Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 23 August as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 August 2023 were approved as a correct record.

To receive any disclosures of interest from councillors under the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, or contact with applicants/objectors under the Planning Code.

a) Disclosures of interest under the Members’ Code of Conduct

There were none.

b) Declarations of interest under the Council’s Planning Code

Councillor Bateson declared he was approached to supply historical data in relation to application 01/00018/FUL and would abstain from voting on this item. Councillor Nichols also declared a close relative worked for the interested party in relation to application 01/00018/FUL and he would abstain from voting on this item.

Councillor Beecher and Burrell both declared they were involved in meetings in relation to application 01/00018/FUL but had maintained an impartial role, had not expressed any views and had kept an open mind.

Councillor Howkins declared an interest in relation to application 01/00018/FUL which concerned a previous matter with Staines town Football Club relating to the call-in of the decision made on the Appointment of Representative Trustees for Laleham Charities Village Hall and Recreation Grounds. She however came to this meeting with an open mind.

Councillor Gibson declared an interest in relation to application 01/00018/FUL of which she was a member of the Thames Club and on this basis had visited the site many times but came to this meeting with an open mind.

Ward

Riverside & Laleham

Proposal

To enter into a Deed of Variation (DoV) to the Agreement dated 12 September 2001 made under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, relating to Land at Staines Town Football Club, Wheatsheaf Lane, Staines, Middlesex, under Planning Application PA/01/0018 (‘the section 106 Agreement’).

Recommendation

Agree to enter into the DoV for the reasons set out in this Report.

Description:

To enter into a Deed of Variation (DoV) to the Agreement dated 12 September 2001 made under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, relating to Land at Staines Town Football Club, Wheatsheaf Lane, Staines, Middlesex, under Planning Application PA/01/0018 (‘the Section 106 Agreement’).

Officers advised that the variation to the 106 agreement was submitted to the Local Planning Authority as an informal request and was negotiated by agreement rather than the applicant using a formal route by submitting an application.

Additional Information:

There was none.

Public Speaking:

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, Steve Parsons spoke against the proposed development raising the following key points:

-Staines Town FC had a 130 year history as a club

-The Thames Club had agreed to provide income to sustain football

-Evidence was provided which demonstrated Staines Town FC was far more than just a limited company

-The Thames Club had recognised the continued existence of Staines Town FC 11 months ago when they asked them to investigate the formation of a community hub

-The Thames Club had not consulted the trustee of Staines Town FC in advancing the Deed of Variation despite their name appearing on the section 106 agreement

-The section 106 agreement should provide perpetual protection for Staines Town FC

- The section 106 agreement still served a useful purpose

- There was no need to vary the agreement as prospective users of the pitch could still seek permission from Staines Town FC

-There should not be a sacrifice of community assets

-Outlets which represented a sense of community and pride should be retained

-Wheatsheaf Park was the only pitch in Staines likely to accommodate senior clubs to play football

-Refusing this Deed of Variation would make the return of quality football a possibility

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, Martin Robertson spoke for the proposed development raising the following key points:

-Last year there was consultation with former officials from the football club concerning their possible occupation of the ground with no subsequent proposals

-Any new football club entity would face the same issues regarding the section 106 agreement.

-It was inappropriate that the facilities could not be used because of the abandonment of the site by Staines Town Football Club

-The clause that required football games played by teams other than STFC to be approved by the club should be removed from the agreement

-It would be a shame for the pitch and stadium to remain unused

-The drafting of the S106 agreement never contemplated that STFC would no longer be in existence

-Brentford Football Club was the chosen tenant to occupy the facility

-Brentford FC was keen to support football in the borough and replicate community engagement schemes deployed in other boroughs which they operate

-The property and pitch had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect and there was keen interest to restore previous high standards

-Rent from football facilities would provide additional revenue  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54/23

To note the Planning Development Management performance report.

The Committee considered a report on the performance of Planning Development Management from the Planning Development Manager.The report was presented annually to advise members of the performance of Planning Development Management against government targets and requirements.

Resolved that the report of the Planning Development Manager be received and noted.

To note the details of future major planning applications.

The Planning Development Manager submitted a report outlining major applications that may be brought before the Planning Committee for determination.

Resolved that the report of the Planning Development Manager be received and noted.

To note details of the Planning appeals submitted and decisions received between 12 July – 06 September 2023.

The Chairman informed the Committee that if any Member had any detailed queries regarding the report on Appeals lodged and decisions received since the last meeting, they should contact the Planning Development Manager.

Resolved that the report of the Planning Development Manager be received and noted.

In light of her departure, Councillor Bateson expressed his gratitude to Claire Browne on behalf of the leader and all Councillors for her contributions to the Council’s legal department and particularly her work on the Debenhams Development appeal.