18 October 2022 – Minutes

THAME TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of a Meeting of the Planning & Environment Committee held on 18 October 2022 at 6:30pm in the Upper Chamber, Thame Town Hall.

Present:

Cllrs B Austin, P Cowell (Town Mayor, H Fickling (Chairman), A Gilbert, A Midwinter (Deputy Chairman), and T Wyse

Non-Voting

Cllr M Dyer and H Richards

Officers

M Sturdy, Town Clerk
G Markland, Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Officer
L Fuller, Committee Services Officer

1 Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received from Cllrs Deacock (personal), Dite (personal), Dodds (personal), Emery (personal) and Jones (personal).

2 Declarations of Interest and Dispensations

There were no declarations of interest.

3 Public Participation and Public Questions

There was no public participation.
There were no public questions put to the Committee.

4 Minutes

The Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on 27 September 2022 were confirmed as a correct record, and were signed by the Chairman.

5 High Street & Park Street area – Proposed Parking Amendments (Consultation)

Overall Members felt that the proposals were a disservice to the town and not fit for purpose, as there appeared to be a focus on income generation rather than solutions which would benefit residents, businesses, and visitors.

Whilst some proposals were welcome and it was recognised that action was needed to address resident’s parking, Members had concern regarding the permit holder proposals. In order to encourage a higher turnover of vehicles, it was suggested that some of the proposed permit holders only zones (purple hatched area) be changed to pay and display with permit holders exempt (yellow hatched area) to allow greater flexibility. Members were unsure if permits applied only to residents, or whether businesses could also apply for permits for their staff. Members also suggested residents’ permits would be more beneficial if the restrictions applied overnight rather than during the daytime, although it was noted that this would mainly benefit residents who work standard daytime hours and would be harder for OCC to enforce. It was felt that Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) should have consulted with residents first, rather than applying a ‘one size fits all’ approach in Thame, which may make issues worse.

There is also a need for a more holistic and coordinated view, that considers wider issues relating to active travel, particularly given OCC are due to be publishing a walking and cycling infrastructure plan, as well as parking requirements for businesses and from surrounding areas. It was noted that a shared electric vehicle hire club had just launched in Thame and Haddenham, but this would only go so far to address the lack of parking spaces for a growing town.

Overall, it was felt that the proposals were a cost inconvenience for the people of Thame without actually addressing the issues our town faces. Whilst some income generation was needed to cover the costs of enforcing the double yellow lines, it was felt that OCC would generate a lot of income for little benefit to the people of Thame.

RESOLVED that:

Thame Town Council responds to the consultation with the comments set out above.

6 Planning Applications

1635 – 8 RUSHALL ROAD

Proposed single storey flat roof rear extension. Insert window in existing side elevation to sitting room Replace front entrance door and part infill opening to allow for wc to be formed within existing cupboard.
P22/S3310/HH

SUPPORTS

Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H6, ESDQ16, ESDQ28
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES5, DES6, DES7, DES8, H20

1636 – OAK TREE HOUSE, MORETON LANE

Change of use of land to side of existing garden to become garden.
P22/S3343/FUL

SUPPORTS

Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ21, ESDQ22, ESDQ28
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES5, DES6, DES7, DES8, ENV1

1637 – 14 STAFFORD WAY

Proposed garage conversion into family space.
P22/S3429/HH

SUPPORTS and has a RESPONSE:

- - The committee regret the loss of the garage for its original purpose.

Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H6, GA6, ESDQ16, ESDQ29
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES6, DES7, DES8, H20, TRANS5

1638 – 40 ASTLEY ROAD

Single storey front extension.
P22/S3406/HH

SUPPORTS

Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H6, ESDQ16
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES6, DES7, DES8, H20

1639 – 21 WENTWORTH ROAD

Single storey side extension.
P22/S2834/HH

SUPPORTS and has a RESPONSE:

- - Subject to no objection from the Highways Officer.

Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H6, GA6, ESDQ16, ESDQ28, ESDQ29
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES5, DES6, DES7, DES8, H20, TRANS5

1640 – 33 HIGH STREET

Construction of a single-storey side extension with internal alterations.
P22/S3560/HH

SUPPORTS

Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H6, ESDQ15, ESDQ16, ESDQ19, ESDQ20, ESDQ28
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES2, DES3, DES5, DES6, DES7, DES8, ENV6, ENV8, H20

7 Street Naming – Thame Park Road / Robin Gibb Road

Members had agreed to ask residents to submit street name suggestions for the development of 6 homes between Thame Park Road and Robin Gibb Road, to which there had been a good response. Although there were no criteria to prevent streets being named after individuals that are alive, Members felt it was more appropriate for streets to be named in honour of those who have passed away.

After some discussion, it was agreed that Richard Quartermaine and Michael LeMesurier be put forward as street names to the District Council.

8 For Information

The items for information were noted.

It was noted that the Conservation Officer had objected to planning application P22/S2932/LB, but had suggested that an alternative wall could be knocked through in order to protect the front parlour rooms which are an exceptional survivor of their time and have been untouched to date.

The meeting concluded at 7:17pm.

Signed …………………….. ………………………
Chairman Date