Agenda and minutes

The Chair referred to the death on 18 June of ex-Councillor John Wilson, a former Leader of the Council.  The members, officers and members of the public present at the meeting stood in silence for a minute as a mark of respect.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors K Ball, Mrs P Haughton, R Lees, G Russell and R Snape.

Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any personal interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda. If the interest arises only as result of your membership of another public body or one to which you have been appointed by the Council then you only need to declare it if you intend to speak.

If the personal interest is a prejudicial interest, you must withdraw from the meeting. Normally you should leave the room before the business starts to be discussed. You do, however, have the same right to speak as a member of the public and may remain in the room to enable you to exercise that right and then leave immediately. In either case you must not seek to improperly influence a decision on the matter.

Councillor M Devaney declared a personal interest in Planning Application 07/00259/FUL for development at Clayton-le-Woods Manor Road Primary School which had been determined under delegated power, following consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair.  Councillor Devaney remained in the meeting but took no part in the decision or voting on agenda item 7.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 22 May 2007 (enclosed)

The minutes of the meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 22 May 2007 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Table (enclosed)

Please note that copies of the plans are not included in this agenda. We will be trialling electronic presentation at this Committee. Plans to be considered will be displayed at the meeting or may be viewed in advance by following the links to current planning applications on our website www.chorley.gov.uk/planning

The Director of Development and Regeneration submitted reports on a number of planning applications to be determined by the Committee.

RESOLVED – That the planning applications, as now submitted, be determined in accordance with the Committee’s decisions as recorded below.

Report of the Director of Development and Regeneration (enclosed)

(The Committee received representations from an objector to the proposals and a Ward representative, Councillor A Cullens)

Application no:                   07/00446/COU

Proposal:                   Retrospective application to extend existing car park area into landscaped area

Location:                    Brook House Hotel, 662, Preston Road, Clayton-Le-Woods, Chorley

Decision:

It was proposed by Councillor E Bell, seconded by Councillor S Smith, and subsequently RESOLVED (7:1) to defer further consideration of the proposal to allow the Committee members to visit the site of the application.

Report of the Development and Regeneration (enclosed)

(The Committee received representations from an objector to the proposals and the applicants’ Agent).

Application no:                   07/00187/FUL

Proposal:                   Erection of replacement roller coaster

Location:                    Camelot Theme Park, Park Hall Road, Charnock Richard

Decision:

It was proposed by Councillor A Lowe, seconded by Councillor D Gee, and subsequently RESOLVED (8:1) to grant full planning permission, subject to the following conditions:

1. The operation of the replacement roller coaster hereby permitted shall not commence until full details of the colour, form and texture of all external facing materials to the roller coaster and its associated building (notwithstanding any details shown on the previously submitted plan(s) and specification) have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  The development shall only be carried out using the approved external facing materials.

Reason:  To ensure that the materials used are visually appropriate to the locality and in accordance with Policy Nos. GN5 and DC1 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

2. Prior to the operation of the roller coaster hereby approved a habitat creation and management plan detailing where a compensatory habitat shall be provided and a schedule of proposed works, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.Reason: In order to protect habitat for nesting birds, their nests and eggs as in accordance with Policy EP3 of the Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

Report of the Director of Development and Regeneration (enclosed)

(The Committee received representations from a Ward representative, Councillor D Edgerley)

Application No:                  07/00384/FULMAJ

Proposal:                   Construction of 3 industrial units with parking and ancillary facilities

Location:                    Land adjacent Railway. Stump Lane, Chorley

Decision:

It was proposed by Councillor A Lowe, seconded by Councillor D Gee, and subsequently RESOLVED (9:0) to grant full planning permission, subject to the following conditions) and further discussions with the applicants on the possibility of extra screening being provided on Brock Road:

1. The proposed development must be begun not later than three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2. The development hereby permitted shall not commence until full details of the colour, form and texture of all external facing materials to the proposed buildings have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  The development shall only be carried out using the approved external facing materials.

