Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 27 July 2021 and reconvened on 11 August 2021 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 July 2021 and reconvened on 11 August 2021 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 R.A. Smith Ainsley reported that he had received correspondence in relation to applications 21/00388/FUL  and 20/01533/FUL but had maintained an impartial role, had not expressed any views and had kept an open mind.

Councillor R Noble reported that he had visited the site in relation to applications 21/00388/FUL and 20/01533/FUL but had maintained an impartial role, had not expressed any views and had kept an open mind.

Ward

Laleham and Shepperton Green

Proposal

Retrospective application for the erection of polytunnels, temporary screens, drainage works and landscaping

Recommendation

This application is recommended for approval subject to conditions.

Description:

Retrospective application for the erection of polytunnels, temporary screens, drainage works and landscaping.

The Senior Planning Officer presented the plans for applications 21/00388/FUL and 20/01533/FUL.

Additional Information:

There was none.

Public Speaking:

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, the Committee Manager read out a statement for the proposed application on behalf of Mr T Chamber raising the following key points:

-       Production methods had evolved in line with changing requirements from customers

-       Contractual obligations to provide fruit daily throughout the season

-       Use of polytunnels had become a requirement for some supermarkets

-       The use and range of agrochemicals was significantly reduced

-       Guaranteed programme work for the work force

-       Fruit yield was significantly increased which helped reduce the amount imported to the U.K.

-       The site was screened from view outside of the farm and any gaps would be reinforced with new native species planting.

-       The covering of the tunnels would be removed during the late autumn and winter months

Debate:

During the debate the following key issues were raised:

-       The screening of the site was positive

-       The polytunnels were not obtrusive

-       Green belt land could be used for agriculture and forestry

-       Retrospective planning applications should be considered in the same way as new planning applications

Decision: The application was APPROVED.

Ward

Laleham and Shepperton Green

Proposal

Station of 6 No. agricultural workers caravans on the land for a temporary period of 5 years. (retrospective)

Recommendation

The application is recommended for approval subject to conditions.

Description:

Stationing of 6. No. agricultural workers caravans on the land for a temporary period of 5 years. (retrospective)

Additional Information:

Condition 3 had been amended to:

The occupation of the caravans shall be limited to a maximum of 4 persons per caravan and to persons solely employed to work at the application site in agriculture as defined in Section 336 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Public Speaking:

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, the Committee Manager read out a statement for the proposed application on behalf of Mr T Chamber raising the following key points:

-       The use of seasonal migrant workers was an established method of harvesting and crop husbandry

-       Migrant workers do not have their own transport and cannot find suitable accommodation locally

-       The accommodation provided was of a high standard and professionally managed

-       Without the caravans farmers would not be able to attract the labour force and would result in fruit being unpicked and going to waste

Debate:

During the debate the following key issues were raised:

-       Current caravans are static and in the event of flooding would be difficult to move quickly

-       The Environment Agency had no objections to the application

-       The caravans are needed to provide accommodation for the workforce

-       The workforce will remain on site up to December to remove the polythene once the growing season has finished

-       Who will monitor that only 4 occupants will reside in each caravan

Decision: The application was APPROVED

Ward

Sunbury Common

Proposal

To seek confirmation of Tree Preservation Order 270/2021 that was served with immediate effect on 21 April 2021 to protect one Oak Tree on a land to the north of Hanworth Road (Johnson & Johnson and Lok ‘n Store), Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16 5LN.

Recommendation

Confirm without modification.

Description:

To seek confirmation of Tree Preservation Order 270/2021 that was served with immediate effect on 21 April 2021 to protect one Oak Tree on a land to the north of Hanworth Road (Johnson & Johnson and Lok ‘n Store), Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16 5LN.

Additional Information:

There was none.

Public Speaking:

There were no public speakers.

Debate:

-       The Council should be preserving trees particularly those of this age

Decision: The Tree Preservation Order was confirmed without modification.

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.