1 December 2015 – Minutes
THAME TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of a Meeting of the Planning & Environment Committee held on 1 December 2015 at 6.55pm In the Upper Chamber, Thame Town Hall.
Present: Cllrs B Austin, D Bretherton (Deputy Chairman), P Cowell, M Deacock,
N Dixon (Town Mayor), D Dodds, A Midwinter, M Stiles and T Wyse
Officers
G Hunt, Town Clerk
A Oughton, Committee Services Officer
N Dixon (Town Mayor), D Dodds, A Midwinter, M Stiles and T Wyse
Officers
G Hunt, Town Clerk
A Oughton, Committee Services Officer
Cllr Bretherton Chaired the meeting in the absence of Cllr Fickling who was on holiday.
1 Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Emery (Business) and Fickling (Holiday).
2 Declarations of Interest and Dispensations
Cllr Deacock declared an interest in planning application 9562 P15/S3607/FUL as a neighbour with an interest, in particular to the proposed access and parking. After making a statement Cllr Deacock left the meeting during debate and vote of this item.
3 Public Participation and Public Questions
Public participation recorded at each agenda item. There were no public questions.
4 Minutes
The Minutes of the meeting held on 10 November 2015 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Deputy Chairman.
Item 7: Puffin Crossing, Wenman Road – following discussion of this item further information had been received from the Highways Department and circulated to Councillors. The amended plan showed the proposed Puffin Crossing would join with the pedestrian entrance to Site C and therefore the concerns raised by the Council were no longer an issue.
5 Planning Applications
9562
P15/S3607/FUL
WINDRUSH, BRIDGE TERRACE
Demolition of existing dwelling at Windrush and erection of pair of semi-detached dwellings and one detached dwelling.
P15/S3607/FUL
WINDRUSH, BRIDGE TERRACE
Demolition of existing dwelling at Windrush and erection of pair of semi-detached dwellings and one detached dwelling.
Cllr Deacock spoke against the application as a close neighbour. The proposed access would be via a track that served the original dwelling on the site, a two bedroom bungalow.
The proposal would create 10 bedrooms across all the dwellings resulting in an unacceptable level of traffic movement along a track not designed for that purpose. A conservatory was currently being constructed at Cllr Deacock’s house and just the small traffic movement by the builders had led to the track being churned up. The plans identified rooms as ‘study areas’ which could easily be changed to bedrooms by future occupiers.
The overdevelopment of the site with insufficient parking would have a knock on effect on Cotmore Gardens and Chinnor Road where on street parking was already a problem with bus drivers often having to wait for cars to be moved before being able to continue on their route.
The access and egress via the narrow track onto Cotmore Gardens and close to the junction with Chinnor Road would be very dangerous to pedestrians and traffic.
RECOMMEND REFUSAL
1. The proposed dwellings, by reason of their scale, mass, bulk and depth, combined with their plot coverage, would represent a cramped overdevelopment of the site harmful to the character of the area.
2. The scale of the proposed dwelling adjacent to Ridgeway is such that it would appear overbearing from, and have an adverse impact on, the amenities of the occupiers of Ridgeway.
3. The proposals would result in the intensification of the existing sub-standard access and thereby result in harm to conditions of highway safety. In addition, insufficient parking would be provided, leading to off-site parking that would be of further detriment to highway safety.
4. That insufficient amenity space would be provided for future occupiers of the dwellings, thereby failing to provide appropriate standards of amenity for future occupiers.
