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PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 08
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 STORRINGTON & SULLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Development Committee held in The Chanctonbury Room, The Sullington Parish Hall, Thakeham Road, Storrington, on Thursday, 10th July, 2008, commencing at 7.00 p.m.


Present:    Mrs. A. Worthington-Leese in the Chair, Mr. J. Macey, Mr. A. Mullard,
Mr. D. Roper and Mrs. L. Wheatley.
    1 Member of the Public

19.        Apologies for Absence were received from Mr. R. Dawe and Mr. A. Aldridge.

20.      To Receive Declarations of Interest from Members.  Mr. Macey declared an interest in planning application number DC/08/1180.

21.    To Approve and Sign the Minutes of Meetings held on the 8th May 2008 and 12th June, 2008.  The minutes of 8th May 2008, were duly APPROVED as being a correct record of the proceedings thereat and were duly signed by the Chairman.  Minute No “180” Documents for Councillors to Read of 12th June 2008 minutes, should read “18”; with this amendment made the minutes were duly APPROVED as being a correct record of the proceedings thereat and were duly signed by the Chairman. 

Matters Arising:-

22.    Minute No. 131: Land between Oak Close and Thakeham Road.  The Parish Council were still waiting for Mr Mendoza (Saxon Weald) to arrange a meeting between the District Valuer, Saxon Weald and the Parish Council to discuss the sale of the land.

23.    Minute No. 157: New Enforcement Complaint at 24, The Green.  Mrs Worthington-Leese reported that the Enforcement Officer had visited the site and considered there to be no breach at the above address.

24.    Minute No. 158: Village Design Statement.  Mr Macey reported that he had drafted an opening paragraph for the Design Statement some time ago.  Mr Dawe had since reviewed this paragraph and suggested a new format – Mr Macey was currently working on this.

25.    Minute No. 15(c): DC/07/2230 – Land North of Catholic Cemetery.  A letter had been sent to the Planning Inspectorate on 19th June highlighting the Council’s strong objections to the proposed application.
   
26.         Planning Applications Awaiting Comment – Appendix I.

(a)    DC/08/1180 – Land to the rear of Ketrey, Woodpeckers Lane.  Mrs Worthington-Leese explained the site location and passed around letters of objection from members of the public, specifically regarding overlooking.  Mrs Worthington-Leese invited comments from the public.  It was stated that previous infill properties within the area did not overlook other properties and that conversations had taken place with the Builder and Architect who were most understanding and constructive.  It was hoped that they would submit an amended proposal.  It appeared that the application would have a minimum impact on Ketrey but affect Brackens and Oakwood House more. 

Furthest point was 12½ metres from the boundary and 8 metres at the closest.  The property was described as a bungalow but was in fact a two storey property with a loft.  It was also mentioned that the proposed siting of the property was due to Fire Brigade access, (however it was believed that a hydrant could be fitted to overcome this issue) and that there were instructions not to overlook Ketrey and a restrictive covenant on the southern part of the plot, which prevents building.  At this point a copy of the land registry (1974) was passed to the Council, showing the land covered by the restrictive covenant marked in blue.  The builders had since made the suggestion that the property could be rotated 45º, encroaching slightly on the covenant area.  This suggestion would have less of an impact on surrounding properties and would be more acceptable.  The Builders and Architect were currently looking into the restrictive covenant to see if it could be overcome. 
       
Mrs. Worthington-Leese mentioned that HDC’s Planning Officer would visit the site on Monday 14th July and that the Parish Council were still waiting to hear back from the Arboriculturalist regarding a very large oak tree on site.  Members were asked for their thoughts regarding this application.  Whilst it was agreed that there was enough room for the property, after discussion it was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED to:

OBJECT to this application due to concerns regarding the entrance alongside Oakwood House coming within millimetres of a very large, well established Oak Tree.  The entrance should be realigned to avoid damage to the tree and HDC’s Arboriculturalist views sought.  It should be requested that all existing screening remain and that sufficient infrastructure be put in place before development in order that no more pressure was put on the already overstrained sewerage system.
   
(b)    DC/08/0238 and DC/08/0239 – Land North East of St. Josephs, Church Street.  Amended plans had been received from HDC; however it was impossible to see from the plans what the amendments were.  Office to contact the HDC Case Officer and request that the amendments be highlighted.

(c)    DC/06/1434 – Cobb Cottage, Amberley Road.  Mr Mullard took this application away to comment on (including previous applications DC/07/1565 and DC/07/2777 to which decisions had not been received from HDC).

27.    Planning Application Decisions – Appendix II.  These were duly NOTED. 

28.    Planning Applications, Comment Summary – since the meeting on the 12th June, 2008.   These were duly NOTED.
   
29.    Appeals :-

DC/07/2230 - Land North of the Catholic Cemetery, South of Kithurst Lane – erection of 8 dwellings for the elderly. An Appeal had been lodged against HDC’s decision to refuse to grant planning permission and a letter had been sent to the Planning Inspectorate objecting to this proposal.

30.    Tree Preservation Order.

    TPO No 1381 – Smugglers Hut, Greyfriars Lane – 1 x Oak Tree CONFIRMED.

31.     To consider quotation from Andrew Gale Tree Surgery Ltd for works required to Horse Chestnuts at the Recreation Ground.  Mrs Worthington-Leese read out Mr W Jones’ report on the condition of the trees in question at the Recreation Ground and it was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED:

        To accept Andrew Gale’s quotation and ask him to undertake the work at his earliest convenience.  The Office should look into replacing the tree which needed to be removed and recommendations had been made for it to be a reasonably mature Lime Tree.
       
32.    Chairman’s Announcements.

(a)     Mrs Worthington-Leese informed the Committee that tree works at The Glade would
         commence on 15th July 2008.
(b)    Mrs Worthington-Leese announced that an Ecological Survey Report of the Glade
had been received from the Storrington Conservation Society that had been instigated by the Recreation and Property Committee.  Office to send copies to Planning Committee Members.
(c)     44 Dean Way.  Mrs Worthington Leese reported that the office had received a number of complaints regarding an extension and balcony to the abovementioned property.  It was understood that HDC’s Enforcement Officer had informed the owners of their need to submit a retrospective planning application for their extension.

33.    Documents for Councillors to Read.

(a)    South Downs Joint Committee Management Plan and Planning Guidelines.  Office to contact Mr Aldridge regarding this document and ask him to review.

   
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.30 pm.