Agenda and draft minutes

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

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 May 2024 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 Gibson advised that she was a member of the Staines Business Improvement District (BID) board.

Ward

Staines

Proposal

Installation of freestanding non-illuminated totem signs

Recommendation

The applications are recommended for approval

Description:

Installation of three no. free standing, non-illuminated, 2m high totem signs in three separate locations in Staines Town Centre.

Additional Information:

The Principal Planning Officer reported that there were no additional updates.

Public Speaking:

There were no public speakers.

It was agreed that each site would be debated and voted on separately.

Site 1, 23/01218/ADV, Land Adjacent to Elmsleigh Centre entrance, High Street, Staines-upon-Thames, TW18 4PQ

Debate:

During the debate the following key issues were raised:

-       The Committee queried what the Totem was made of and whether they were safe. The Principal Planning Officer advised that they were made of powder coated aluminium with an anti-graffiti laminate.

-       The Committee asked whether any consideration to visually impaired residents and were advised that while it was not a material planning consideration, County Highways had been consulted who had agreed the location was suitable.

-       The Committee queried whether the position of the totem had been considered in relation to Staines Market. The Principal Planning Officer advised that relevant parties had been consulted and had confirmed the location was appropriate.

-       The Committee felt that it was a good initiative which would aid visitors and support local businesses.

The Committee voted on the application as follows:

For: 12

Against: 0

Abstain: 0

Site 2, 23/01220/ADV, ‘Bandstand’, Memorial Gardens, Staines-upon-Thames, TW18 4SD

Debate:

During the debate the following key issues were raised:

-       That the Totem would be helpful to those arriving at Staines via boat or walking along the towpath.

-       That it would be good to expand that initiative to other towns within the borough.

The Committee voted on the application as follows:

For: 12

Against: 0

Abstain: 0

Site 3, 23/01223/ADV, Land on Station Path, Station Approach, Staines-Upon-Thames, TW18 4LY

Debate:

During the debate the following key issues were raised:

-       The Committee queried whether the totem could be placed flat against the wall as opposed to perpendicular to it. The Principal Planning Officer advised that it had been considered but the applicant felt it would be less visible if flat to the wall.

-       The Committee asked whether the applicant could change the content of the sign without needing to reapply and were advised that they could.

The Committee voted on the application as follows:

For: 12

Against: 0

Abstain: 0

Decision: The applications were approved

To note details of the Planning appeals submitted and decisions received between 13 June 2024 – 08 July 2024.

The Chair 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.

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.

The meeting ended at 19:38