Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Higgins. Councillor Sharp was appointed his substitute.

(a)  To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 15 February 2024

(b)   To confirm the minutes of the special meeting held on 28 February 2024

The Minutes of the meetings held on 15 February 2024 and 28 February 2024 were approved as a true record.

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

Councillor Pip Allnatt declared an interest in relation to application 23/00633/FUL, The Chestnuts, 12 Belvoir Road, Redmile. As Leader of the Council, he had spoken to Officers and the Belvoir Estate with regard to policy, he had also discussed this matter with the local MP. Councillor Allnatt confirmed that he would remain for the application.

Councillor Margaret Glancy declared an interest in relation to application 23/00633/FUL, The Chestnuts, 12 Belvoir Road, Redmile as Deputy Leader was also present at these meetings. Councillor Glancy confirmed that she would remain for the application.

Councillor Ronan Browne declared an interest in relation to 23/01133/TPO, St Thomas A Beckets Church, Church Lane, Frisby-on-the-Wreake. As he had been requesting for the work to be done, he would withdraw from the meeting before the application is considered and therefore, he would not vote.

Ashby Folville Manor, Gaddesby Lane, Ashby Folville

The Planning Officer (MK) addressed the Committee and provided a summary of the application. He recommended that item 10.9 is deleted, as the receipt of an Impact Assessment and Conservation Payment Certificate countersigned by Natural England has already been requested within the recommendations. Following the presentation, there were questions for clarification.

Pursuant to Chapter 2, Part 9, Paragraphs 2.8-2.28 of the Council’s Constitution in relation to public speaking at Planning Committee, the Chair allowed the following to give a three-minute presentation.

• John Simon – Parish Council
• Chris May – Agent
• Councillor Robert Child – Ward Councillor

The Chair read an email from Councillor Butcher, the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economic Development and Heritage to say that she supports the application.

During the debate the following points were raised:

• It was felt it should be a condition if the application is approved, that water reports are obtained as there are big concerns regarding flooding. It was also said the fact that Severn Trent had not responded should not be taken as acceptance, an approved drainage scheme by Severn Trent should also be written into the conditions. A reference was made to the previous application regards sewage and water it was recommended that a small sewage treatment station was installed and to discharge the clean water into the ditch on the northern boundary.
• It was queried why planning policy can be overridden on this application; it is the professional opinion of the Officer that the benefits of the conservation improvements do outweigh the policy.
• It was said if the application was passed would it not encourage other builders to want to develop around this area, this has only been recommended due to the heritage conservation, so other building would not be permitted.
• The comment was made that if the application is refused, the existing application for the 2-5 bedroomed houses would impede the restoration of the Gatehouse.
• The comment was made that there is a neighbourhood plan and this development goes against this and there should be certainty around having a neighbourhood plan. It was also felt that the existing application would not stop the heritage conservation as funds would also be raised from this.
• It was felt the main benefit is to owner not the village and should the good of the heritage be balanced against the good to the village.
• The comment was made that the cottages should be seen as encouragement for future generations to stay in the village, especially as they are small homes, they aren’t in the conservation area and the benefits do outweigh the harm.
• The homes should not be allowed as holiday lets but kept for private dwellings.

Councillor Browne proposed the application be refused contrary to Officer recommendations. Councillor Sharp seconded the motion.

RESOLVED

The Planning Committee REFUSED the application contrary to Officer recommendation.

(For 7, Against 3, Abstentions 1)

Councillors Cumbers and Glancy requested that their votes against the motion were recorded.

REASONS

In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the proposal  ...  view the full minutes text for item PL73

This item has been withdrawn.

This application was withdrawn from the agenda.

The Chestnuts, 12 Belvoir Road, Redmile

There was a proposal from Councillor Allnatt to suspend Chapter 2, Part 9, Paragraph 2.10 to allow Councillor Chris Evans to speak as the ward councillor, as he had missed the deadline due to illness. This proposal was seconded by Councillor Browne. The Legal Services Manager confirmed that these rules can be suspended. This was put to the vote and the motion was carried unanimously.

Prior to the Planning Officers presentation, the Planning Development Manager addressed the Committee to provide some context on other work that the Council is undertaking outside of the planning remit. In summary, Members were informed that Planning applications are required to be determined using the relevant Planning Policies and Planning Legislation and can only take into account matters which are material planning considerations.

However, the Council as a whole is aware of concerns relating to the number of children’s care homes currently operating or being proposed across the Borough. In response to this, the Council approved a Planning Guidance Note. The purpose of the guidance note is to clarify and provide information, whilst actively encouraging the applicant to go down the formal planning application submission route.

Planning Officer (AS) then addressed the Committee and provided a summary of the application. Following the presentation, Members asked the Officer questions of clarification.

Pursuant to Chapter 2, Part 9, Paragraphs 2.8-2.28 of the Council’s Constitution in relation to public speaking at Planning Committee, the Chair allowed the following to give a three-minute presentation.

• Ian Lowther – Parish Council
• Jim Greaves – Objector
• Jill Palmer/Melainie Dougill – Applicant, Esland
• Councillor Chris Evans – Ward Councillor

The Chair also read out an email he had received from Ward Councillor Simon Orson, which he had agreed to read out before Councillor Evans requested to speak. Councillor Orson was requesting the Committee to refuse the application.

Questions that were asked to the speakers:

• Is there proof that the ASB increased significantly once the two homes had opened.  Members were advised that there were minor instances when the first home opened but had increased significantly once there were two, with the Police being frequently called out.
• It was asked if the disturbances were overnight and members were advised a lot of these instances are in the early hours.
• The applicant was asked what they would do to stop the children from their home being out at night, Members were assured the staff are fully trained and they have not had any instances of ASB being reported in any of their existing homes.
• It was asked if the decision to purchase the home in Redmile had taken into account there are already existing children’s homes there and why they had chosen the village, knowing this.  The decision was made on the suitability of the home with it’s secluded location and large garden, they already have homes in locations with other children’s homes and have not had any issues, the needs of the child are always taken into consideration when placing them in their homes.  ...  view the full minutes text for item PL73.2

St Thomas A Beckets Church, Church Lane, Frisby-on-the-Wreake

The Planning Officer (AC) addressed the committee and provided a summary of the application.

There were no public speakers.

The question was asked when the work would be carried out, Members were advised it would be done after the bird nesting season, but checks would be made to ensure there were no nests present.

Councillor Ian Atherton proposed the recommendation within the report be approved. Councillor Mason seconded the motion.

RESOLVED

That the application was approved subject to conditions set out in section 11 of this report.

(Unanimous)

REASONS

The reasons for approval are as outlined in the report.

At 7:18pm the meeting was adjourned. The meeting was reconvened at 7:28pm

At 8:47pm, Councillors Browne and Allnatt left and did not return.

To consider any other business that the Chair considers urgent

There was no urgent business.