Agenda and minutes

In the absence of the chair, Councillor Hollick took the chair. It was moved by Councillor Hollick, seconded by Councillor Bray and

RESOLVED – Councillor Findlay sit alongside the chair in the vice-chair’s seat.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors C Allen, R Allen, Boothby, J Crooks, W Crooks, Flemming and Mullaney with the following substitutions authorised in accordance with council procedure rule 10:

Councillor Cook for Councillor Boothby

Councillor Cartwright for Councillor J Crooks

Councillor Findlay for Councillor Mullaney.

Councillor Morrell for Councillor C Allen

Councillor Williams for Councillor Flemming.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 21 March 2023.

It was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Gibbens and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 22 March be confirmed as a correct record.

Councillor Hollick stated that he was a member of Groby Parish Council which had commented on application 23/00077/FUL but he had not previously discussed it and came to the meeting with an open mind.

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

It was reported that application 22/00636/REM was still awaiting final comments from LCC Ecology and application 21/01191/HYB had been deferred. All other decisions had been issued.

Application for demolition of existing outbuildings, refurbishment of a Grade II listed residential property, erection of three dwellings and associated external landscape works.

Late items received after preparation of main agenda:

Consultations:-

1.1.       Following publication of the report the Local Highway Authority has provided comments on the amended plans. The Highway Authority confirms that it has no objections and considers that the impacts of the development on highway safety would not be unacceptable. Specifically it is considered that sufficient space has been afforded to allow vehicles to turn within the site so that the public highway is approached in a forward gear and that the number of parking spaces accords with the Leicestershire Highway Design Guide.

1.2.       The Highway Authority advises that an additional condition requiring pedestrian visibility splays is added. Furthermore, a separate condition, in addition to the existing Condition 10 regarding surface water drainage, as originally requested by the Local Highway Authority, is also added. The Highway Authority also advises that Condition 6 be revised as set out below. Condition 8 is also clarified with regard to the additional space required where parking spaces are adjacent to a physical obstruction.

1.3.       Further representations have been made by both objectors and the applicant’s agent.

Objectors have responded to the published report. Objectors remain concerned regarding the increase in foul sewage that results from three additional dwellings but the agent points out that Severn Trent Water have accepted this increase.

1.4.       Objectors consider that the Council’s Drainage officer and Severn Trent Water have both accepted the proposed drainage scheme based on false information that surface water currently enters the foul sewer. The agent counters that the proposed solution that is set out in the submitted Drainage Statement was based on information that was available at the time and that Severn Trent have assessed the situation on the basis that no surface water goes into their system and have limited the amount of surface water that could discharge into the foul sewer to 1 litre per second. Objectors consider that even this small amount makes the situation worse and point out that Severn Trent have only reluctantly accepted that small amount. The agent considers that taking all drainage issues into account the scheme is a very significant improvement on the present situation.

Recommendation:-

1.5.       From a planning perspective conditions are proposed, as set out in the main report and below, which seek to address detailed drainage matters. It is acknowledged that Sibson has problems with regard to its foul and surface water systems but it is not considered that planning permission should reasonably be refused based on these matters. It is considered though that, given the existing issues, the Parish Council, Severn Trent, the Lead Local Flood Authority and the Environment Agency are consulted with regard to Conditions 10 and 18.

1.6.       For clarity, further to paragraph 2.2 of the main report the reasons for refusal of the earlier scheme for 4 additional dwellings on the site are:

1.         The proposal  ...  view the full agenda text for item 360.

Application for demolition of existing outbuildings, refurbishment of a grade II listed residential property, erection of three dwellings and associated external landscape works.

Two objectors, an agent and the ward councillor spoke on this application.

Notwithstanding the officer recommendation that permission be granted, members were concerned about the drainage and flooding issues. It was moved by Councillor Furlong and seconded by Councillor Roberts that permission be refused for these reasons.

Councillor Findlay, seconded by Councillor Cartwright, proposed that the matter be deferred for further consideration, however following discussion the motion was withdrawn.

Upon being put to the vote, the motion to refuse permission was CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED – permission be refused as the proposed development would be contrary to policy DM7 of the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies DPD and policy S6 of the Sheepy Neighbourhood Plan as it fails to sufficiently address flood risk and the management of surface water and would significantly adversely impact upon water quality, ecology and foul and surface water drainage functions and would increase flood risk and pollution.

Councillor Furlong left the meeting at 7.30pm.

Application for variation of conditions 2 and 7 of planning permission 22/00639/FUL. Amendment to erect a single storey rear extension to plots 1 and 2, remove and replace detached garage for plot 1 with hardstanding.

