Agenda and minutes

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any personal and/or prejudicial interests and for Members to declare if they have pre-determined any item on the agenda.

Councillor R Westwood declared a personal interest in respect of application number 10/4143N on the grounds that he was a member of Wistaston Parish Council, which had been consulted on the proposed development.  In accordance with the code of conduct, he remained in the meeting during consideration of this item.

Councillor R Walker declared a personal interest in respect of application number 10/1250N on the grounds that he was a member of Stapeley & District Parish Council, which had been consulted on the proposed development.  In accordance with the code of conduct, he remained in the meeting during consideration of this item.

Councillors G Merry and J Weatherill declared personal interests in respect of application numbers 10/3860N, 10/3861N and 10/3070N, on the grounds that they had been appointed as Cheshire East Council representatives on Cheshire Fire Authority which had been consulted on the proposed developments.  In accordance with the code of conduct, they remained in the meeting during consideration of these items.

Councillor S Furlong declared a personal interest in respect of application number 10/4143N on the grounds that she was acquainted with local residents.  In accordance with the code of conduct, she remained in the meeting during consideration of this item.

Councillor J Jones declared that he had received emails in relation to the business on the agenda.

Councillor G Merry declared a personal interest in respect of application number 10/3135C on the grounds that she was a member of Sandbach Town Council, which had been consulted on the proposed development.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 24 November 2010.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 24 November 2010 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the above planning application.

Note: Councillor S McGrory arrived in the meeting at this point in the proceedings.

Note: Ms B Moth, Cheshire Gardens Trust, (objector) attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this matter.

The Committee considered a report regarding the above planning application, an update and an oral report of the site inspection.

RESOLVED – That the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

1. Standard time 3 years

2. Materials to be submitted to the Local Planning Authority and approved in writing

3. Tree protection measures to be carried out in accordance with the submitted Arboricultural Report; Impact Assessment & Method Statement

4. Details of improvements to the surface of the paths around the site to be submitted to the Local Planning Authority and approved in writing

5. Details of landscaping to be submitted prior to the commencement of development. The landscaping scheme shall include additional shrub beds with large ornamental shrubs to replace those being removed as part of the building works and a proposed beech hedge to separate the proposed extension and Nesfield Garden which shall be supplied as a 'ready grown' hedge

6. Implementation and maintenance of the approved landscaping scheme

7. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans only

8. Prior to any commencement of works between 1^st March and 31^st August in any year, a detailed survey is required to check for nesting birds on the application site

To consider the above planning application.

Note: Ms B Moth, Cheshire Gardens Trust, had registered her intention to address the Committee on this matter but did not speak.

The Committee considered a report regarding the above planning application and an oral report of the site inspection.

RESOLVED – That the application be referred to the Secretary of State with a recommendation to APPROVE subject to the following conditions:

1. Standard time 3 years

2. Materials to be submitted to the Local Planning Authority and approved in writing

3. Tree protection measures to be carried out in accordance with the submitted Arboricultural Report; Impact Assessment & Method Statement

4. Details of improvements to the surface of the paths around the site to be submitted to the Local Planning Authority and approved in writing

5. Details of landscaping to be submitted prior to the commencement of development. The landscaping scheme shall include additional shrub beds with large ornamental shrubs to replace those being removed as part of the building works and a proposed beech hedge to separate the proposed extension and Nesfield Garden which shall be supplied as a 'ready grown' hedge

6. Implementation and maintenance of the approved landscaping scheme

7. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved plans only

To consider the above planning application.

Note: The Planning Officer read a statement submitted by Councillor M Simon, one of the Ward Councillors, who had requested that the application be referred to the committee, but who was unable to attend the meeting.

Note: Mr A Beeston (applicant) attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this matter.

The Committee considered a report and update regarding the above planning application.

RESOLVED – That the application be REFUSED for the following reason:

1. The Local Planning Authority considers that this piecemeal form of backland development by reason of the siting of the dwelling, the driveway/hardstanding, boundary treatment and loss of soft landscaping around the existing dwelling would result in a development which would not achieve a high standard of design and would detract from the pattern, character and form of the surroundings. As a result the development would be contrary to Policy BE.2 (Design Standards) of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011 and the Council’s Supplementary Planning Document on Development on Backland and Gardens.

To consider the above planning application.

Note: Councillor S Jones arrived in the meeting at this point in the proceedings.

Note: Councillor S Jones declared a personal interest in respect of the above application on the grounds that she was a member of Alsager Town Council, which had been consulted on the proposed development.  In accordance with the code of conduct, she remained in the meeting during consideration of this item.  Councillor S Jones also declared that she had called in the application, but that the officer’s report did not accurately reflect the wording which she had used on the call-in form.  She had not expressed an opinion and had not fettered her discretion.

Note: Councillor R Fletcher (Ward Councillor) and Mrs D Evans (objector) attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this matter.

