STORRINGTON & SULLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Development Committee held in The Skylight Room, The Sullington Parish Hall, Thakeham Road, Storrington, on Thursday, 8th November, 2007, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

Present:              Mrs. A. Worthington-Leese in the Chair, Mr. J. Macey, Mr. A. Mullard             and Mrs L Wheatley.

In Attendance:    Mr A Aldridge
            1 Member of the Public

69.    Apologies for Absence were received from Mr. R. Dawe (previous engagement) and Mr D Roper.  The reasons for absence were duly ACCEPTED.

70.    To Receive Declarations of Interest from Members.  There were no declarations of interest.

71.    To Approve and Sign the Minutes of the Last Meeting held on the 13th September July, 2007.  These Minutes were duly APPROVED as being a correct record of the proceedings thereat and were signed by the Chairman.

    Matters Arising :-

72.    Minute No. 66: Southern Water.  A letter had been received from the Independent Commissioner’s Office requesting further information regarding the terms of complaint.  A response had been sent on 16th October – no response to date.

73.    Minute No. 67: Oak End, Sullington – Unauthorised Felling of Trees.  HDC Legal Department were still putting evidence together regarding this case.  Mr. Aldridge suggested that HDC “Google-earthed” the site for photographic evidence.

74.    Minute No. 54 – Enforcement Appeal, Sullington Lane.  It was reported that the Appeal for this site had been dismissed and the enforcement notice, as corrected and varied upheld.  The site is to be restored to its condition before the breach of planning control and within 6 months from the date of notice.

75.    Affordable Rural Housing Visit.  It was reported that neither Messrs. Macey nor Mullard attended the Consultation Meeting on 15th October.  It was requested that the office contact Action in Rural Sussex for copies of notes/minutes of that meeting.
   
76.    Planning Applications Awaiting Comment – Appendix I.  

    DC/07/1725 – 7, Pulborough Road, Storrington.  Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 5 x 3 bed dwellings and provision of 10 off street parking spaces.  Discussion ensued regarding this application and it was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED to:

    Write a letter to HDC STRONGLY OBJECTING to this application.  Whilst it was noted that there was a reduction in the number of properties, all our previous objections remained (these were to be listed).

77.    DC/07/2224 – 17, Pulborough Road, Storrington.  Erection of 2-bed dwelling and 2 x single garages.  This application was discussed at length with one member of the public expressing his concerns to this development.  Members UNANIMOUSLY AGREED that:

A letter is written to HDC STRONGLY OBJECTING to this application.  The development was felt to be piecemeal back-land development, too cramped, too close to the boundary, would have detrimental effect on neighbours, sets a precedent for neighbouring properties and previous tree issues had not been resolved.

78.    DC/05/1678 – 5, Old Mill Square, Storrington. Eclipse Bookmakers Application for Provisional Statement.  A lengthy discussion took place regarding this application and it was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED to:

Write to HDC’s Licensing Department confirming members STRONG OBJECTION to this application.  A list of objections and questions were to be catalogued within this letter, stating that it would be irresponsible on HDC’s behalf if they were to grant this application.

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

80.    Planning Applications, Comment Summary – Appendix III.  These were duly NOTED.

81.    Letters of Explanation from H.D.C. :-

(a)    The Garden of our Lady in Storrington.  Mrs. Worthington-Leese explained that complaints had been received regarding the Catholic Church’s wish to remove the Shrine in Church Street/Monastery Lane.  Mr. Wright (HDC’s Head of Development) had written stating that the construction of a new shrine in an alternative location would require planning permission.

(b)    Hillcrest, Mill Lane.  Confirmation had been received that double yellow lines had now been provided on either side of the road.

82.    Appeal Decisions:

(a)     DC/06/2720 – 1, Merryfield Road – proposed UPVC Conservatory.  Appeal GRANTED.
(b)    ENF/06/0323 – Land North of Sullington Old Rectory – erection of building.  Appeal DISMISSED and enforcement notice as corrected and varied, upheld.

    Chairman’s Announcements:

83.    Site Specific Allocation of Land Inspectors’ Report.  Mrs Worthington-Leese listed the sites within Storrington and Sullington referred to in this report.  Mr. Aldridge stated (and Members agreed) that:
 
A letter should be written to HDC’s Strategic Planning Department regarding Policy AL10 – St Joseph’s Abbey – stating that the Edwardian timber glasshouses should be retained and renovated as part of planning.  Also the Edwardian walled garden and other stone walls within the vicinity should be retained - all materials used within this residential development and car parking site should be in the vernacular.  The Inspectors’ Report was available in the office should Councillors wish to read it.

84.    West Sussex Tree Wardens Grant Application.  It was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED that the Parish Council should complete the “Trees For Shade” Grant Application Form.

85.    Sawyards, Manleys Hill.  Mrs. Worthington-Leese explained that complaints had been received from a number of residents due to the untidiness and generally unkempt nature of the site.  Mr. Wright (HDC’s Head of Development) had written to the owners asking them to urgently improve the outside appearance.  If this was not done within a reasonable timescale, the service of a Section 215 (untidy land) Notice may be appropriate.  The Office was asked to monitor the situation.

86.    HDC Reserve Housing Sites Issues and Options.   Mrs. Worthington-Leese had responded to this document and it was available in the office for Councillors to read.

87.    HDC Strategy Consultation Document.  Mr Mullard had read this document and completed the questionnaire accordingly.  This document was available in the office for Councillors to read.

88.    Documents for Councillors to Read.

(a)    WSCC - Landscape Character Management Guidelines – Mrs. Wheatley took this document away with her.
(b)    Campaign to Protect Rural England – Sussex Review, Autumn 2007
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There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.10 p.m.