Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from Members to determine the quorum of the meeting in accordance with Rule 7 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Miss P V Joshi.

To appoint substitute Members in accordance with Rule 26 of Part 4 of the Constitution and the Substitution Procedure Rules.

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'.

None.

To read, confirm and sign the minutes of the previous meeting in accordance with Rule 19 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 20 January 2022 be taken as read, confirmed and signed.

Report of the Planning Policy and Development Manager

The Committee gave consideration of the report (as set out on pages 6 – 8 of the agenda reports pack), which asked it to note the update on appeal decisions received by the Council as the Local Planning Authority (LPA) during 2021/22.

The Committee requested that details of the relevant appeal decisions be particularised within the report or an appendix in future reports for Members’ information.

By general affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The contents of the report be noted.

Report of the Planning Enforcement Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report (as set out on pages 9 – 11 of the agenda reports pack) which asked it to note the yearly summary of the Council’s planning enforcement activity as the Local Planning Authority (LPA) for 2021/22.

By general affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The contents of the report be noted.

Report of the Senior Planning Control Officer

Mr Tony Parr, on behalf of the Oadby Civic Society, spoke as an objector of the application.

The Committee gave consideration to the report as set out at pages 12 – 39 of the agenda, with reference to the Officers’ presentation (as set out at slides 2 – 16), which asked it to determine an application for the construction of two storey and single storey side extensions, dormer window and internal mezzanine floor area, installation and replacement of solar panels, creation of external plant compound and change of use to a mixed use for offices and café use falling within Use Class E, and meeting use falling within Use Class F1 and Local Government Office use.

The Committee was advised from the outset that the minor operational development arising from the application, if permitted, would not set a precedent for future operational development encroaching into the Green Wedge in accordance with Policy 42.

Having debated the application, the Committee came to the consensus that the majority of the remaining objections raised were not relevant to be determined by this Committee insofar as they were general policy and operational matters for consideration by Council.  . However, Assurances were given by the Chair that he would raise such matters at the next Brocks Hill/Office Relocation Sub-Committee meeting. Therefore, on balance, there were no material planning grounds upon were the Committee could refuse or amend the application as proposed.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by the Vice Chair and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The application be GRANTED planning permission in accordance with the submitted documents and plans subject to the prescribed conditions and informatives.