Late items received after preparation of main agenda:

Consultations:-

1.1.       One further objection has been received for this application since the report was finalised which states the following;

‘Condition 2

The site is small and an extension to both 4-bed executive dwellings would be an over-development of the site. The only reason the garage on plot 1 has been removed from the application is because the developer has NOT been given permission by the neighbour to remove an ancient hedgerow. The site is so tight already the developer needs the extra space provided by the hedge removal.  The site is already over-developed with two 4-bed executives detailed in the original application.

Condition 7

The developer would like Condition 7 removed as he knows there will be an issue with parking. There is NO turning circle at the end of Sketchley Lane, this area belongs to number 16 Sketchley Lane.  If Condition 7 is removed from the application and the dwellings can be sold before the parking facilities have been implemented the developer will be able to walk away with a full bank balance leaving the resident's of Ratcliffe with an ongoing parking problem. By keeping Condition 7 as a condition the developer will have to provide the facilities as agreed when the initial application was granted.’

1.2.       No further late items have been received.

Application for variation of conditions 2 and 7 of planning permission 22/00639/FUL – amendment to erect a single storey rear extension to plots 1 and 2, remove and replace detached garage for plot 1 with hardstanding.

An objector and the agent spoke on this application.

It was moved by Councillor Findlay, seconded by Councillor Lynch and

RESOLVED – permission be granted subject to the conditions contained in the officer’s report.

Application for two storey dwelling house and two storey detached garage with driveway and landscaping to land south of 7 Dean Road

Application for proposed two storey dwellinghouse and two storey detached garage with driveway and landscaping to land south of 7 Dean Road.

The agent spoke on this application.

Notwithstanding the officer’s recommendation that permission be granted, members felt that the proposal was out of keeping with the character and appearance of the area and had an adverse impact on residential amenity. It was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Gibbens and

RESOLVED – permission be refused due to the proposal being out of keeping with the character and appearance of the area and the adverse impact on residential amenity as a result of the size and siting of the proposed development contrary to policy DM10 of the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies DPD.

Application for conversion of garage to office and bedroom with en-suite (retrospective)

Application for proposed conversion of garage to office and bedroom with en-suite.

An objector, two representatives of the applicant and a representative of the parish council spoke on this application.

Members expressed concern about the impact of the development on the character of the area and felt that the committee would benefit from a site visit. Concern was also expressed about delegating the final conditions to the Head of Planning. It was requested that the chair be asked to allow public speaking when the application was brought back to the committee. It was moved by Councillor Cartwright, seconded by Councillor Bray and

RESOLVED – the application be deferred for a site visit.

Application for erection of three sculpture works (The Calm before the Storm).

Late items received after preparation of main agenda:

Introduction:-

1.1.       Following the publication of the report, the Applicant has provided clarification for the choice if Portland Stone and has highlighted an amendment to the round base dais material from granite to basalt.

Clarification of Portland Stone

1.2.       Jordans Basebed, or high grade Whitbed are traditional high quality stones used for statuary in the UK. With regards to the depth of the cape section, the new section drawing shows the actual hidden depth of the cape, being in excess of 100mm. JordansBasebed weathers at a rate of 3-4mm per 100 years, though greater in severe exposures or on the edges of stonework. (Weathering rates are based on the BRE interpretation of historical data dating from 1932).

1.3.       The available bed heights of Portland vary, the Applicant may decide on blocks with a height of 500mm or perhaps 800mm, so the jointing makeup of the sculpture will change accordingly. The dowelled joints will be very tight and, “Pretty invisible,” after being worked back.

Amendment of round base dais from granite to basalt

1.4.       Basalt is more hardwearing than limestone, but the Applicant states that it would serve as an extremely hard mowing edge, and protective edge to the Portland Stone. The Applicant also considers basalt to be a very effective barrier in preventing salts leaching into the Portland Stone, which causes discolouration. 

1.5.       The Applicant suggests that basalt has a much more natural feel than granite with opportunities for contrast in texture and colouring. The design concept does include a reflective pool, which allows the viewer to look up at Richard’s face. Therefore, a small circular mirror-polished section is something that the Applicant would like to achieve if possible.  The latest drawing shows the figure set within the circle of basalt as well as the mowing strip of riven granite cubes. The head has some scale to it and will be very substantially jointed and also strengthened by added drapery, but it is sensible to be within the protective stone circle.

1.6       No further late items have been received.

Application for erection of three sculpture works (The calm before the storm).

It was moved by Councillor Cartwright, seconded by Councillor Bray and

RESOLVED –

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

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

Application for erection of sculpture work (The Storm Breaks)

Application for erection of sculpture work (The storm breaks).

It was moved by Councillor Cartwright, seconded by Councillor Bray and

RESOLVED –

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

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

Application for erection of sculpture work (Piecing together the Past)

Application for erection of sculpture work (Piecing together the past).

It was moved by Councillor Cartwright, seconded by Councillor Bray and

RESOLVED –

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

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

To report on progress relating to various appeals.

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