Agenda and minutes

To receive declarations of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests or other registrable or non-registrable interests from Members in respect of any item to be considered at the meeting.

Langley Vale Memorial Woodland Site, Headley Road, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 6BL – Agenda Item 3

Councillor Neil Dallen, Other Interest: Councillor Neil Dallen declared that he is a Member of the Epsom and Walton Downs Training and Management Board (TGMB). He stated that it did not affect his decision-making ability and that he maintained an open mind. He stated that he was not involved  in the TGMB response to the application.

Councillor Chris Watson, Other Interest: Councillor Chris Watson declared that following a conversation and advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officer, he would be withdrawing from sitting on the Langley Vale Memorial Woodland Site Application.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Other Interest: The Vice Chair, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, declared that he is a Member of the Epsom & Walton Downs Conservators, who are responsible for the management of the land adjacent to that of the application. He stated that this was not a conflict of interest, and he maintained an open mind.

Councillor Steven McCormick, Other Interest: The Chair, Councillor Steven McCormick, declared that he is the Chair of the Epsom & Walton Downs Conservators and sits on the TGMB. He stated that he had a clear and open mind in respect to the application.

Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 1UD – Agenda items 4-7

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Other Interest: The Vice Chair, Councillor Clive Woodbridge, declared that he is the Chair of Community and Wellbeing Committee, who are responsible for the management of Bourne Hall. He stated that he remained unbiased and maintained an open mind.

Councillor Neil Dallen, Other Interest: Councillor Neil Dallen declared that he is the Chair of Strategy and Resources Committee, who are responsible for the management of the Council’s Buildings, which is relevant to the Bourne Hall Applications. He stated that he remained unbiased and maintained an open mind.

The Committee is asked to confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on the 5 September 2024 (attached) and to authorise the Chair to sign them.

Installation of Solar PV to flat roofs and Tesla Powerwall batteries for power storage.

Description:

Installation of Solar PV to flat roofs and Tesla Powerwall batteries for power storage.

Officer Recommendation:

Approval, subject to conditions and informatives.

Officer Presentation:

The Committee received a presentation on the application from the Planning Officer.

Decision:

Following consideration, Councillor Julian Freeman proposed a motion to approve the Officer recommendation as set out in the report. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Neil Dallen.

Subsequently, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

GRANT planning permission subject to the following conditions and informatives:

Conditions

1)    Timescale

The development hereby permitted shall be commenced within three years from the date of this decision.

Reason: To comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

2) Approved Plans

Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority, the development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the plans numbered AS-2-01, AS-2-03, AS-23-01, S-2-01 and AM-04-01, received by the local planning authority on 17 & 18 September 2024 and 31 July 2024.

Reason: For avoidance of doubt and to ensure that the development is carried out in accordance with the approved plans and to ensure a satisfactory external appearance in accordance with Policy CS5 of the Core Strategy 2007 and PoliciesDM8, DM9 and DM10 of the Development Management Policies Document 2015.

3) No Longer in Use

The development as approved, inclusive of the panels and steel frame, shall be removed no longer than one month after the use and operations of the PV Solar Panel system ceases.

Reason: To safeguard the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building and character and appearance of the conservation area in accordance with Policy CS5 of the Core Strategy (2007) and Policies DM8, DM9 and DM10 of the Development Management Policies 2015.

Informatives

1)    Positive and Proactive Discussion

In dealing with the application the Council has implemented the requirement in the National Planning Policy Framework to work with the applicant in a positive and proactive way. We have made available detailed advice in the form or our statutory policies in the Core Strategy, Supplementary Planning Documents, Planning Briefs and other informal written guidance, as well as offering a full pre-application advice service, in order to ensure that the applicant has been given every opportunity to submit an application which is likely to be considered favourably.

2) Conservation of the Listed Buildings

You are reminded that all works to a listed building must be carried out with the utmost care and to the highest standards of quality and workmanship. Any damage to the listed building shall be immediately made good using materials to match the originals. Unauthorised works that harm the listed building constitute a criminal offence and will be liable to fines of up to £20,000 per offence.

3) Protected Species

The applicant is reminded that it is an offence to disturb protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Should a protected species be found during the works, the applicant should stop work and contact Natural England for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

Installation of Solar PV to flat roofs and Tesla Powerwall batteries for power storage.

Description:

Installation of Solar PV to flat roofs and Tesla Powerwall batteries for power storage.

Officer Recommendation:

Approval, subject to conditions and informatives.

Officer Presentation:

The Committee received a presentation on the application from the Planning Officer.

Decision:

Following consideration, Councillor Julian Freeman proposed a motion to approve the Officer recommendation as set out in the report. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Bernie Muir.

Subsequently, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

GRANT listed building consent subject to the following conditions and informatives:

Conditions

1)    Timescale

The development hereby permitted shall be commenced within three years from the date of this decision.