9563
P15/S3528/LB
BROOK COTTAGE, ROAD RUNNING THROUGH MORETON
Demolition of outbuilding.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Subject to no objection from the District Conservation Officer
P15/S3528/LB
BROOK COTTAGE, ROAD RUNNING THROUGH MORETON
Demolition of outbuilding.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Subject to no objection from the District Conservation Officer
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ15, ESDQ16, ESDQ20, ESDQ21, ESDQ22
SODC Local Plan Policies: CON1, CON3, CON5, CON6, CON7, D1
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ3, CSEN3
SODC Local Plan Policies: CON1, CON3, CON5, CON6, CON7, D1
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ3, CSEN3
9565
P15/S3527/HH
BROOK COTTAGE, ROAD RUNNING THROUGH MORETON
Demolition of outbuilding.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Subject to no objection from the District Conservation Officer
P15/S3527/HH
BROOK COTTAGE, ROAD RUNNING THROUGH MORETON
Demolition of outbuilding.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Subject to no objection from the District Conservation Officer
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ15, ESDQ16, ESDQ20, ESDQ21, ESDQ22
SODC Local Plan Policies: CON1, CON3, CON5, CON6, CON7, D1
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ3, CSEN3
SODC Local Plan Policies: CON1, CON3, CON5, CON6, CON7, D1
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ3, CSEN3
9566
P15/S3534/HH
54 BROADWATERS AVENUE
Removal of existing lean-to and to rebuild with brick built and tiled roof extension.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
P15/S3534/HH
54 BROADWATERS AVENUE
Removal of existing lean-to and to rebuild with brick built and tiled roof extension.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ28
SODC Local Plan Policies: G6, D1, D4, H13
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ3
SODC Local Plan Policies: G6, D1, D4, H13
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ3
9567
P15/S3639/FUL
PUMPING STATION, THAME PARK ROAD
Access road for the pumping station.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Comment: Subject to low usage
P15/S3639/FUL
PUMPING STATION, THAME PARK ROAD
Access road for the pumping station.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Comment: Subject to low usage
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H1, H4, H6, CLW4, ESDQ11, ESDQ12, ESDQ16, D1
SODC Local Plan Policies: G6, D1, D10, D11
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ2, CSQ3, CSI1
SODC Local Plan Policies: G6, D1, D10, D11
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ2, CSQ3, CSI1
9568
P15/S3679/LB
TOWN FARMHOUSE, 8 OXFORD ROAD
Construct a conservatory and rear porch.
RECOMMEND REFUSAL
1. The proposed conservatory, and the alterations from the approved scheme, would detract from the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building.
P15/S3679/LB
TOWN FARMHOUSE, 8 OXFORD ROAD
Construct a conservatory and rear porch.
RECOMMEND REFUSAL
1. The proposed conservatory, and the alterations from the approved scheme, would detract from the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building.
9569
P15/S3678/HH
TOWN FARMHOUSE, 8 OXFORD ROAD
Construct a conservatory and rear porch.
RECOMMEND REFUSAL
1. The proposed conservatory, and the alterations from the approved scheme, would detract from the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building.
P15/S3678/HH
TOWN FARMHOUSE, 8 OXFORD ROAD
Construct a conservatory and rear porch.
RECOMMEND REFUSAL
1. The proposed conservatory, and the alterations from the approved scheme, would detract from the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building.
9570
P15/S3783/HH
33 HOLLIERS CLOSE
Single storey rear extension.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
P15/S3783/HH
33 HOLLIERS CLOSE
Single storey rear extension.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ21, ESDQ28
SODC Local Plan Policies: G6, D1, D4, H13
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ3
SODC Local Plan Policies: G6, D1, D4, H13
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ3
9571
P15/S3766/HH
12 MARSTON ROAD
Single storey front extension and garage conversion.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Comment: The Committee regretted the loss of the garage for its original purpose
P15/S3766/HH
12 MARSTON ROAD
Single storey front extension and garage conversion.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Comment: The Committee regretted the loss of the garage for its original purpose
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ28, ESDQ29
SODC Local Plan Policies: G6, D1, D2, D4, H13, T2
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ3
SODC Local Plan Policies: G6, D1, D2, D4, H13, T2
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ3
9572
P15/S3841/HH
JEMMETTS COTTAGE, 4 OXFORD ROAD
Erection of proposed outbuilding.
P15/S3841/HH
JEMMETTS COTTAGE, 4 OXFORD ROAD
Erection of proposed outbuilding.
