Planning and Environment

Minutes of a meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee held at the Town Hall, High Street, Chippenham on Thursday 05 June 2008 at 7.00pm.

PRESENT:Councillor WA Wood (in the Chair) Councillors Mrs SA Gibson, ACG Noblet, JA Phillips, Mrs NM Phillips, DLB Powell, JR Scragg, Mrs ME Stickland and Ms S Veitch

ALSO PRESENT: Councillor Mrs SK Doubell

PUBLIC PRESENT: Mr and Mrs J Palmer, 86 Hardens Mead, Chippenham Mr J Moore, 100 Hardens Mead, Chippenham Mr G Smith, 251 Hardens Mead, Chippenham Mrs A Satchell, 7 Hither Farm, Stanley, Chippenham

A further 6 members of the public were present.

OFFICERS PRESENT: CNA Williams (Head of Support Services)

Mr M Craggs, DPDS Regional Ltd., Consultants M/s K Norris, DPDS Regional Ltd., Consultants Mr R Stone, Estates Director, Wiltshire College Mr J Baker, Ellis Williams, Architects

1. APOLOGIES

   Apologies for absence were received from Councillors PR Darby, Mrs SE Oakes, RHP Purdon and Ms FK Wilson.

2. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

   No declaration of interest as defined by the Code of Conduct in the current approved Standing Orders was received.

3. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

   The following members of the public confirmed that they wished to speak in connection with the matters referred to in Minute 28/08:-

   Mr and Mrs J Palmer
   Mr G Smith
   Mr J Moore
   Mrs A Satchell

   It was agreed that their questions, and any submissions, would be formally considered under the relevant item.

4. MINUTES

   The Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 15 May 2008 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

5. MATTERS ARISING

   There were no matters arising not covered elsewhere on the agenda.

6. CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

   There were no Chairman's Announcements.

7. REDEVELOPMENT OF WILTSHIRE COLLEGE

   Pursuant to Minutes 200/07 and 216/07 a presentation was received from representatives of DPDS Regional Ltd and Ellis Williams.

   Arising from this it was noted that:-

   1. A multi disciplinary team was in place to design the new building and take it to planning permission stage
   2. The proposed building was designed for minimum maintenance, maximum flexibility and in a parkland setting with landscaping etc..
   3. A detailed planning permission would be submitted in July 2008
   4. Funding was available from the Learning and Skills Council as part of its Capital Programme
   5. Construction was due to commence in June 2009 with completion in June 2011
   6. The new building could be completed prior to demolition of the existing buildings
   7. All Members were invited to a public exhibition of the proposals to be held at the College on Thursday 12 June (all day)
   8. Consultation would also be sought at the Town Centre Forum on Thursday 26 June.

   After Members Questions seeking additional information on aspects of the proposals

   RESOLVED that a formal vote of thanks be recorded to the representatives of DPDS Regional Ltd and Ellis Williams who had given a most informative presentation.

8. CAR PARKING TASK GROUP

   A letter was received from the Chair of the Car Parking Scrutiny Task Group, North Wiltshire District Council (copy in Minute Book)

   RESOLVED that

   1. Councillors ACG Noblet, Mrs SE Oakes and JR Scragg be accredited to represent the Town Council at the informal meeting referred to.
   2. In the event of Councillor JR Scragg not being available for the meeting, a substitute be nominated.
   3. Response from the private sector relating to the effect of car parking charges on local businesses be sought at the Town Centre Forum on Thursday 26 June.
9. NORTH WILTSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL: GYPSY AND TRAVELLER ISSUES AND OPTIONS, NOTICE OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION

   At the invitation of the Chairman, the members of the public itemised in Minute 22/08 above tabled questions and spoke to outline their concerns about the current proposals by North Wiltshire District Council, in particular relating to the effect on their own communities.

   After careful consideration of the points made and an overview of the current proposals

   RESOLVED that

   1. A formal objection be made to North Wiltshire District Council in respect of the proposed site on land at Long Close and Hardens Mead, Chippenham on the following grounds:-

      The proposed site is the only public open space between London Road and the river and is protected by a statutory requirement of the original planning permission. Protection of this open space should be paramount to ensure that it can remain as an amenity for all residents.

