17 February 2015 – Minutes

 

Minutes of a Meeting of the Planning & Environment Committee held on 17 February 2015 at 6.30pm In the Upper Chamber, Thame Town Hall.

 

 Present: Cllrs N Champken-Woods, A Dite, N Dixon (Deputy Mayor), H Fickling (Chairman),
V Humphries, D Laver, J Matelot Green (Town Mayor) and M Stiles
Officers
J Howells, Asset Manager
A Oughton, Committee Services Officer

 

 

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Butler (Personal), Dodds (SODC) and the Town Clerk.

 

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

 

Mr Einig from David Einig Contracting Ltd and Mr Collinswood, owner of Moorend Lane Farm addressed the Committee with reference to item 6.  Mr Einig explained that the work to extract sand from the site had been delayed by a year due to requirements on site which needed to be in place before work could commence e.g. a tarmac road leading onto the site from Tythrop Way, a wheel wash for lorries exiting the site.  The delay had resulted in a need to extend the period of extraction and the completion of the restoration of the site.  Mr Einig went on to explain what was involved with the work that took place on the site and processes used.

 

With regard to the request to remove the ground markers, up until now the ground had been too wet to position them.  During a consultation with Oxfordshire County Council it was suggested that the removal of the ground markers be included in the application.  The markers identified the boundary of the site, however, the use of laser equipment ensured there would be no encroachment onto neighbouring land.  A temporary bund had been formed to stop excessive noise and dust from the site.

 

 

The Minutes of the meeting held on 27 January 2015 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 

 

 9434
P15/S0075/HH
 45 HOLLIERS CLOSE
Erection of 6ft close boarded fence at front of property.
RECOMMEND REFUSAL
Albeit no objection if re-positioned to align with the building line.
1. Unneighbourly
2. Out of keeping with the area.

 9435
P15/S0050/HH
 12 CLARENDON DRIVE
Erection of first floor front extension.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL

 

Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ19

SODC Local Plan Policies: D1, H13
Core Strategy Policies: CSQ3

 

 9437
P15/S0047/LB
 1 BUTTERMARKET
1) Paint the existing timber fascia panel
2) Replace the existing signage
RECOMMEND REFUSAL
The use of foam PVC lettering would detract from the visual amenities of the area, including the Conservation Area, and of the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building.

 

The Committee noted this was a retrospective application and the work that had been completed was of a poor standard.

 

 

Having received a detailed explanation of work being carried out on the site and the reason for the request to extend the time period for extraction of sand Members had no objection to the application.

 

Planning application by Oxfordshire County Council for planning permission for the erection of a single storey building to provide 2 new classrooms, accompanied by the necessary ancillary accommodation; toilets/cloaks, storage and resource areas, 1:1 room, cleaners store and a plant room.  4 new parking and a new path to the front and around the new proposal are proposed for the external works.

 

Members were of the mind that the proposal to provide two new classrooms and associated work contained within the application would provide much needed space at the school and had no objection to the application.

 

 

Following the removal of the maple tree in 2014 concerned had been raised by residents regarding the size of the two remaining maple trees.  After discussion is was agreed that the two maple trees be removed and replaced with two trees that would be appropriate for the area and planted in a central position on the green.

 

 

9 Tree Grilles

 

The proposal to install tree grilles around the base of the trees in the Upper High Street was considered.  Members agreed that the tree grilles would greatly improve the area and that the Council should match fund the grant received from the District Council’s Capital Infrastructure Fund to enable the project to proceed.

 

 

10 Oil Buying Club

 

A request had been received from the Oil Buying Club to provide a presentation on a new venture to help people in rural communities to reduce the cost of heating their homes by oil.

 

After consideration it was agreed that the presentation made at an open meeting and an invitation be sent to surrounding Parishes.

 

 

A proposal had been received from the Thame RSA to take the Green Living Plan (GLP) forward.  The aim of the GLP would be to bring together new and existing projects and initiatives and provide a co-ordinated approach to sustainable living in the Town.

 

 

 

Members felt the proposal for advertisements to be placed in the bus shelters in the town inappropriate for the Conservation Area.

 

13 Angus Court

 

The names suggested for the two apartment blocks at Angus Court, Welles House and Alexandra House were considered appropriate for the development.

 

 

a) Transport Representative – Cllr Stiles reported that she was seeking clarification of the minutes of the meeting held in January regarding the number 40 bus service and would report back to the next meeting.

 

 

The items for information were noted.

 

The meeting concluded at 7.25pm

 

 

 

Signed ………………………..
Chairman, 10 March 2015