - (for comment by the public) - Mr F Bostock, with residents of Saddlers Way, attended to complain about problems associated with the Crediton Road development by Persimmons Ltd. He explained residents were subject to dust and noise from the site and had contacted the Environmental Health Officer who appeared to be reluctant to address the problems. Mr Bostock suggested the works would continue for two years, acknowledged that Persimmons had received £2.8 million from the government to develop the site and requested some consideration for residents with the relocation of machinery and a damping down of the site to reduce the dust. Other residents referred to health issues and the non-use of the original field gate, that the operations commenced 6.45 am and finished at 5.00 pm Monday to Saturday and no consideration for neighbours.
Members questioned consultation of the planning office with regard to conditions; a negative response was received - Councillor Mrs Marsh agreed to pursue this. Members also questioned which planning officer was monitoring the project, to be clarified. The Chairman concluded the Town Council was also a consultee, but on their behalf would write to the Borough planning officer adding support to the complaint with a request for immediate action (copy to the Hamlets Parish Council). Residents also sought an all-party meeting to address these concerns, it was suggested the Persimmons customer care relations department be contacted.
66. Members’ Questions - Councillor Leech reported the Market Street pelican crossing was out sync with the traffic lights; agreed a letter be forwarded to Devon County Highways reporting this fault.
Councillor Ireland referred to lorries attempting to access Northfield Road or Crediton Road causing problems for themselves and the residents. He suggested signs be erected prohibiting large vehicles and following discussion it was agreed that a request be submitted to Devon County Highways (copy to the police).
Councillor Ireland referred to parking in the area of Crediton Road, Wonnacotts Road and an incident he had been involved with over blatant breach of parking rules. Members acknowledged abuse of parking facilities across the town and agreed to ask Mrs C Aubertin of West Devon Borough Council (officer responsible for traffic enforcement) to attend the meeting to hear Members’ concerns.
67. Minutes - The minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 7 June 2010 were approved and signed on the proposition of Councillor A Leech, seconded by Councillor M Ireland.
68. Matters Arising -
68.1 Jobcentre Plus - It was reported 185 customers claiming job seekers allowance attended the Ockment Centre for their benefit; noted. It was further reported that this operation would be extended for an additional 3 months.
68.2 Lewis Court - The Clerk advised bollards had been installed at this location, resurfacing was awaited, but the Borough enforcement officer was still researching adherence to planning conditions.
68.3 WDBC Housing Assessment Need - An extract from the Borough document on Housing Market and Needs Assessment 2006 was submitted to the meeting. Members acknowledged the principles applied, but questioned the methodology and the impact the new government would have on this documentation. To address the content it was agreed to ask Mrs M Playle, WDBC Housing Officer, to attend Council to explain the impact of the document (full copy report to be forwarded to Councillors Vachon and Ireland).
68.4 New Primary School - A response from Devon Heartlands Community Forum confirmed Rev Philip Wagstaff would take the lead for the Forum with the Town Council in pursuance of a new school for Okehampton. Members discussed the benefits of section 106 agreement in relation to the new school, questioned development stages and contributions, concurred that these questions would be tabled at a meeting arranged with representatives from Devon County Education Office; the Clerk and Rev Wagstaff to identify suitable dates.
68.5 Kent House Monkey Puzzle Tree - A note from the Borough Landscape Officer advised that this tree had been removed as it was dead, however a new tree would be planted; noted.
68.6 Community Maternity Services - A letter from NHS Devon referred to Devon proposals on maternity services and a wish to involve local public in the debate. Accordingly meetings had been arranged across the county, including Okehampton to be held on Thursday 1st July at the Charter Hall 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. Members were reminded of a request for the Matron to attend a Council meeting to discuss and agreed to attend this meeting and offer the Council’s comments.
69. Plans - A list of plans was submitted to the meeting and the comments made on Annex A.
70. Road Closures - Members noted the following road closures:
(i) East Street west bound 2-6 August 2010, sewerage works.
(ii) Fore Street/East Street 15-22 August 2010, improvement to sewerage infrastructure.
71. Members’ Reports -
Councillor Mrs Marsh referred to the Borough planning meeting reference proposed development at 57 Exeter Road - hot food takeaway. She explained this had been refused on the grounds of noise, fumes/smell and traffic generation with a request that it be retained for retail use.
Ockment Centre - Councillor Leech advised the children’s centre would stay at the Ockment Centre as the transfer to the school had not materialised. He explained the Ockment Centre was awaiting a meeting with County to discuss the agreement. He further stated the rent holiday on the Ockment Centre had ceased, a rent invoice had been received from County for the use of the premises, in return the Ockment Centre had forwarded an invoice to the County Council for the children’s centre. He repeated that a proper tenancy agreement was awaited.
Senior Council - Councillor Morse reported that a memory café was being opened at Hatherleigh.
Destination Okehampton - Councillor Ireland referred to a meeting held on 21 June and circulated notes of that meeting. Arising therefrom:
a) Reference to calendar of events to be compiled.
b) Councillor Vachon was preparing a town logo and report to a subsequent meeting. c) Councillor Ireland referred to the spring clean 2010 and a street survey compiled to identify problems eg painting, cleaning, weeding and repairs. He acknowledged this was a sensitive issue and landlords and the Chamber of Trade would be approached with care, with a request for them to work with the Council for pride and ownership of Okehampton.
d) Councillor Ireland referred to a meeting with Councillor Vachon and Mr Westerfield of Dartmoor Railway with a request to undertake a survey on behalf of the Railway. Members were uncomfortable with this request, but acknowledged a need to prove there was a market for transport and tourism related to Dartmoor Railway. Councillor Ireland explained methodology for the new survey and on completion would present it to Mr Westerfield. Councillor Mrs Marsh concluded that, as part of the County Council grant, a regular passenger service would be required, which topic was due to be discussed with County and the Railway in July. The meeting endorsed the notes of the meeting.
Meeting closed 8.45 pm.
Recommendations – Planning Committee 28 June 2010
OKEHAMPTON
00516/2010 260053,95484
Full
Erection of 2 detached houses
Land to rear of 73-75 Exeter Road, Okehampton
Mr R Barkwell
The Town Council objected to this application as they regard this development building by stealth with increased traffic flow through a dangerous exit onto Exeter Road.
00457/2010 259059,95859
Full
Replacement building and extension of site area including associated works
Guide Hut, Brayhams Terrace, Okehampton EX20 1BL
Mrs T Parkhouse
Support
00555/2010 258849,95243
Full
Change of use of 1st and 2nd floors to beauty treatment rooms
19 Fore Street, Okehampton EX20 1AN
Mrs J Beagent
Support