The Committee considered a report and update regarding the above planning application and an oral report of the site inspection.

RESOLVED – That the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

1. Standard time limit

2. Plan numbers

3. External materials submitted

4. Surfacing materials to be submitted

5. Windows set behind a reveal

6. Removal of permitted development for extensions

7. Landscaping to be submitted

8. Implementation and maintenance of landscaping

9. Boundary hedge protection and retention

10. Boundary treatment details submitted

11. Drainage details submitted

12. Details of site access and visibility splays to be submitted

13. Construction hours restricted

14. Pile driving details submitted

15. Contaminated land condition

16. The dwellinghouse shall not be occupied until car parking spaces have been provided and thereafter retained

17. Submission of land level details

18. The development shall be carried out in strict accordance with the Preliminary Environmental Assessment submitted with the application.

19. The dormer windows on the rear elevation of the approved dwellinghouse shall be permanently glazed in obscured glass and top opening only.  Prior to the installation of such fenestration, a sample of the obscured glass shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The fenestration shall be installed in accordance with the approved sample and retained thereafter.

To consider the above planning application.

Note: Mr A Gentil (objector) and Mr S Williams (applicant) attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this matter.

The Committee considered a report regarding the above planning application and an oral update by the Southern Area Manager - Development Management.

RESOLVED – That the application be DEFERRED for a Committee site inspection so that Members can assess the impact of the loss of garden land on the variety of types of property in the area and see the context of the site and its surroundings.

To consider the above planning application.

Note: Councillor J Jones left the meeting at this point in the proceedings and returned during the committee’s debate on the application but did not take part in the debate or vote.

The Committee considered a report regarding the above planning application.

RESOLVED – That the application be APPROVED subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement to secure a contribution towards affordable housing and the following conditions:

1. Standard Time Limit

2. Approved Plans

3. Materials as submitted and approved

4. Scheme of Landscaping to be submitted and approved (including details of grass verge)

5. Implementation and Maintenance of Landscape Scheme

6. Details of Boundary Treatment to be submitted and approved

7. Access Detail to be submitted and approved and shall be formed in accordance with CEC specification (including the setting back of any gates)

8. Details of surfacing materials to be submitted and approved

9. Contaminated Land Site Completion Report to be submitted and approved prior to occupation

To consider the above planning application.

The Chairman reported that the above planning application had been withdrawn by the applicant prior to the meeting.

To consider the above planning application.

Note: Mr J Gartland (agent on behalf of the applicant) attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this matter.

The Committee considered a report regarding the above planning application and an oral update by the Southern Area Manager - Development Management.

RESOLVED – That the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

1. Standard

2. Temporary for 12 months

3. Approved Plans

4. Materials to be in accordance with those shown in the application

5. Submission, approval of Landscape Scheme

6. Implementation of Landscaping

7. Surfacing Materials

8. Submission, approval and implementation of right turn lane

9. Implementation of Lighting Scheme

10. Submission, approval and implementation of Contaminated land report

11. Foundations shall consist of stacked paving slabs placed at existing ground level.

12. Submission, approval and implementation of method statement to ensure than no dust emits from the site

13. Soil gas monitoring to be undertaken prior to and during entry to any below ground excavations and confined spaces within the building should be ventilated.

14. No Development within 8m of side walls of culvert

15. Submission, approval and implementation of scheme of drainage

To consider the above planning application.

The Committee considered a report and an oral update regarding the above planning application.

RESOLVED – That the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

1. Standard Time Limit

2. Plans

3. Details of Materials to be submitted, approved and implemented

4. Details of landscaping to be submitted including site frontage

5. Landscaping to be Implemented and Maintained for 5 year period

6. Obscure Glazing in the side elevation facing Surrey Street and front elevation facing Vincent Street

7. Details of drainage system including septic tanks, soakaways, permeable surfaces to be submitted, approved and implemented

8. The Bin Storage Area to be constructed in accordance with the submitted details

9. The Cycle storage area to be constructed in accordance with the submitted details

10. Car parking to be demarcated and retained at all times prior to first occupation of the flats

11. Details of any external lighting to be submitted, approved and implemented

12. To be constructed in accordance with the noise survey

13. The hours of construction and associated deliveries to the site shall be restricted to 0800 to 1800 hours on Mondays to Fridays, 0900 to 1400 hours on Saturdays, with no work at any time including Sundays and Public Holidays

14. Where piling of foundations is necessary this is to be undertaken between 0900 to 1700 Mondays to Fridays and no works of this nature to be undertaken on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

15. The submission of a method statement to ascertain whether bats are present to be submitted and approved. The method statement shall include the timings of works, inspection of the expansion gaps and the correct working practices and actions if bats are found

16. Works to be carried out to the roof to be outside the main bird nesting season (March through August).

To consider the above planning application.