Reason:  To ensure that the materials used are visually appropriate to the locality and in accordance with Policy No. GN5 and EM2 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

3. Before the development hereby permitted is first commenced, full details of the position, height and appearance of all fences and walls to be erected to the site boundaries shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  No building shall be occupied or land used pursuant to this permission before all walls and fences have been erected in accordance with the approved details.  Fences and walls shall thereafter be retained in accordance with the approved details at all times.

Reason:  To ensure a visually satisfactory form of development, to protect the amenities of occupiers of nearby property and in accordance with Policy Nos. GN5 and EM2 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

4. No development shall take place until a scheme of landscaping has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, notwithstanding any such detail which may have previously been submitted.  The scheme shall indicate all existing trees and hedgerows on the land; detail any to be retained, together with measures for their protection in the course of development; indicate the types and numbers of trees and shrubs to be planted, their distribution on site, those areas to be seeded, paved or hard landscaped; and detail any changes of ground level or landform.

Reason: In the interests of the amenity of the area and in accordance with Policy No.GN5 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

5. All planting, seeding or turfing comprised in the approved details of landscaping shall be carried out in the first planting and seeding seasons following the occupation of any buildings or the completion of the development, whichever is the sooner, and any trees or plants which within a period of 5 years from the completion of the development die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79c

Report of the Director of Development and Regeneration (enclosed)

Application No:                  07/00447/REMMAJ

Proposal:                   Erection of 11 dwellings with associated parking, landscaping, roads and sewers.

Location:                    Parcel H3, Buckshaw Village, Euxton Lane, Euxton

Decision:

It was proposed by Councillor D Gee, seconded by Councillor E Bell, and subsequently RESOLVED (9:0) to grant full planning permission, subject to the following conditions:

1. The proposed development must be begun not later than three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2. Before the development hereby permitted is first commenced full details of existing and proposed ground levels and proposed building slab levels (all relative to ground levels adjoining the site) shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, notwithstanding any such detail shown  on previously submitted plan(s).  The development shall only be carried out in conformity with the approved details.

Reason:  To protect the appearance of the locality, in the interests of the amenities of local residents and in accordance with Policy Nos. GN5 and HS4 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

3. Before the development hereby permitted is first commenced, full details of the position, height and appearance of all fences and walls to be erected (notwithstanding any such detail shown on previously submitted plan(s)) shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  No dwelling shall be occupied until all fences and walls shown in the approved details to bound its plot have been erected in conformity with the approved details.  Other fences and walls shown in the approved details shall have been erected in conformity with the approved details prior to substantial completion of the development.

Reason:  To ensure a visually satisfactory form of development, to provide reasonable standards of privacy to residents and in accordance with Policy No. HS4 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

4. The development hereby permitted shall not commence until samples of all external facing materials to the proposed building(s) (notwithstanding any details shown on previously submitted plan(s) and specification) have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  The development shall only be carried out using the approved external facing materials.

Reason:  To ensure that the materials used are visually appropriate to the locality and in accordance with Policy Nos. GN5 and HS4 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

5. No development shall take place until a scheme of landscaping has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, notwithstanding any such detail which may have previously been submitted.  The scheme shall indicate all existing trees and hedgerows on the land; detail any to be retained, together with measures for their protection in the course of development; indicate the types and numbers of trees and shrubs to be planted, their distribution on site, those areas to be seeded, paved or hard landscaped; and detail any changes of ground level or landform.

Reason:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79d

Report of the Director of Development and Regeneration (enclosed)

(The application had been deferred at a previous meeting to allow the Committee members to visit the site)

Application No:                  06/01341/FULMAJ

Proposal:                   Proposed redevelopment of Rectory Farm creating 6 four bedroom dwellings, conversion of existing barn to create 3 three bedroom apartments with associated garage space and visitor parking and the erection of a rear extension to Croston Trinity Methodist Church to create Sunday school/communal facilities with associated car parking.

