Agenda and minutes

To receive and record apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

To approve the minutes of the Development Management Committee held on 7^th December 2017.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the last meeting held on the 7^th of December 2017 were approved as a correct record and approved by the Chairman.

To receive the minutes of the Site Viewing Working Party held on 4^th January 2017.

The Minutes of the Site Viewing Working Party held on the 4^th January were received.

To receive and record declarations of interests from members present in respect of the various matters on the agenda for this meeting.

Cllr Gary Hughes advised he had met previously with the Developer for Application APP/17/00633 with regard to a different Application, however he was still capable of making an unbiased and objective decision. It was advised that this was not a prejudicial interest.

The Chairman to report the outcome of meetings attended or other information arising since the last meeting of the Committee.

The Chairman advised upcoming training sessions and encouraged all members to attend. It was also advised that the Draft Local Plan was out for consultation with members of the public. Committee members were encouraged to engage with the consultation process as far as possible.

The Committee are invited to consider any matters they wish to recommend for site viewing or deferment.

No matters were considered for Site Viewing or Deferment.

To receive requests to make a deputation to Committee.

The following Deputation requests were noted by the Committee:

(1)  Mr Graham Simmonds – APP/17/00633, Orchard House, Western Avenue, Emsworth

(2)  Mr Gian Bendinelli – APP/17/00633, Orchard House, Western Avenue, Emsworth

(3)  Cllr Rivka Cresswell – APP/17/00633, Orchard House, Western Avenue, Emsworth.

Proposal:       Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 25no. retirement living apartments with communal facilities, car parking and landscaping to include the removal of some onsite protected trees (subject to an Area Tree Protection Order 2068/2017) and provision of replacement tree planting.

Associated Papers:

https://tinyurl.com/ycac66cd

The Committee considered the written report and recommendation from the Head of Planning Services to grant permission.

The Committee was addressed by the following deputees:

1)    Mr Graham Simmonds, who objected to the officer’s recommendation for the following reasons:

a.    The proposal had received 52 objections from 21 properties in the immediate vicinity, illustrating strong public opinion.

b.    The proposal would had a significant dominating effect on nearby properties by way of it’s bulk and would be 5 times larger than the Orchard House.

c.    The proposal was inappropriate due to its design as it did not reflect the character of the area by way of the proposed materials and design.

d.    It proposal was contrary to the Havant Borough Council Local plan as it would create overshadowing and overlooking of nearby properties.

e.    If approved, the proposal would result in the removal of a number of trees on the site which would be destructive to the local environment. The removal of these trees was not supported by the Council’s Arboricultural Officer The land surrounding Orchard House has significant social value to the local area.

f.     The parking on Western Avenue was inadequate, and an increase in traffic would exacerbate the matter. The parking provision for the proposal was insufficient to support the number of dwellings.

2)    Mr Gian Bendinelli, who supported the Officers recommendation for the following reasons:

g.    The removal of any trees on site prior to an Area Tree Protection Order being applied was conducted solely by the owners of Orchard House.

h.    The officers report was objective in nature and should be supported by the Committee

i.      The proposal would make a positive contribution to the Council’s 5 year housing supply if approved.

I response to questions from the Committee, the deputee advised that no conversations regarding the felling of tree on the site had taken place between the owners, agent and developer to his knowledge.

3)    Cllr Lulu Bowerman, on behalf of Cllr Rivka Cresswell, who object to the Officer’s recommendation for the following reasons:

Deputation attached to the end of these Minutes.

In response to questions from Committee it officers advised that:

·         On balance, the removal of tree on the site was outweighed by the benefits of the proposed new housing and new trees being planted.

·         It was only possible to alter the access road with the agreement of all land owners.

·         No trees on the site were subject to a Preservation Order prior to the area Protection Order being made.

·         The separation distances between the proposed building and existing properties well exceeded the Council’s acceptable size.

·         It was the Officers’ opinion that the proposal was in keeping with the character of the area whilst also including modern features.

·         A soft landscaping scheme was included in the conditions and must be adhered to prior to the commencement of development.

·         Affordable Housing Contributions on such developments was a complex matter which required a decision on balance of benefits and financial gain by the Council in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95.

To consider the Appointment of Chairman for the next meeting of the Development Management Committee.

RESOLVED that Cllr Gary Hughes be Appointed as Chairman for the next Development Management Committee