Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the Meeting held on 3rd September 2007 (previously circulated)

The Minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd September 2007 were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

The Head of Planning Services submitted a Schedule of Planning Applications and his recommendations thereon.

Resolved:

(1)        That the applications be determined as indicated below (the numbers denote         the schedule numbers of the applications).

(2)        That, except where stated below, the applications be subject to the relevant           conditions and advice notes, as outlined in the Schedule.

(3)        That, except where stated below, the reasons for refusal be those as outlined        in the Schedule.

Category A Applications

APPLICATION SUBJECT TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Councillor Charles withdrew her request to speak at Committee, declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the item, as County Councillor, left the room during consideration thereof and did not vote on the item.

(Under the scheme of public participation, Barbara Maher, John Braithwaite,

Tim Sarney, Erica Sarney, Samuel Ashton and John McMinn addressed the Committee as objectors to the application.  Paul Bellwood, the applicant, and Anthony Atkinson, his agent, reiterated their support for the application.)

Barbara Maher spoke in objection to the application.  She advised Members that the nature of the application had made her attendance at Committee necessary.  The proposed development was in an area of outstanding natural beauty.  Adverse development should be resisted.  Accommodation was available within a 1½ mile radius of the proposed development in the form of inns and self-accommodation.  There were log cabins at the Crook O’Lune where the full complement had not been constructed due to lack of demand.  The site of the proposed development was the habitat of rare species which were protected by legislation.  Under this legislation development could only be lawfully undertaken if it could be proved that there was an overriding public interest.  Any permitted development would disturb the otters’ natal holt, which ran extensively into the riverbank.

John Braithwaite spoke in objection to the application.  He informed Members of the policies that the proposed development, if granted, would contravene.  He was dismayed that the Planning Officer’s recommendations were in conflict with this legislation and he quoted from the Officer recommendation.  The Crook O’Lune had been described as the jewel in the crown of Lancaster.  The officer report did not address the proposed design of the cabins.  The proposed design was unimaginative and the construction materials alien.  The cabins would be obtrusive and unacceptable and in contravention of policy requirements.  Any construction would be detrimental to the site and not in the best interests of the local economy.  The type of visitor attracted to the area would be dismayed by such development.  The Committee must refuse the application.

Tim Sarney spoke in objection to the application.  He advised Members that the granting of the application would set a precedent that would lead to the demise of the area.  People who used the amenity were unaware of the proposals until the present, when notices had been displayed.  The area in question was peaceful.  Further tourism would be harmful to the otters.  Site logs had been taken recording in excess of 50 sightings of the otter and cubs.  Details had been sent to Planning Services.  The application proposals constituted a gross misuse of the site and contravened legislation.  Under this legislation it was an offence to damage or destroy a breeding site.  It was the Council’s obligation to protect beauty spots.  The matter had attracted media coverage and interest from international wildlife bodies.

Erica Sarney spoke in objection to the application.  She informed Members that under legislation and EC Directive, all communities had an obligation not to sanction any activity that was to the detriment of a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

Erection of an Equestrian Centre with associated access and car parking for
Lanquestrian

The application was approved, subject to the following additional condition (suitably worded):

“No residential accommodation on site without the prior consent of the Local Planning Authority.”

Creation of a recreation area and car park for Halton-with-Aughton Parish Council

The application was approved, subject to the following additional condition (suitably worded):

“No use of forecourt for trading, display of goods or loading/unloading.”

Advice Note:  The applicant may wish to consider a more comprehensive scheme incorporating the adjacent property, number 85-97 Marine Road West, which is also in poor condition and available for development.

Outline application for redevelopment of existing land to include 19 dwellings, rugby clubhouse, squashcourts, groundman’s store and associated landscaping for Vale of Lune RUFC

The application was approved, subject to modification of Condition 10 (suitably worded) to read:  “to include details of coach turning as well” and modification of Condition 17 (suitably worded) to read: “No residential development until the new clubhouse, car park, squash courts and pitch improvements are carried out, or as may be agreed in writing with the local planning authority”.

The meeting was adjourned at 12.25 p.m. for lunch.

The meeting was reconvened at 12.55 p.m.

The Chairman agreed to a request that Applications A18  07/00556/OUT and A19 07/00560/LB be brought forward for early consideration.

Objections received to the applications from Green Party Members were withdrawn in the light of measures proposed by the applicant.

The application was approved, subject to amendment of Condition 9 (suitably worded) to read:  “to include the integrated use as a multi-use community facility” and completion of a S106 Agreement.

Advice Note:  To be added for discussion regarding the possible future use, to include Ward Councillors.

Listed Building application for partial demolition, relocation and reinstatement of listed boundary wall, railings and gates for English Partnerships

Councillor Robinson declared a personal interest in the following item, being a member of the West End Partnership, left the room during consideration thereof and did not vote on the item.

The application was approved, subject to amendment of Condition 10 (suitably worded) to read:  “Use for free range egg production only” and the addition of a general landscaping condition.

The application was approved, subject to amendment to Condition 4 (suitably worded) to read:  “Person employed in the business on this site only and not general agriculture”.

Category C Application

There were no objections to the application and the matter was approved, subject to amendment of Advice Note 2 to read:  “The applicant ‘must’ contact Lancaster City Council’s Environmental Health Pollution Control for more information.”

Advice Note:  The County Council to ensure that the development has no impact on water boreholes or land drainage generally.

Category A Applications

The application was approved, subject to additional conditions (suitably worded):

“(1)      Tree protection during building works in accordance with advice of the Tree Protection Officer.

(2)        Car parking in accordance with the applicant’s letter dated 25^th September 2007.”

Officers were instructed to write to County Highways to request that they consider introducing restrictions on street parking on the A6 at the entrance to Slynedales to ensure that the benefits of additional car parking within the site are realised.

The Head of Planning Services submitted a Schedule of Planning Applications dealt with under the Scheme of Delegation of Planning Functions to Officers.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

The Head of Legal and Human Resources submitted a report with regard to enforcement action being taken by the City Council.

Members raised questions on items contained in the Schedule, which Planning Officers responded to.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.