Mrs Smith spoke against the application as a resident of 2 Cuttlebrook Gardens. The proposed outbuilding would be twice the height of the boundary fence and would have a detrimental effect on light into her garden and living accommodation. The workshop / garden room would create a sense of enclosure and there was concern as to the amount of noise that would be generated both during construction and future occupation. Mrs Smith questioned what level of sound proofing had been included in the plans. There was also concern that damage may be caused to a large apple tree in Mrs Smith’s garden close to the boundary fence.
RECOMMENDATION DEFERRED PENDING A SITE VISIT
9573
P15/S3859/HH
12 MONTROSE WAY
Single storey front extension.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
P15/S3859/HH
12 MONTROSE WAY
Single storey front extension.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ28
SODC Local Plan Policies: G6, D1, D4, H13
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ3
SODC Local Plan Policies: G6, D1, D4, H13
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ3
9574
P15/S3769/FUL
UNIT 1, CHRISTMAS LANE
Erection of a new office and warehouse. Alterations to vehicular access.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
P15/S3769/FUL
UNIT 1, CHRISTMAS LANE
Erection of a new office and warehouse. Alterations to vehicular access.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: WS11, WS12. WS13, GA6, ESDQ11, ESDQ12, ESDQ14, ESDQ16, ESDQ19, ESDQ21, ESDQ22, ESDQ26, ESDQ27, ESDQ29, D1
SODC Local Plan Policies: G6, EP2, D1, D2, D10, E2, E5, AD1
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ2, CSQ3, CSEM1, CSEM2, CSEM4
SODC Local Plan Policies: G6, EP2, D1, D2, D10, E2, E5, AD1
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ2, CSQ3, CSEM1, CSEM2, CSEM4
9575
P15/S3873/HH
4 HAWTHORN AVENUE
Single storey rear and side extensions. Convert existing garage, add new side porch and change existing materials to render and timber.
NO COMMENT due to the applicant being well known to the Council
P15/S3873/HH
4 HAWTHORN AVENUE
Single storey rear and side extensions. Convert existing garage, add new side porch and change existing materials to render and timber.
NO COMMENT due to the applicant being well known to the Council
6 Licensing Panel
Cllr Dixon reported on the Licensing Panel meeting she had attended today at which the application to extend the trading hours at Dominio’s Pizza in Thame was heard. A number of representations were made by residents as well as the Town Council. A lot of discussion took place with regard to parking issues that had arisen since trading had begun. There was also concern about noise and nuisance but to a lesser degree.
The Panel agreed to the following licensing hours:
Monday – Thursday and Sunday – Counter Collections until 11pm – Deliveries until midnight.
Friday – Saturday – Counter Collections until midnight – Deliveries until 1am.
Friday – Saturday – Counter Collections until midnight – Deliveries until 1am.
Members were concerned about parking and agreed that the Town Council write to the Highways Department, the Police and send a copy to the Licensing Department. Cllr Dodds, as a District Councillor and Ward Member, would have the authority to call in the decision made by the Panel and was considering doing so.
It was agreed that Cllr Dixon would write a summary for circulation to Councillors.
7 Reports from Town Council Representatives
a) Transport Representative – Cllr Stiles referred Councillors to her report in drop box. Cllr Stiles had attended the Transport Representatives meeting where discussion took place with regard to the Cabinet’s recommendation that all bus subsidies should be cut. The final decision would be made by Full Council in February. Should the recommendation not be approved or more funding was provided by Central Government the plan would be to continue some subsidies with priority given to off peak services to help the rurally isolated or deprived.
County Council Officers were trying to be as innovative as they could with regard to the £20m budget. One option being explored was to combine school and community transport. Local meetings for Parish representatives would be arranged with the bus companies or sessions at County Hall would be organised to which Parishes would be invited to attend.
A seminar on the Role of the Parish Transport Representative, organised by Community First Oxfordshire (formerly ORCC) was planned for the New Year.
8 For Information
The items for information were noted. With regard to item d) the Notification of address for Flats 1-6, Charter House, Wellington Street. Members felt the name to be inappropriate and unimaginative and asked that the Town Clerk write to the Street Naming and Numbering Department at the District Council to convey the Council’s views and to request that the Council be consulted before such decisions were made.
The meeting concluded at 7.52 pm