Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the Planning Committee meeting. She introduced Members and Officers as well as referred to the public speakers who would be speaking on individual applications.

It was confirmed that all Members present could hear and see the proceedings and Members could also see the Chair and each other. The Chair explained that Members would use the functionality of the software to raise their hands to speak and each Member would be asked in turn for their vote at the appropriate time.

The Chair explained that should the remote conferencing connection be lost there would be an adjournment. She advised that the meeting would be recorded and live-streamed on You Tube.

There were no apologies for absence.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 23 July 2020.

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 July 2020 were confirmed and authorised to be signed by the Chair.

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

Councillor Posnett declared a personal interest in any matters relating to the Leicestershire County Council due to her role as a County Councillor. 

Minute PL49 : Application 19/00909/OUT

Councillor Holmes declared she had attended the maternity unit of the hospital.

St Mary’s Hospital, Thorpe Road, Melton Mowbray

The Assistant Director for Planning and Delivery addressed the Committee and provided a summary of application. He updated the Committee on the view of the Leicestershire County Council  and their revised position on developer contributions. He advised that they had read the report and were content that the report addressed their concerns in full  and would be grateful if he would bring to the Committee’s attention that the Leicestershire County Council withdrew their objection to the application provided the Committee supported the officer’s recommendation insofar as it related to developer contributions.

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 3 minute presentation:

·         Glynn Cartwright

In response to Member questions, Mr Cartwright responded

·           on the relocation of the vagrant cells, he advised that he understood there was enough space at the south west corner to the front of the site

·           on the retention of the workhouse, he explained that he understood this was  within the application but understood the vagrant cells had to be demolished to make the site viable and would prefer these were relocated either on the site or away from the development

·           he understood there was a possibility to relocate 2 of the cells within the site

Mark Jackson of Cushman & Wakefield, Agent

In response to Member questions, Mr Jackson responded

·           on the prospect of retaining the vagrant cells, it was not viable to do so. Relocation was a sensible option but there was a cost to this and funding would need to come from elsewhere. To retain a building on the site that was not used permanently next to residential properties was not desirable and would need careful management around security and maintenance

·           on affordable housing, he advised there was none on the site and the planning application was for market housing only. He understood there could be a grant available to help with this but was not an expert in this area

·           On flood risk, he advised that the development was outside of the flood zone. The flood authority had inspected the site and a drainage scheme would be put in place to improve the drainage from the site, and reduce any risk of flooding

·           On the question of density and open space, he acknowledge that new housing tended to be more dense than older developments. The site was not cramped and was typical of other developments across the country. The developer would be responsible for the detailed design of the scheme  ...  view the full minutes text for item PL49

To consider any other business that the Chair considers urgent

Councillor Steadman reported that she had received positive comments on the conduct and background research carried out by the Committee Members.

The Chair thanked the Members and Officers connected to the Committee for their support in all its activities.