Reason: To comply with Section 18 (1) (a) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended by Section 52 (4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2)    Approved Plans

Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority, the development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the plans numbered AS-2-01, AS-2-03, AS-23-01, S-2-01 and AM-04-01, received by the local planning authority on 17 and 18 September 2024 and 31 July 2024.

Reason: For avoidance of doubt and to ensure that the development is carried out in accordance with the approved plans and to ensure a satisfactory external appearance in accordance with Policy CS5 of the Core Strategy 2007 and Policies DM8, DM9 and DM10 of the Development Management Policies Document 2015.

3)    No Longer in Use

The development as approved, inclusive of the panels and steel frame, shall be removed no longer than one month after the use and operations of the PV Solar Panel system ceases.

Reason: To safeguard the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building and character and appearance of the conservation area in accordance with Policy CS5 of the Core Strategy (2007) and Policies DM8, DM9 and DM10 of the Development Management Policies 2015.

Informatives

1)    Positive and Proactive Discussion

In dealing with the application the Council has implemented the requirement in the National Planning Policy Framework to work with the applicant in a positive and proactive way. We have made available detailed advice in the form or our statutory policies in the Core Strategy, Supplementary Planning Documents, Planning Briefs and other informal written guidance, as well as offering a full pre-application advice service, in order to ensure that the applicant has been given every opportunity to submit an application which is likely to be considered favourably.

2)    Conservation of the Listed Buildings

You are reminded that all works to a listed building must be carried out with the utmost care and to the highest standards of quality and workmanship. Any damage to the listed building shall be immediately made good using materials to match the originals. Unauthorised works that harm the listed building constitute a criminal offence and will be liable to fines of up to £20,000 per offence.

3)    Protected Species

The applicant is reminded that it is an offence to disturb protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

Alterations to fenestration.

Description:

Alterations to fenestration.

Officer Recommendation:

Approval, subject to conditions and informatives.

Officer Presentation:

The Committee received a presentation on the application from the Planning Officer.

Decision:

Following consideration, Councillor Humphrey Reynolds proposed a motion to approve the Officer recommendation as set out in the report. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Phil Neale.

Subsequently, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

GRANT listed building consent subject to the following conditions and informatives:

Conditions

1)    Timescale

The development hereby permitted shall be commenced within three years from the date of this decision.

Reason: To comply with Section 18 (1) (a) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended by Section 52 (4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2)    Approved Plans

Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority, the development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the plans numbered/titled:

· Detail 1A

· Detail 1E

· Detail 2A

· Detail 3A

· Detail 19A

· Ground Floor Fixed Windows Existing and Proposed

· First Floor Fixed Windows Existing and Proposed

· Ground Floor Pivot Windows Existing and Proposed

· Proposed Elevations 1 of 3

· Proposed Elevations 2 of 3

· Proposed Elevations 3 of 3

· Windows Survey Details

All received by the local planning authority on 19 August 2024.

Reason: For avoidance of doubt and to ensure that the development is carried out in accordance with the approved plans and to ensure a satisfactory external appearance in accordance with Policy CS5 of the Core Strategy 2007 and PoliciesDM8, DM9 and DM10 of the Development Management Policies Document 2015.

3)    Materials

Prior to the commencement of the development hereby permitted, detailed specifications of the windows shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. These shall include

· Frame finish (sample)

· Glass (sample)

· Window furniture

· Location and extent of trickle vent (drawing at scale of 1:20)

· Colour and finish of the spacer inside the double-glazed unit

· Pivot plates

The approved details shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority.

Reason: To ensure a satisfactory external appearance in accordance with Section 16 of the National Planning Policy Document 2023, Policy CS5 of the Core Strategy 2007 and Policy DM8 of the Development Management Policies Document 2015.

4)    Pivot Plates

Prior to first use of the windows, pivot plates are to be applied to the centre of each respective window frame, inside and outside, to imitate the original opening method and thereafter maintained in perpetuity.

Reason: To ensure a satisfactory external appearance in accordance with Section 16 of the National Planning Policy Document 2023, Policy CS5 of the Core Strategy 2007 and Policy DM8 of the Development Management Policies Document 2015.

Informatives

1)    Positive and Proactive Discussion

In dealing with the application the Council has implemented the requirement in the National Planning Policy Framework to work with the applicant in a positive and proactive way. We have made available detailed advice in the form or our statutory policies in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

Installation of new layer of roof felt to the existing felt roof (retrospective).

Description:

Installation of new layer of roof felt to the existing felt roof (retrospective).

Officer Recommendation:

Approval, subject to conditions and informatives.

Officer Presentation:

The Committee received a presentation on the application from the Planning Officer.

Decision:

Following consideration, Councillor Neil Dallen proposed a motion to approve the Officer recommendation as set out in the report. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Julian Freeman.

