Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor R E R Morris.

To appoint substitute Members in accordance with Rule 4 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

None.

Members are reminded that any declaration of interest should be made having regard to the Members’ Code of Conduct. In particular, Members must make clear the nature of the interest and whether it is 'pecuniary' or ‘non-pecuniary'.

In respect of planning application number 16/00308/FUL:

(i)        Councillor Mrs H E Loydall declared a non-pecuniary interest insofar as her spouse, Councillor K J Loydall, had spoken to the applicant. The Member stated that she was not privy to any discussions.

In respect of planning application number 16/00175/FUL:

(i)        The Chair declared a non-pecuniary interest insofar as the registered speakers were known to him, in addition to a number of members of the public in attendance. He stated that he had not discussed any part of the application with them.

(ii)       Councillor B Dave declared a non-pecuniary interest insofar as number of residents had made representations to him. He stated that he did not express a view on the application.

All Members confirmed that they attended the meeting without prejudice and with an open mind.

To read, confirm and sign the minutes of the previous meeting in accordance with Rule 17 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

RESOLVED THAT: 

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee held on 22 September 2016 be taken as read, confirmed and signed.

To receive any Petitions and, or, Deputations in accordance with Rule 24 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

None.

The Chair advised Members that the following applications were withdrawn from the consideration of this meeting of the Committee:-

4.   Application No. 16/00392/FUL - 10 Durnford Road, Wigston, Leicestershire, LE18 2RG

5.   Application No. 16/00393/FUL - 12 Durnford Road, Wigston, Leicestershire, LE18 2RG

1.    Application No. 16/00308/FUL - 55-57 Queens Drive, Wigston, Leicestershire, LE18 2DG

The Committee gave consideration to the application (at pages 6 - 14) as delivered and summarised by the Interim Planning Control Manager which should be read together with these minutes as a composite document.

The Chair moved and the Vice-Chair seconded the application.

Councillor G A Boulter raised a number of concerns, namely: the number of dwelling car parking spaces vis-a-vis any statutory requirement and the general lack of on-street parking provision to service retail units and allow for safe vehicular movements; the potential for overlooking on adjoining properties caused by the external staircase; the loss of screening onto Holmden Avenue, Wigston by the intended removal of the conifer trees; the close proximity of the bin store to residential properties; and the inconsistency of the building’s design with the overall street-scene. The Member further requested brick-detailing to the proposed building’s side elevation.

The Interim Planning Control Manager advised that: there was no such statutory requirement, that the number of dwellings was equal to the number of car parking spaces and the Highways Authority expressed no concerns as to vehicle parking within/on the highway; the siting of the external staircase was within a reasonable and non-objectionable distance to adjoining properties; the conifers intended for removal were not deemed worthy of preservation, but the conditioning of a tree re-planting schedule was possible; the siting of the bin store gave effect to Building Regulations governing refuse collection vehicular manoeuvrability; and the external aesthetics of the building was to be the subject of ongoing discussions with the applicant.

Councillor Mrs H E Loydall enquired as to: whether the external staircase was an enclosed structure with secure access; whether the application complied with any minimum dwelling-space standards; and  whether restricting prospective dwelling-occupants to park in the car park as a planning condition was achievable to mitigate any concerns about limited availability on-street parking provision. The Member disapproved of the building’s corner design and requested that further discussions be had with the applicant regarding a sympathic choice of cladding.

The Interim Planning Control Manager advised that: the external staircase was single-access located on the building’s side elevation (i.e. not the main staircase); minimum dwelling-space standards no longer existed outside the Greater London area and that the eight dwellings’ floor plan area of 44m² was deemed to be functional; and that such a parking restriction planning condition would be unenforceable against prospective dwelling-occupants. He stated that the choice of external materials was a reserved matter and that the discussions would be had with the applicant in respect of the cladding being complimentary to the existing brickwork and the possible inclusion of brick-detailing to the building’s side elevation.

Councillor Mrs H E  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.