      The development as proposed would be contrary to this Council's policy to protect the river valley which is of paramount importance, is detrimental to the amenity of the area and detrimental to the existing residents.

      The proposed site is on a flood plain, becomes waterlogged and has poor highway access.

   2. A formal objection be made to North Wiltshire District Council in respect of both proposed sites on land at Stanley Lane, Chippenham on the following grounds:-

      Either of the proposed sites would provide a facility of a size which could not be assimilated by the existing community and would therefore be detrimental to it.

      The proposed sites are off a highway with no pedestrian provision.

      The proposed development would be premature.

   In conclusion, the members of the public present recorded their thanks to the Town Council for the above policy decisions.

10. PROPOSED TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURES/TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

    Road Closure Application for Chippenham Half Marathon

    A letter was received from the Assistant Solicitor, North Wiltshire District Council (copy in Minute Book)

    RESOLVED that no objection be raised.

11. CONSULTATION UNDER LICENSING ACT 2003/PUBLIC NTERTAINMENT LICENCES

    There were no applications for consideration.

12. APPEAL NOTICES AND DECISIONS

    There were no appeal notices or decisions.

13. LOCAL PLAN ISSUES

    There were no Local Plan issues for consideration.

14. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

    RESOLVED that the attached list of observations on planning applications be submitted to North Wiltshire District Council.

15. PRESS RELEASE

    RESOLVED that a formal Press Release be issued regarding the objection to all the proposed gypsy sites at Long Close/Hardens Mead and Stanley Lane.

The meeting closed at 8.30pm.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS - 05 June 2008

N.08/01094/FUL Two storey extension and room in roof space at 9 Deansway, Chippenham for Mr Jones. - No objection

N.08/01096/LBC Repairs to footbridge, including remedial works to trustles, stairs and landings together with the replacement of 2 spans - footbridge, south west end of Chippenham Railway Station for Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd. - No objection subject to compliance with requirements of Disability Discrimination Act

N.08/01097/FUL Conservatory at 66 Queens Crescent, Chippenham for Mr Rust. - No objection

N.08/01175/TCA Fell six sycamore trees at 63 St. Mary Street, Chippenham from Dr & Mrs Tromp. - No objection subject to the approval of the Tree Preservation Officer and agreement on a suitable replacement tree planting programme

N.08/01207/FUL First floor extension at 1 Bodman Close, Chippenham for Mr and Mrs Dixon. - No objection

N.08/01216/FUL Alteration to roof and gable end at 48 Dallas Road, Chippenham for Mr Bunning. - No objection

N.08/01220/FUL Single storey extension & flat roof to front and porch to be replaced with lean-to roof at 30 Elmwood, Chippenham for Mr Fishwick. - No objection

N.08/01240/FUL Erection of building as Chandlery shop (Revision to 07/01154/FUL) at 47 Hill Corner Road, Chippenham for P & I Boats. - No objection

N.08/01249/TPO Tree surgery work to oak tree at Pewsham Play Area, Chippenham for Chippenham Town Council. - No comment as CTC application

N.08/1252/ADVReplace existing signage to building and site; additional signage to building and site. Former Somerfield store, The Emery Centre, Emery Gate, Chippenham for Tesco Stores Ltd. - Objection to sign G only as being intrusive in a conservation area

N.08/01253/ADV Directional signage to and within basement car park; customer signage within basement car park. Former Somerfield store, the Emery Centre, Emery Gate, Chippenham for Tesco Stores Ltd. - Objection to size of sign 5 as being detrimental to the conservation area

N. 08/01269/FUL Conservatory at 4 Elizabeth Place, Pewsham, Chippenham for Mr and Mrs Sparkes. - No objection

N.08/01272/FUL Rear Conservatory at 4 Yewstock Crescent West, Chippenham for Mr and Mrs Sharp. - No objection

N.08/01276/FUL Conservatory at 103 Sheldon Road, Chippenham for Mr and Mrs Smith. - No objection