Subsequently, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

GRANT planning permission subject to the following conditions and informatives:

Conditions

1)    Approved Plans

Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority, the development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the plans numbered/titled AS-2-01 and Bourne Hall - Solar PV BLOCK PLAN.

Reason: For avoidance of doubt and to ensure that the development is carried out in accordance with the approved plans and to ensure a satisfactory external appearance in accordance with Policy CS5 of the Core Strategy 2007 and PoliciesDM8, DM9 and DM10 of the Development Management Policies Document 2015.

2)    Materials

The materials used in the construction of the external surfaces of the extension hereby permitted shall be retained in accordance with those indicated within the application form associated with the application, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority.

Reason: To ensure a satisfactory external appearance in accordance with Policy CS5 of the Core Strategy 2007 and Policies DM9 and DM10 of the Development Management Policies Document 2015.

Informatives

1)    Positive and Proactive Discussion

In dealing with the application the Council has implemented the requirement in the National Planning Policy Framework to work with the applicant in a positive and proactive way. We have made available detailed advice in the form or our statutory policies in the Core Strategy, Supplementary Planning Documents, Planning Briefs and other informal written guidance, as well as offering a full pre-application advice service, in order to ensure that the applicant has been given every opportunity to submit an application which is likely to be considered favourably.

Summary of Incoming and Closed Enforcement Cases by Month.

The Committee received and noted a report providing a summary of incoming and closed enforcement cases by month.

The following matter was discussed:

a)            Enforcement Activity. A Member of the Committee asked if any enforcement activity had taken place during the period indicated on the report. The Planning and Enforcement Manager confirmed that enforcement activity had taken place. The Chair noted the comments and said an additional column could be added to the table to show enforcement actions and why enforcement cases were closed.

Summary of Likely Applications to be Heard at Planning Committee.

The Committee received and noted a report providing a summary of likely applications to be heard at future Planning Committee Meetings.

The following matter was discussed:

a)            Site Visits. A Member of the Committee asked if requested Site Visits for certain upcoming applications will be taking place. TheChair informed the Committee that Site Visits will be organised soon and invites sent out to Committee Members shortly.

Creation of a visitor hub/shelter, including access paths, landscaping, and associated infrastructure.

Councillor Chris Watson excused himself and left the Council Chamber for the duration of the application.

Following debate, the Chair proposed the item was dealt with at the end of the agenda, in order to give the time for the proposed condition to be worded, prior to it being voted on by the Committee.

Councillor Bernie Muir seconded the proposal. The Committee voted (5 for, 3 against) in favour of deferring the item to the end of the agenda.

Description:

Creation of a visitor hub/shelter, including access paths, landscaping, and associated infrastructure.

Officer Recommendation:

Approval, subject to conditions and informatives.

Including the addition of an informative to the decision notice in relation to Biodiversity Net Gain obligations:

8) Biodiversity Net Gain

The applicant is reminded of their obligations to deliver mandatory biodiversity net gain on-site in accordance with Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, including (a) submitting a Biodiversity Gain Plan that accords with the National Planning Practice Guidance and the approved BNG Assessment and Metric Tool; and (b) not operating prior to a completion report being agreed by the local planning authority.

Officer Presentation:

The Committee received a presentation on the application from the Principal Planning Officer.

Public Speaking:

The Agent spoke in support of the application.

Decision:

Following consideration, Councillor Neil Dallen proposed an additional condition be added, as follows:

‘The development hereby permitted should not be first used until details of Highway improvement discussions with the Highway Authority have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. These discussions shall include but not be limited to, works to the public highway and horse crossing on Headley Road to account for any change in horse or traffic numbers on Headley Road since the original approval, and the need for any highway improvement works. Any improvement works shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details prior to first use.’

Councillor Bernie Muir seconded the proposal.

The Committee voted (2 for, 4 against, 1 abstaining, and the Chair not voting) against the motion, and the motion was lost.

Following further consideration, Councillor Neil Dallen proposed a motion to approve the Officer recommendation as set out in the report. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Julian Freeman.

Subsequently, the Committee resolved (7 for, and the Chair not voting) to:

GRANT planning permission subject to a S106 Legal Agreement with the following Heads of Terms:

a) Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery and monitoring

And the following conditions and informatives:

Conditions

1)    Timescale

The development hereby permitted shall be commenced within three years from the date of this decision.

Reason: To comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

2)    Approved Plans

Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority, the development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the plans:

· 150_3000_P1

· 150_3001_P1

· 150_3013_P1

· 150_3012_P1

· 150_3010_P1

· 150_3011_P1

· 150_3014_P1

· 150_3015_P1

· SK19

· WTL684-GRA-XX-XX-DR-L-1101-P Rev 01

· WTL684-GRA-XX-XX-DR-L-1301-P Rev 01

· WTL684-GRA-XX-XX-DR-L-1102-P Rev 01,

All received by the local  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.