Location:                    Rectory Farm, Town Road, Croston, Leyland

Decision:

It was proposed by Councillor A Cain, seconded by Councillor E Smith, and subsequently RESOLVED (7:0) to grant planning permission, subject to the prior completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement and the following conditions:

1. The proposed development must be begun not later than three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2. Before the development hereby permitted is first commenced full details of existing and proposed ground levels and proposed building slab levels (all relative to ground levels adjoining the site) shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, notwithstanding any such detail shown on previously submitted plan(s).  The development shall only be carried out in conformity with the approved details.

Reason:  To protect the appearance of the locality, in the interests of the amenities of local residents and in accordance with Policy Nos. GN5 and HS4 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

3. The development hereby permitted shall not commence until samples of all external facing materials to the proposed building(s) (notwithstanding any details shown on previously submitted plan(s) and specification) have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  The development shall only be carried out using the approved external facing materials.

Reason:  To ensure that the materials used are visually appropriate to the locality and in accordance with Policy Nos. GN5 and HT7 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

4. No development shall take place until a scheme of landscaping has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, notwithstanding any such detail which may have previously been submitted.  The scheme shall indicate all existing trees and hedgerows on the land; detail any to be retained, together with measures for their protection in the course of development; indicate the types and numbers of trees and shrubs to be planted, their distribution on site, those areas to be seeded, paved or hard landscaped; and detail any changes of ground level or landform.

Reason: In the interests of the amenity of the area and in accordance with Policy No.GN5 and HT7 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

5. All planting, seeding or turfing comprised in the approved details of landscaping shall be carried out in the first planting and seeding seasons following the occupation of any buildings or the completion of the development, whichever is the sooner, and any trees or plants  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79e

Report of the Director of Development and Regeneration (enclosed)

Application No:                  07/00178/COU

Proposal:                   Change of use of an existing building to stables (retrospective), offices and the storage of horseboxes and carriages

Location:                    Land 20m North East of 21, Gorsey Lane, Mawdesley

Decision:

It was proposed by Councillor S Smith, seconded by Councillor A Cain, and subsequently RESOLVED to grant full planning permission subject to the following conditions:

1. The proposed development must be begun not later than three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2. This consent relates to the following plans:

Plan Ref.                               Received On:                    

GA1422-1                              27 February 2007                   

GA1422-LP-1                      4 April 2007

Reason:  To define the consent and to ensure all works are carried out in a satisfactory manner.

3. That part of the access extending from the highway boundary for a minimum distance of 15m into the site shall be appropriately paved in tarmacadam, concrete, black paviours, or other approved materials.

Reason: To prevent loose surface material from being carried onto the public highway thus causing a potential source of danger to other road uses and in accordance with Policy TR4 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

4. The car park shall be surfaced or paved in accordance with a scheme to be approved by the Local Planning Authority and the car parking spaces and manoeuvring areas marked out in accordance with the approved plan (drawing No. GA1422-lp-1) before the use of the premises hereby permitted becomes operative.

Reason: to allow for the effective use of the parking areas and in accordance with Policy TR4 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

5. The proposed trailer for the storage of waste materials shall be stored within the site in the position indicated on drawing No. GA1422-LP-1. The trailer shall be emptied off site a minimum of once per week.

Reason: In the interests of neighbour amenity and in accordance with Policy EP8 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

6. The development hereby permitted allows for the storage of a maximum of 3 horseboxes and 3 carriages to be stored within the site in accordance with drawing No. GA1422-LP-1.

Reason: In the interests of neighbour amenity and in accordance with Policy TR4 and EP8 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

7. The use hereby permitted shall be restricted to the hours between 08.30 to 17.00 Monday to Saturday.

Reason: To safeguard the amenities of local residents.

8. The permission shall enure for the benefit of Joanna Hughes only for the change of use of an existing building to stables (retrospective), ancillary offices and the storage of horseboxes and carriages only and shall not enure for the benefit of the land or any other person.

Reason: Because in granting this permission the Council has regard to the special circumstances of the applicant and wishes to have the opportunity of exercising control over any subsequent development.

9. The stables hereby permitted shall be used  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79f

Report of the Director of Development and Regeneration (enclosed)

(The application had been deferred at a previous meeting to allow the Committee members to visit the site)

Application no:                   07/00247/FUL

Proposal:                   Erection of 2 detached dwellings, one with integral garage and one with detached single garage

Location:                    Land North of 26 Chorley Lane, Charnock Richard

Decision:

It was proposed by Councillor A Cain, seconded by Councillor A Lowe, and subsequently RESOLVED (8:1) to grant planning permission, subject to the prior completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement and the following conditions:

1. The proposed development must be begun not later than three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2. This consent relates to the following plans:

Plan Ref.                   Received On:            Title:

06/161/P10 Rev A7 March 2007            Site Sections

06/161/P01 Rev E4 April 2007               Proposed Site Plan

06/161/P09                7 March 2007             1800mm high boundary fence,

                                                                        northern and party boundaries

06/161/P08                7 March 2007             1800mm high boundary fence,

                                                                        eastern and western boundaries

06/161/P07                7 March 2007             Detached Garage

06/161/P05                7 March 2007             Plot 1 House Type 4H 1135 Plans

                                                                        & Elevations

06/161/P06 Rev B4 April 2007               Plot 2 House Type 4H 1126 Plans

                                                                        & Elevations

06/161/P04                7 March 2007             Location and Site Plan

Reason:  To define the consent and to ensure all works are carried out in a satisfactory manner.

3. Before the development hereby permitted is first commenced, full details of the position, height and appearance of all fences to be erected (notwithstanding any such detail shown on previously submitted plan(s)) shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  No dwelling shall be occupied until all fences shown in the approved details to bound its plot have been erected in conformity with the approved details.  Other fences shown in the approved details shall have been erected in conformity with the approved details prior to substantial completion of the development.

Reason:  To ensure a visually satisfactory form of development, to provide reasonable standards of privacy to residents and in accordance with Policy No. HS4 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

4. Surface water must drain separate from the foul and no surface water will be permitted to discharge to the foul sewerage system.

Reason: To secure proper drainage and in accordance with Policy Nos. EP17 and EM2 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

5. No development shall take place until details of the proposed surface water drainage arrangements have been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority in writing.  No part of the development shall be occupied until the approved surface water drainage arrangements have been fully implemented.

Reason: To secure proper drainage and to prevent flooding and in accordance with Policy Nos. EP18 and EP19 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

6. Before the development hereby permitted is first commenced full details of the means of foul water drainage/disposal shall have been submitted to and approved  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79g

Report of Development and Regeneration (enclosed)

Application no:                   07/00232/FUL

Proposal:                   Proposed lighting of the main route through Astley Park (5m high lighting columns at 28m intervals)

Location:                    Astley Park, Park Road, Chorley

The application had been withdrawn from the meeting’s agenda.

Report of the Development and Regeneration (enclosed)

Application no:                   07/00347/FUL

Proposal:                   Erection of three terraced dwellings

Location:                    Land 10m South West of 14, Saville Street, Chorley

Decision:

It was proposed by Councillor D Gee, seconded by Councillor A Lowe, and subsequently RESOLVED (9:0) to grant planning permission, subject to the prior completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement and the following conditions:

1. The proposed development must be begun not later than three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the amended plan(s), received on the 9th May 2007.

Reason:  To define the permission and ensure a satisfactory form of development.

3. Before the development hereby permitted is first commenced, full details of the position, height and appearance of all fences and walls to be erected to the site boundaries shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  No building shall be occupied or land used pursuant to this permission before all walls and fences have been erected in accordance with the approved details.  Fences and walls shall thereafter be retained in accordance with the approved details at all times.

Reason:  To ensure a visually satisfactory form of development, to protect the amenities of occupiers of nearby property and in accordance with Policy Nos. GN5 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

4. No development shall take place until a scheme of landscaping has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, notwithstanding any such detail which may have previously been submitted.  The scheme shall indicate all existing trees and hedgerows on the land; detail any to be retained, together with measures for their protection in the course of development; indicate the types and numbers of trees and shrubs to be planted, their distribution on site, those areas to be seeded, paved or hard landscaped; and detail any changes of ground level or landform.

Reason: In the interests of the amenity of the area and in accordance with Policy No.GN5 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

5. All planting, seeding or turfing comprised in the approved details of landscaping shall be carried out in the first planting and seeding seasons following the occupation of any buildings or the completion of the development, whichever is the sooner, and any trees or plants which within a period of 5 years from the completion of the development die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species, unless the Local Planning Authority gives written consent to any variation.

Reason:  In the interest of the appearance of the locality and in accordance with Policy No GN5 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

6. Before the development hereby permitted is first commenced full details of existing and proposed ground levels and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79i

Report of the Director of Development and Regeneration (enclosed)

Application:                            07/00413/CB4

Proposal:                   Erection of ground floor retail unit with first floor one bedroom flat above

Location:                    240 – 242 Spendmore Lane, Coppull, Chorley    

Decision:                   

It was proposed by Councillor E Bell, seconded by Councillor D Gee, and subsequently RESOLVED (9:0) to grant full planning permission, subject to the following conditions:

1. The proposed development must be begun not later than three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2. The development hereby permitted shall not commence until samples of all external facing materials to the proposed buildings (notwithstanding any details shown on previously submitted plan(s) and specification) have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  The development shall only be carried out using the approved external facing materials.

Reason:  To ensure that the materials used are visually appropriate to the locality and in accordance with Policy No. GN5 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

3. Before the development hereby permitted is first commenced full details of existing and proposed ground levels and proposed building slab levels (all relative to ground levels adjoining the site) shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, notwithstanding any such detail shown  on previously submitted plan(s).  The development shall only be carried out in conformity with the approved details.

Reason:  To protect the appearance of the locality, in the interests of the amenities of local residents and in accordance with Policy Nos. GN5 and HS4 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

4. No development shall take place until a scheme of landscaping has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, notwithstanding any such detail which may have previously been submitted.  The scheme shall indicate all existing trees and hedgerows on the land; detail any to be retained, together with measures for their protection in the course of development; indicate the types and numbers of trees and shrubs to be planted, their distribution on site, those areas to be seeded, paved or hard landscaped; and detail any changes of ground level or landform.

Reason: In the interests of the amenity of the area and in accordance with Policy No.GN5 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

5. All planting, seeding or turfing comprised in the approved details of landscaping shall be carried out in the first planting and seeding seasons following the occupation of any buildings or the completion of the development, whichever is the sooner, and any trees or plants which within a period of 5 years from the completion of the development die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species, unless the Local Planning Authority gives written consent to any variation.

Reason:  In the interest of the appearance of the locality and in accordance with Policy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79j

Report of the Director of Development and Regeneration (enclosed)

Application no:                   07/00414/CB4

Proposal:                   Erection of two one bedroom flats

Location:                    240 – 242, Spendmore Lane, Coppull, Chorley

Decision:                   

It was proposed by Councillor E Bell, seconded by Councillor D Gee and subsequently RESOLVED (9:0) to grant full planning permission, subject to the following conditions:

1. The proposed development must be begun not later than three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2. The development hereby permitted shall not commence until samples of all external facing materials to the proposed buildings (notwithstanding any details shown on previously submitted plan(s) and specification) have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  The development shall only be carried out using the approved external facing materials.

Reason:  To ensure that the materials used are visually appropriate to the locality and in accordance with Policy No. GN5 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

3. Before the development hereby permitted is first commenced full details of existing and proposed ground levels and proposed building slab levels (all relative to ground levels adjoining the site) shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, notwithstanding any such detail shown on previously submitted plan(s).  The development shall only be carried out in conformity with the approved details.

Reason:  To protect the appearance of the locality, in the interests of the amenities of local residents and in accordance with Policy Nos. GN5 and HS4 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

4. No development shall take place until a scheme of landscaping has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, notwithstanding any such detail which may have previously been submitted.  The scheme shall indicate all existing trees and hedgerows on the land; detail any to be retained, together with measures for their protection in the course of development; indicate the types and numbers of trees and shrubs to be planted, their distribution on site, those areas to be seeded, paved or hard landscaped; and detail any changes of ground level or landform.

Reason: In the interests of the amenity of the area and in accordance with Policy No.GN5 of the Adopted Chorley Borough Local Plan Review.

5. All planting, seeding or turfing comprised in the approved details of landscaping shall be carried out in the first planting and seeding seasons following the occupation of any buildings or the completion of the development, whichever is the sooner, and any trees or plants which within a period of 5 years from the completion of the development die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species, unless the Local Planning Authority gives written consent to any variation.

Reason:  In the interest of the appearance of the locality and in accordance with Policy No GN5 of the Adopted Chorley  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79k

(The Committee received representations from a Ward representative, Councillor D Edgerley)

Application no:                   07/00563/OUT

Proposal:                   Outline application for the erection of one detached house (Max height to ridge 9m)

Location:                    Land South of 1 Springs Road, Chorley

Decision:

It was proposed by Councillor A Lowe, seconded by Councillor D Gee, and subsequently RESOLVED (7:0) to defer further consideration of the proposal to allow the Committee members to visit the site of the application.

Report of the Director of Development and Regeneration (enclosed)

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration on proposed changes to the planning system in relation to permitted development rights for householder micro-generation installations.

A consultation document had set out the Government’s proposals to assist the installation of micro-generation equipment for domestic properties.  The revised planning system aimed to remove the need for planning permission for small scale domestic energy capturing installations.  The guidance would clarify the criteria and limitations of the scale of the equipment that could be provided under permitted development rights and highlight the requirement for any installations which exceed those limits to obtain planning permission.

The Director’s report contained a summary of the questions posed within the consultation document, together with the recommended responses to the individual questions.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and that the suggested responses to the Government’s consultation document on householder micro-generation developments be endorsed.

Report of the Director of Development and Regeneration (enclosed)

The Committee received a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration giving notification of the lodging of two appeals against the refusal of planning permission, one appeal that had been dismissed and two appeals that had been allowed.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Selected Planning Applications that have been determined, by the Director of Development and Regeneration following consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee (table enclosed)

The Committee received for information, a table listing a number of planning applications for Category ‘B’ development proposals which had, or were intended to be, determined by the Chief Officer under the adopted scheme of delegations, following consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Schedule (enclosed)

The Committee received for information a schedule listing the remainder of the planning applications that had been determined by the Director of Development and Regeneration under delegated powers between 7 May and 9 June 2007.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of the Director of Development and Regeneration (enclosed)

The Committee received and considered a report of the Director of Development and Regeneration recommending a revision of the current scheme of delegations in respect of planning applications.

The report reminded Members that, under the Council’s current scheme, the decisions on all planning applications that required a Section 106 Agreement had to be determined by the Development Control Committee.

There had been an increase in the number of applications for residential development requiring to be presented to the Development Control Committee since the lifting of the Windfall Housing Policy in December 2006.  This had consequently impacted on the Council’s Best Value Performance Indicators as applications were taking longer to process and determine.

The Committee was, therefore, recommended to endorse a request for the Council’s sanction of an amendment to the scheme of delegations to allow more flexibility in the manner in which applications that required the payment of a commuted sum for play space were determined.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and that the Council be recommended to amend the scheme of delegations to allow (i) the Director of Development and Regeneration to determine planning applications for schemes requiring a Section 106 Legal Agreement for play space, where no objections had been lodged; and (ii) the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Development Control Committee, in consultation with the Director of Development and Regeneration, to determine applications whenever objections are received, subject to the usual considerations.

Report of Corporate Director (Business) circulated at the meeting.