Note: Councillor D Bebbington left the meeting during consideration of this application and did not take part in the debate or vote.

The Committee considered a report and update regarding the above planning application.

RESOLVED – That the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

1. Reserved Matters (Layout, Scale, Appearance and Landscaping).

2. Four Year Outline Permission.

3. 2 Year Reserved Matters Time Limit.

4. Approved Plans.

5. B1(a) Office Development Only.

6. Site Levels.

7. Reserved Matters Scale Parameters (maximum building heights and maximum floorspace).

8. Restriction of development area to exclude Valley Brook, University Way embankment and root protection zones.

9. No works within Valley Brook and no tree works between 1^st March and 31^st August.

10. Surface Water Regulation

11. Detailed scheme to manage flood risk from surcharging of surface water drains.

12. Implementation of permeable surfaces.

13. Details of cycle parking.

14 Details of bin stores.

15. Oil interceptors.

16. Strategic Landscaping Scheme.

17. Implementation/Maintenance of Strategic Landscaping Scheme.

18. Scheme for Tree Protection.

19. Valley Brook Bank Protection.

20. Detailed Travel Plan.

21. Detailed Scheme for Lighting

To consider the above planning application.

Note: Councillor S Jones left the meeting at this point in the proceedings and did not return.

Note: Councillor D Bebbington re-joined the meeting during consideration of this application but did not take part in the debate or vote.

The Committee considered a report regarding the above planning application.

RESOLVED – That the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

1. Standard time limit 3 years

2. Materials to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority

3. Condition to specify the approved plans

4. Obscure glazing to secondary windows in east and west elevations of apartments at first and second floor levels

5. Provision of parking spaces for converted dwellings before first occupation

6. Provision of parking spaces for the apartments before first occupation

7. Landscaping scheme including open space for apartments, the landscaping scheme shall include native species or ornamental species of value for wildlife only

8. Implementation and maintenance of landscaping and open space

9. Provision of garden spaces for the two dwellings

10. Withdraw all Permitted Development rights for the two dwellings

11. Boundary treatment to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority

12. Reveals to windows and doors to be a minimum of 100mm

13. Drainage to be agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority

14. Bin storage details to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority

15. Cycle storage details to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority

16. Details of bat roosting areas to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority

17. Details of how the proposed development will secure at least 10% of its predicted energy requirements from decentralised and renewable or low-carbon sources shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority and approved in writing.

To consider the above planning application.

Note: Mr R Holmes (agent on behalf of the applicant) attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this matter.

Following a statement from Mr Holmes regarding the potential involvement of Wulvern Housing in this application, Councillors T Beard and J Weatherill declared personal interests, on the grounds that they had been appointed as Cheshire East Council representatives on the Board of Wulvern Housing.  In accordance with the code of conduct, they remained in the meeting during consideration of this item.

The Committee considered a report and update regarding the above planning application.

RESOLVED – That the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

1. Standard time limit 3 years

2. Materials to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority

3. Condition to specify the approved plans

4. Remove PD Rights for additional windows to the western gable

5. Provision of parking spaces for the dwellings before first occupation

6. Landscaping scheme to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority

7. Implementation and maintenance of landscaping

8. Rear alleyway to be a minimum of 1 metre in width with gated access to all the proposed dwellings

9. Boundary treatment to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority

10. Reveals to windows and doors to be a minimum of 55mm

11. Drainage to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority

12. Bin storage details to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority

13. Details of how the proposed development will secure at least 10% of its predicted energy requirements from decentralised and renewable or low-carbon sources shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority and approved in writing

14. Surfacing materials to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority

15. Details of the external lighting to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority

16. Prior to any commencement of works between 1^st March and 31^st August in any year, a detailed survey is required to check for nesting birds

17. Details of the bird nesting measures to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority

18. Details of any pile driving to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority

19. Construction hours (and associated deliveries to the site) shall be restricted to 08:00 to 18:00 hours Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 to 14:00 hours Saturdays, with no working Sundays or Bank Holidays to safeguard the amenity of local residents

20. Prior to the commencement of development a Noise and Vibration Survey together with any mitigation measures which may be required shall be produced with reference to the adjacent railway line. The survey shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority for approval in writing

21. Prior to the commencement of development a Contaminated Land Assessment shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority and approved in writing and any remediation measures that are required shall be implemented

To consider the above planning application.

Note: Councillor R Bailey (Ward Councillor) and Mrs B Roberts (objector) attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this matter.

The Committee considered a report and update regarding the above planning application.

RESOLVED – That the application be DEFERRED for a Committee site inspection so that Members can assess the impact of the proposed development on neighbouring residential amenity.

To note the Appeal Summaries.

The Committee considered a summary of appeal decisions.

RESOLVED - That the appeal summaries be noted.