Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors C Allen, Cope and Hodgkins, with the following substitutions authorised in accordance with council procedure rule 10:

Councillor Morrell for Councillor Allen

Councillor P Williams for Councillor Cope.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 17 January 2023.

It was moved by Councillor W Crooks, seconded by Councillor Allen and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 17 January be confirmed and signed by the chairman.

Councillors Flemming, Lynch and Walker declared that they were members of Burbage Parish Council’s Planning Committee where application 22/01169/HOU had been discussed but stated that they had not taken part in the discussion or the vote on the item.

To report progress on any decisions delegated at the previous meeting.

It was reported that both decisions delegated at the previous meeting had been issued.

Outline planning application for residential development of up to 75 dwellings alongside associated site infrastructure and open space (all matters reserved except for access)

Outline application for residential development of up to 75 dwellings alongside associated site infrastructure and open space (all matters reserved except for access).

The agent and a ward councillor spoke on this application.

It was moved by Councillor Bray and seconded by Councillor Gibbens that permission be granted. Councillor Boothby, seconded by Councillor Allen, proposed that permission be refused but, being the second motion tabled, this was not put to the vote. The motion by Councillor Bray and seconded by Councillor Gibbens was CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED – permission be granted subject to:

(i)            The conditions contained in the officer’s report;

(ii)          A S106 agreement to secure the following:

·         Health contribution - £33,966.00

·         Library contribution - £2,270.70

·         Waste contribution - £1,790.25

·         Primary education contribution - £128,492.00

·         40% affordable housing provision – 30 units

·         A contribution of £29,285 towards the Coalville Transport Strategy to enable required highway works at the A50 / Field Head junction

·         Travel packs @ £52,85 per dwelling - £3,963.75

·         Bus passes @ £360.00 per dwelling - £26,250.00

·         Provision of raised kerbs, flag pole and timetable case at the nearest bus stop to the development site on Charnwood, adjacent to Bevington Close (ID 2527)

·         Off site open space (sports) contribution - £26,064.00

·         Off site open space (sports) maintenance - £12,384.00

·         On site open space contribution - £49,121.10

·         On site open space maintenance - £103,620.00

·         Monitoring fees.

Application for proposed change of use from farm land to holiday let (sui generis use) and construction of two holiday rental units with associated car parking, landscaping and refuse/recycling facilities.

Late items received after preparation of main agenda:

Consultations:-

1.1.       A further letter of representation in support of the proposal has been received from Leicestershire Promotions Ltd. The organisation are an officially recognised Destination Management Organisation and have supported HBBC in developing an effective tourism strategy, delivering sustainable economic growth. Reasons for supporting the application are summarised below:

A major part of the recovery from damage caused by the pandemic is the King Richard III sculpture trail, creating a network of art installations across the borough, linked by existing rights of way. Dadlington is a key location within the trail which is promoted as a walking trail. In addition, contrary to the view that there will be little economic impact as a result of the development, the tourism sector drives wealth and job creation for local communities. Accommodation along the trail will encourage visitors to make extended visits and enjoy the trail on foot. It is hoped to introduce a system of forwarding luggage to the next accommodation venue while visitors walk each section of the route. There is already a successful business operating holidays on e-bikes in and around the battlefield area.

HBBC is a major stakeholder in the trail project and recognises its potential to drive economic growth. This will not be achieved without the facilities to support visitors. Concerns with visual impact are subjective. The LPA is perhaps not properly weighing the objectives for tourism growth in their decision making if HBBC is to meet its ambitions for a thriving tourism sector. There appears to be a disconnect between the planning approach and the tourism growth strategy.

No further late items have been received.

Application for change of use from farm land to holiday let (sui generis use) and construction of two holiday rental units with associated car parking, landscaping and refuse / recycling facilities.

The agent and the ward councillor spoke on this application.

Notwithstanding the officer’s recommendation that permission be refused, members felt that the benefits to the economy of the application outweighed the harm. It was moved by Councillor Bray and seconded by Councillor Furlong that permission be granted with drafting of conditions delegated to the Head of Planning. An amendment was accepted by the mover and seconder that a condition be included restricting the use to holiday lets only. Upon being put to the vote, it was unanimously CARRIED and

RESOLVED – permission be granted with conditions delegated to the Head of Planning to include a condition restricting use to holiday lets only.

Application for construction of stables and change of use of land to equestrian use (re-submission of 22/00092/FUL).

Late items received after preparation of main agenda:

Introduction:-

1.1.       Since the Committee report was written further revised plans have been submitted. They move the stables further into the plot so that they are 7 metres from the common boundary with 9 Hill Close and now lie outside of the crown spread of the trees. The stables sit 2.3 metres back from the rear fence line to the access track and tree planting is shown to the south of the stables to screen views from the houses and tree planting is also shown to screen the stables from the plot to west (9 Hill Close). Proposed hedgerow planting is also shown on the northern boundary to the access track. A manure storage area is also shown on the north side of the building, between the building and the proposed hedge planting on the northern boundary. The area of concrete pad is clarified and is further reduced from that proposed on both the initially submitted plans and the previous amended plans. It has also been clarified that the store room would also be used as a tack area – a standard feature along with a fodder store of stable blocks.

1.2.       Neighbours have been notified of these amended plans but the neighbour notification period does not expire until 18 February. No further objections regarding the revised plans have been submitted. In addition the Country Ecologist has not yet responded with regard to the information submitted by the applicant regarding great crested newts.

1.3.       It is therefore considered that the recommendation remains one of approval but that authority be delegated to the Chief Planner to issue the decision subject to no new issues being raised by neighbours and to a satisfactory response being received from the County Ecologist.

No further late items have been received.

Application for construction of stables and change of use of land to equestrian use (resubmission of 22/00092/FUL).

An objector, the agent and a ward councillor spoke on this application.

Some members expressed concern about the size of the construction. It was moved by Councillor Bray and seconded by Councillor Allen that the application be deferred to allow for the end of the consultation period and for officers to seek a reduction in size of the stable block. It was requested that when it comes back to committee, should the recommendation remain as approval, conditions be added to ensure no commercial use of the site, use of natural materials and mature planting. Upon being put to the vote, the motion was CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED – the application be deferred for the reasons outlined above.

Application for raising of ridge height and loft conversion to create a 1.5 storey dwelling, side extension, alterations to the dwelling including Juliette balcony to rear and single storey rear extension (retrospective)

Application for raising of ridge height and loft conversion to create a 1.5 storey dwelling, side extension, alterations to the dwelling including Juliette balcony to rear and single storey rear extension (retrospective).

It was moved by Councillor W Crooks, seconded by Councillor Allen and

RESOLVED –

(i)            Permission be granted subject to the conditions outlined in the officer’s report;

(ii)          The Planning Manager be granted powers to determine the final detail of planning conditions.

To report on progress relating to various appeals.

Members were provided with an update on appeals. The report was noted.