Agenda and minutes

Members are asked to declare the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in respect of any item of business to be considered at the meeting.

The following declarations of interest were made in relation to Items of business on the Agenda for the meeting:

Councillor David Gulland: In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor David Gulland declared that he is a candidate in the upcoming Surrey County Council Elections.

Councillor Jan Mason: In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Jan Mason declared that she is a candidate in the upcoming Surrey County Council Elections.

Councillor Steven McCormick: In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Steven McCormick declared that he is a member of Epsom Civic Society, Epsom and Ewell Tree Advisory Board and Woodcote (Epsom) Residents Society and that he came to the meeting with a clear and open mind. Councillor Steven McCormick also declared that he is a candidate in the upcoming Surrey County Council Elections.

Item 05 of the Agenda of the Planning Committee held on 22 April 2021

In the interests of openness and transparency, Councillor Clive Woodbridge declared on behalf of all Councillors that all Councillors had received a number of correspondence from rejectors regarding this Item. Councillor Clive Woodbridge also stated that all Councillors came to the meeting with a clear and open mind, and without predetermination.

Consideration of Item 5 of the adjourned meeting of the Planning Committee held on 22 April 2021 – Development Site at 65 London Road Ewell Surrey KT17 2BL (marked as pages 141-186).

Description

Construction of a three to six storey building comprising 45 flats (Use Class C3) with associated car and cycle parking, refuse storage and ancillary works.

Decision

The Committee noted a presentation from the Planning Development Manager, in which he made note of the Update Report which was initially published the evening of the original meeting, and subsequently re-published alongside the Agenda for this reconvened meeting.

The Committee was addressed by Councillor John Beckett, Surrey County Council Division Member, who spoke in objection to the application. The Committee was also addressed by Councillor Hannah Dalton, Ward Member, who also spoke in objection to the application. Finally, the Committee heard from the Agent to the applicant.

The following matters were raised by the Committee:

a)            Density: Members raised concerns regarding the high density of the proposed development. The Officer noted that the density had been distinguished by factors including internal design e.g. the number of habitual bedspaces and external space. The Officer confirmed that they deemed the balance appropriate and not an over-development. Members noted the shortage of delivery of housing land supply within the Borough and how the proposed development would be of substantial benefit in fulfilling need.

b)           Trees: Members raised concerns regarding the proposed tree coverage, including the 1m shortfall alongside Ewell Bypass. The Officer noted that the proposed development would be optimized usage of the site and that the shortfall would be negligible in this case.

c)            Air quality: Following a question from a Member, the Officer confirmed that there had not been an Air Quality Survey completed for the site. The Officer advised that measures could be taken to impose sustainability principles into the development to limit its impact on air quality.

d)           Height and massing: Members raised concerns regarding the height, mass, bulk and design of the proposal, and questioned if it may be out of suiting to the existing neighbouring buildings.

e)            Impact on neighbouring amenity: Members raised concerns regarding the size and scale of the proposed development and its adverse impact on neighbouring amenity. The Officer noted that steps had been taken to reduce adverse neighbouring impact, including the nature of the enclosed shared amenity area to ensure that there would be no direct overlooking.

f)             Highways: Prior to issuing the notice of decision officers were requested to facilitate a meeting between Surrey County Council Highway Authority and the local Councillor for the site regarding ingress and egress from the application site to clarify issues raised in the Committee meeting.

g)           Landscaping: Officers were asked to explore the potential for enhanced screening and tree planting within the application and to incorporate the outcome in any proposed planning conditions.

h)           Fire safety: Officers were requested to add a planning condition requiring proposed fire safety measures to be submitted and approved in writing prior to any construction above slab level taking place.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved with 6 Members voting for, 3 Members voting against and the Chair not voting that:

The Application  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.