01 August 2023 – Minutes
THAME TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of a Meeting of the Planning & Environment Committee held on 1 August 2023 at 6:30pm in the Upper Chamber, Thame Town Hall.
Present:
Cllrs M Baines, P Cowell, A Dite (Town Mayor), L Emery, H Fickling (Chairman), H Richards, P Swan, and T Wyse (Deputy Chairman)
Officers
G Markland, Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Officer
L Fuller, Committee Services & Processes Officer
1 Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Cllrs Gilbert (personal), Jones (personal) and Richards (personal). Cllr Dodds was absent without apology.
2 Declarations of Interest and Dispensations
There were no declarations of interest.
3 Public Participation and Public Questions
Mr Mark Nicholl spoke against planning application P23/S2337/O as the neighbouring occupant at Cedar House. No objections were raised to the recent application to extend the garden at Chiltern View. Mr Nicholl was surprised to learn of the proposals for a 4-bedroom 2-storey dwelling. The application is missing a lot of detail and dimensions. Concerns were raised over the size of the plot, inconsistency with the pattern of development, parking provision, access and loss of light. Overall the proposals would result in an overbearing development. It was also noted that the front hedgerow had been removed and replaced with a 6ft fence and gate without permission. There were no questions for Mr. Nicholl.
Mr. Jake Collinge spoke in support of planning application P23/S2337/O as the planning agent. Moreton is identified as an ‘other’ village in the Local Plan, suitable for infill development. Moreton has received significant infill in recent years, including Cedar House, demonstrating the matter of principle is acceptable within the Local Plan. The site presents a small gap of around 14metres, within a built-up frontage. The current outline application relates to siting and access, and presents an illustrative street scene that shows a gradual drop in the ridge height between Cedar House and Chiltern View. Parking provision is in accordance with parking standards, sufficient amenity space has been provided, the dwelling will be sensitively sited and complies with the Design Guide. Mr Collinge confirmed the dwelling boundary would be 1metre from the existing boundary at Cedar House and 1m from the new boundary to be created at Chiltern View.
Members then discussed and made a recommendation regarding P23/S2337/O.
Ms. Ann Millar and Mr. Paul Collis spoke against planning application P23/S1239/S73 (Agenda Item 6d). Their main concern related to the proximity of the proposed footpath to the oil pipeline and that the pipeline was not shown on any of the plans. There were also safety concerns regarding the footpath crossing Thame Park Road. It was also noted that there may be landowner access issues.
Members thanked the residents for highlighting these concerns, and then discussed planning application P23/S1239/S73.
4 Minutes
The Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on 11 July 2023 were received.
RESOLVED that:
- The minutes of the meeting held on 11 July 2023 are confirmed as a correct record, and signed by the Chairman.
5 Planning Applications
1741 – THE STABLES, BELL LANE
Erection of a single storey replacement side extension and rear extension. Replacement of windows and doors.
P23/S2187/HH
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ20, ESDQ28
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES2, DES5, DES6, DES7, DES8, ENV6, ENV8, H20
RESOLVED that:
- Thame Town Council supports the application.
1742 – OAK TREE HOUSE, MORETON LANE
Detached 4-bay garage with ancillary accommodation over.
P23/S2304/HH
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H6, GA6, ESDQ16, ESDQ28, ESDQ29
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES5, DES6, DES7, DES8, H20, TRANS5
RESOLVED that:
- Thame Town Council supports the application plus comment:
- Subject to the accommodation remaining ancillary to the main dwelling in perpetuity.
1743 – 3 CORNMARKET
New external door insertion.
P23/S2290/FUL
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ15, ESDQ16, ESDQ17, ESDQ18, ESDQ19, ESDQ20
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES2, DES3, DES7, DES8, ENV6, ENV7, ENV8, TC5
RESOLVED that:
- Thame Town Council supports the application plus comment:
- Subject to no objection from the District’s Conservation Officer
- Subject to the door made or faced with wood to match the existing windows.
1746 – THAME SPORTS CLUB, CHILTERN GROVE
Replacement of all lights with LED lamps using existing steel columns at the tennis courts.
P23/S2027/FUL
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ19, ESDQ28, ESDQ29
SODC Local Plan Policies: CF2, DES1, DES3, DES5, DES6, DES7, DES8, ENV12
Cllr Dite agreed to progress discussions with Officers about using the old lighting for Thame Skate Park.
RESOLVED that:
- Thame Town Council supports the application plus comment:
- Subject to no objection from the Environmental Protection Officer.
- Subject to monitoring of light spillage.
1747 – CHILTERN VIEW, MORETON
Outline application (including access and layout reserved matters) for the demolition of the existing conservatory and outbuildings and the erection of a detached two-storey dwelling together with access, parking and amenity space.
P23/S2337/O
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H5, H6, GA6, ESDQ11, ESDQ12, ESDQ16, ESDQ18, ESDQ19, ESDQ20, ESDQ21, ESDQ22, ESDQ28, ESDQ29
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES3, DES5, DES6, DES7, DES8, ENV1, ENV5, H16, TRANS2, TRANS5
RESOLVED that:
- Thame Town Council objects the application on the grounds of:
- Overdevelopment
- Insufficient parking provision
- Inappropriate location for development
1748 – NO 2 THE ALMSHOUSES, 69 HIGH STREET
Install BT fibre broadband – the engineer would need to drill a small hole through the back of the property to add the box.
P23/S2423/LB
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ15, ESDQ16, ESDQ17, ESDQ19, ESDQ20
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES2, DES3, DES7, DES8, ENV6, ENV7, ENV8
RESOLVED that:
- Thame Town Council has no comment on this application but notes the insufficient information regarding the size, positioning and affixation of the hole and box.
1751 – 17 FORD’S CROFT
Erection of front porch.
P23/S2279/HH
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES6, DES7, DES8, H20
RESOLVED that:
- Thame Town Council supports the application.
6 For Information
The items for information were noted.
Members noted the disappointing planning decision at Pearce’s Yard, noting in particular the flood risk and poor provision of amenity space for the affordable homes.
Regarding Item 6d and following earlier discussions, it was noted that the Government’s Pipeline and Storage team had responded to the consultation and will ensure the works are carried out properly. They have also provided a useful map showing the exact location of the pipeline. It is a requirement of the first Thame Neighbourhood Plan and the site masterplan that the footpath networks connect between the new housing developments. Thame is short of open space and walking routes, so the footpath connections are important. The Highways Authority share the Town Council’s safety concerns regarding crossing Thame Park Road. Members agreed the issues of the oil pipeline, footpath crossing Thame Park Road, and land access were not insurmountable problems, and Members suggested various ideas for solutions although it was noted these may take some time.
It was agreed that the Town Council maintains its objections to P23/S1239/S73, and asks Officers to add that the Town Council supports the crossing in principle but is mindful of the conflict with the oil pipeline.
The meeting concluded at 7:30pm.
Signed ……………………..
Chairman, 22 August 2023