04 August 2020 – Minutes

THAME TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of a Virtual Meeting of the Planning & Environment Committee held on 4 August 2020 at 6:30pm by Zoom Conference Call.

Present:

Cllrs B Austin, P Cowell, M Deacock, A Dite (Deputy Chairman), D Dodds, L Emery, H Fickling (Chairman), S Francis, K Gregory, A Midwinter and T Wyse

Officers

G Markland, Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Officer
L Fuller, Committee Services Officer

1 Apologies for Absence

There were no apologies for absence. All Members who were present were able to be seen and be heard. Cllr Deacock had intermittent audio issues.

2 Declarations of Interest and Dispensations

Cllr Austin advised that he had contacted the case officer of P20/S1928/FUL – 4 Beech Road with regards to the inappropriate reference made on the application to Thame Community Land Trust. Cllrs Emery and Gregory declared an interest in P20/S1928/FUL as residents of the estate, and Cllr Deacock also declared an interest as having contacts in that area. The Chairman confirmed none of these interests were pecuniary and would not prevent Members from debating and voting on these items.

3 Public Participation and Public Questions

Mr Matt Evans spoke against planning application P20/S2381/O – 3 Conduit Hill Rise. As a resident of Conduit Hill Rise, the proposed new dwelling would be less than the required 20 metres from their property. It was felt that the dwelling would be too large for the size of the plot and not provide adequate amenity space for future occupiers. The dwelling would cause loss of privacy and light to properties on Conduit Hill Rise and Coombe Hill Crescent. Mr Evans also noted that a few years ago a large willow tree had been removed from the garden of 3 Conduit Hill Rise along with other preparatory works.

Mr Peter Bird also spoke against planning application P20/S2381/O as a resident of Coombe Hill Crescent. Mr Bird also echoed the concerns raised by Mr Evans, adding that the proposed dwelling would be out of keeping with the estate and would result in loss of light, privacy and outlook to their property.

Members sought clarification on the access point on Moreton Lane. Mr Evans added that he had spoken to neighbouring residents who were concerned about the additional parking and safety on Moreton Lane / Arnold Way. Cllr Fickling thanked Mr Evans and Mr Bird for their time and encouraged them to express their concerns to South Oxfordshire District Council.

Members then discussed and made a recommendation regarding P20/S2381/O.

4 Minutes

The Minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2020 were approved and signed by the Chairman.

5 Planning Applications

1281
P20/S1928/FUL – 4 BEECH ROAD
2 bed single storey domestic residence adjoining existing garage.

OBJECTS and has a RESPONSE

Overdevelopment
Not in keeping with character of local area
Poor amenity space
Inadequate parking provision

Comment: The committee noted that the reference to Thame Community Land Trust and use of its name in the application was totally inappropriate.

Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H5, H7, GA3, CLW4, ESDQ10, ESDQ11, ESDQ12, ESDQ13, ESDQ14, ESDQ16, ESDQ18, ESDQ19, ESDQ26, ESDQ27, ESDQ28, ESDQ29, D1
SODC Local Plan Policies: G6, D1, D2, D3, D4, D10, T1, T2
Core Strategy Policies: CSTHA1, CSQ2, CSQ3

1282
P20/S2316/O – 8 GARDEN CITY
Outline planning application for a new dwelling including access and layout with all other matters reserved.

OBJECTS

Poor amenity space
Impact on neighbouring amenity

1283
P20/S2265/HH – 2 CHESHIRE ROAD
Construction of a new garden wall.

SUPPORTS and has a RESPONSE

The committee regret the loss of open space.

Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ1, ESDQ16, ESDQ28
SODC Local Plan Policies: G6, D1, D3
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ3

1284
P20/S2381/O – 3 CONDUIT HILL RISE
Erection of a detached two-storey dwelling with access, parking and amenity space.

OBJECTS

Not in keeping with character of local area
Overdevelopment
Unneighbourly
Dangerous highways access

6 Consultation – Proposed Disabled Persons Parking Places (DPPP)

Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) were consulting on various proposed DPPP’s within the southern districts of the County. In Thame, an additional DPPP was proposed on Fleetwood Way. The committee raised no objections to the proposal.

7 Reports from Town Council Representatives

a) Transport Representative – Cllr Francis was not aware of any further updates regarding OCC’s Active Travel plans. SODC had reintroduced parking charges in their car parks to improve availability of spaces as people return to town centres to shop and to encourage more sustainable modes of travel. NHS staff and care workers who displayed a pass would continue to be able to park for free.

8 For Information

The items for information were noted.

Cllr Fickling confirmed that no Councillors had volunteered to represent the Town Council at SODC’s committee on planning application P19/S2914/FUL. Regarding the new sign located in the field opposite Pickenfield junction, the Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Officer advised that he had seen the sign and the size now appeared to be acceptable under Permitted Development however further investigation was required as to whether the content of the sign was acceptable.

The meeting concluded at 7:16pm.

Signed ……………………..

Chairman, 25 August 2020