Minutes of the 132nd Planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington, on Monday 7th April 2008 at 6pm
PRESENT: Councillors D Mitton (Chairman), P. Critchard (Vice-Chairman), R. Bowrah, C. Hindley, J Clark, A. Govier, G. Goodwin, S. Walters, J. Govier, G. Copley, V. Stock-Williams and J. Lloyd, (who arrived at the meeting at 6.50 pm.) and the Clerk Mr A. Brown, the assistant to the Clerk Mrs J. Thorne, Clerk Designate Greg Dyke and Taunton DBC Planning Manager Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillors R Henley, J Reed and N. Wilson. There was 1 member of the public present.
14656 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Councillors Critchard and Bowrah stated they were members of Taunton DBC Planning Committee and reserved their right to vote differently at Taunton DBC Planning Committee meeting than at the Town Council Planning meeting as different facts could be placed before them. Councillor Bowrah also declared a personal interest in the application at Wellington Playing Field as chairman of Wellington Sports Federation.
14657 APPLICATION FOR 8 MARTINS CLOSE, WELLINGTON
The council received details of the following application: Erection of first floor extension at 8 Martins Close, Wellington as amended by agent’s letter and plan dated 25th March 2008 (43/2008/024). A letter of objection from neighbours, Mr B.T. Gill and Mr M. Sanders, of 7 and 8 Twyford Place respectively, on grounds of overlooking and lack of privacy. Amended plans had subsequently been received which lessened the impact of the proposal to some degree. Mr Hamer said that it would be unreasonable to refuse permission for this proposal now that satisfactorily amended plans had been received. The planning department recommended the use of obscure glazing for the rear first floor windows and the council agreed to APPROVE the application subject to this condition.
14658 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The council considered the following applications: (a) Siting of covered seated accommodation for 100 spectators, additional standing accommodation, provision of pitch perimeter barrier on three sides, provision of portable trainers' boxes, upgraded power supply for floodlights with improved floodlighting, improved access for disabled spectators with provision of refreshment facilities, Wellington Playing Field, North Street, Wellington (43/2008/027). Mr Hamer explained that when considering this application it was necessary to assess the impact on visual and residential amenity and road safety. Letters raising concern had been received from adjoining owners. The council had a proud record of supporting sports clubs in the town and were generally supportive of this proposal. Some concern was expressed regarding possible light pollution from the upgraded floodlights together with the positioning of the seated spectator accommodation. Alternative locations for the seated accommodation had been submitted as part of the application. It was agreed to recommend approval subject to the imposition of a condition re-grading floodlighting and to the spectator accommodation being sited at the northern end of the ground.
(b) Erection of one condenser at rear of building 63 High Street, Wellington (43/08/029)
It was felt that this proposal would not have an adverse impact on the building or on
14658 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL (CONT)
visual and residential amenity subject to the possible imposition of a condition restricting noise from the condenser. Councillors agreed to recommend approval subject to a condition ensuring acceptable noise levels.
(c) Display of externally illuminated fascia sign and externally illuminated projecting sign, 63 High Street, Wellington (43/208/028A). Whilst recognising that it was not a valid planning consideration, councillors failed to see the need for this signage. As this building was in a conservation area it was felt that it would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the building and the conservation area. Councillors agreed to recommend refusal.
(d) Erection of bungalow on land to the south of Furzeland, 104 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2008/039). Councillors agreed with the planning officer's advice that this site was too small to accommodate a dwelling. It was agreed to recommend refusal.
(e) Erection of two panel signs to be applied to the front and side of 1 Station Road, Wellington (43/2008/032A). As this building was in a largely residential area councillors felt that the proposed signs would adversely affect the visual amenity of the area. It was agreed to recommend refusal.
(f) Application to fell one multi-stemmed sycamore tree and to crown and lift a group of sycamore trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No.2) Tree Preservation Order 1997 at 112a Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2008/043T). It was agreed to recommend that no objection be raised.
14659 REDEVELOPMENT OF LAND TO THE REAR OF FORE STRET AND NORTH STREET, WELLINGTON
It was reported that three applications had recently been received for the redevelopment of land to the rear of Fore Street and North Street: (i) Erection of 14 apartments in Block E (43/2007/184); (ii) Erection of 24 apartments in Blocks A and B (43/2007/187); and (iii) Erection of 40 apartments in Blocks C and D (43/2007/18). Details of these proposals had only recently been received and the views of the various consultees were still awaited. In the circumstances, therefore, consideration of these applications was deferred until the May meeting.
14660 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Bowrah drew attention to problems he and Councillor Critchard had experienced as members of Taunton Deane's Planning Committee surrounding pre-determination and pre-disposition of planning applications. It was reported that clarification of the situation would be obtained.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 6.55 PM
