Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Rachel Bailey,

H Davenport, P Edwards, L Smetham and S Wilkinson.

In the interests of openness in respect of application number 13/4132N, Councillor J Hammond declared that he was a member of Haslington Parish Council and Cheshire Wildlife Trust who had been consulted on the application.  However, he had not taken part in any discussions on the application.

In the interests of openness in respect of application number 13/4132N, Councillor D Hough declared that he had attended Liaison meetings who had raised comments on this application, for inclusion in the Local Plan.  As these comments were not included in this application, he would take full part in the discussions today.

RESOLVED - That the minutes of the meeting held on 25^th June 2014 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Note: Committee Members discussed and noted the following item from the meeting held on 25^th June:

·         Minute Number 18 – Page 5 - In accordance with the Committee Procedure Rules for Urgent Decisions Taken Outside Meetings (Part 4: Rule 25.1 and Appendix 4) it was noted and agreed that all members should be notified by electronic means of any urgent decisions taken outside of meetings.

A total period of 5 minutes is allocated for each of the planning applications for the Ward Councillors who are not members of the Strategic Planning Board.

A period of 3 minutes is allocated for each of the planning applications for the following individuals/groups:

·         Members who are not members of the Strategic Planning Board and are not the Ward Member

·         The relevant Town/Parish Council

·         Local representative Groups/Civic Society

·         Objectors

·         Supporters

·         Applicants

That the public speaking procedure be noted.

To consider the above application.

(Prior to consideration of application number 13/4132N, Councillor Brickhill left the room and did not partake in consideration of this application).

(Councillor Brown arrived to the meeting at 11.00 am and did not take part in the debate or vote on this application).

Mr D Malcolm, Principal Planning Manager, read out a statement submitted by Councillor Rod Fletcher (the Neighbouring Ward Councillor), who was unable to attend the meeting.

As Councillor Sam Corcoran (the Neighbouring Ward Councillor) had registered to speak at the meeting, but could only attend until 11.15 am, Mr D Malcolm, Principal Planning Manager, read out the statement in his absence.

As some members of the Committee and Planning Officers had not received a copy of the written statement submitted by ARAG prior to this meeting, it was agreed that Councillor Hammond should read out the statement before Honorary Alderman Derek Bould addressed the committee.

Parish Councillor Richard Hovey (on behalf of Haslington Parish Council), Honorary Alderman Derek Bould (representing ARAG), Sylvia Dyke (an objector) and Alan Thornley (the agent for the applicant) attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this matter.

The Committee considered a report, an erratum, written update and verbal updates regarding the above planning application.

RESOLVED – That the application be DEFERRED to enable officers to provide a clearer, cohesive report which brought together the various written and verbal updates into one report.

(The meeting adjourned for lunch from 13.15 pm until 13.45 pm)

(Prior to consideration of the next application, Councillor Brickhill returned to the meeting)

Mr D Malcolm, Principal Planning Manager, read out a statement submitted by Councillor D Neilson (the Ward Councillor), who was unable to attend the meeting.

Mick Warren (representing the applicant) attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this matter.

The committee considered a report regarding the above planning application.

RESOLVED – That, for the reasons set out in the report, the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

1.   A03FP - Commencement of development (3 years)

 2.  A01AP - Development in accord with approved plans

 3.  A06EX - Materials as application - glazing

 4.  A22GR - Protection from noise during construction (hours of construction)

 5.  A13GR - Business hours (including Sundays)

 6.  Submission of noise assessment and noise insulation

 7.  Car parking to be retained

 8.  Use as community activity and climbing centre only

 9.  Gates closed outside hours of operation

The Committee considered a report regarding the Performance of the Planning Enforcement Service during 2013/14.  The report also included a status report on those cases where formal enforcement action has already been taken.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted.