Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Miss June Molyneaux and Daniel Gee.

Members of the Sub-Committee are reminded of their responsibility to declare any personal interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2000, the Council’s Constitution and the Members Code of Conduct.  If the personal interest is a prejudicial interest, then the individual Member should not participate in a discussion on the matter and must withdraw from the Council Chamber and not seek to influence a decision on the matter.

There were no declarations of interest by Members relating to the item on the agenda.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Site-Inspection Sub Committee held on 17 July 2006 (enclosed).

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting of the Site Inspection Sub-Committee held on 17 July 2006 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To visit and inspect the site deferred retrospective planning application for the construction of a first floor extension above existing ground floor building, with existing approval of office use at base of Chimney, Withnell Fold Mill, Withnell Fold, Withnell.

The application was deferred at the last Development Control Committee meeting on 17 October 2006. A copy of the report of the Director of Development and Regeneration including the representations that were made on the addendum at this meeting have been attached for information.

The two Ward Councillors who are not Members of the Site Inspection Sub- Committee are also invited to attend the Site Inspection and take place in the discussion.

The Sub-Committee visited and inspected the location of the planning application that had been deferred by the Development Control Committee. 

The site is within the Withnell Fold Conservation Area and is south of Withnell Fold Mill. The chimney and building at its base to which this application relates is on the Council’s list of Locally Important Buildings.  The proposal comprises a first floor extension to an existing single storey building at the base of a chimney.  The resultant building would be used as offices. 

The proposal involves lifting the eaves and ridge of the building by 2.5m.  A window has been proposed in the gable end and the side elevation at first floor level, three rooflights are proposed in the rear roof plane.  No car parking has been proposed; the application forms state that parking is available within the site.

The application was viewed from both the front and side aspects of the development and the views of the Ward Councillors were considered.  The information contained in the report was discussed in full, including whether the development would preserve or enhance the character of the conservation area and the chimney and building at its base, which is on the Council’s list of Locally Important Building.

RESOLVED – That the Development Control Committee grant approval the planning application 06/00838/FUL subject to the following condition:

That natural building material be used to remain in keeping with the Conservation Area.