Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held 12 December 2023 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 December 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

Councillors Buck, Clarke, Dunn, Gibson and Woodward reported that they had received correspondence in relation to application 24/0046/FUL but had maintained an impartial role, had not expressed any views and had kept an open mind.

Councillor Bateson reported that he had received correspondence in relation to application 24/0046/FUL and 23/01234/FUL. He also made an informal visit to the site in application 24/0046/FUL however in both instances had maintained an impartial role, had not expressed any views and had kept an open mind.

Councillor Beatty reported that he had visited the site in application 24/0046/FUL on two separate occasions, including one time with Surrey County Council, and another time with Councillor colleagues. In both cases he had kept an open mind.

Councillor Beecher reported that he had received correspondence in relation to application 24/0046/FUL and 23/01234/FUL. He also reported that he had attended a meeting with the applicant in application 24/0046/FUL and had visited the site. In both instances he had maintained an impartial role, had not expressed any views and had kept an open mind.

Councillor Howkins reported that she had received correspondence in relation to application 24/0046/FUL, and had made an informal visit to this site as well as the site in application 23/01234/FUL. In both cases she had maintained an impartial role, had not expressed any views and had kept an open mind.

Councillor Lee reported that he had received correspondence in relation to application 24/0046/FUL. He also reported that he was familiar with the site in relation to application 23/01234/FUL. In both cases he had maintained an impartial role, had not expressed any views and had kept an open mind.

Councillor Nichols reported that he had received correspondence in relation to application 24/0046/FUL. He also reported that he was familiar with the site in application TPO291/2023 and served as a school governor at Beauclerc Primary School which adjoined the site. In both cases he had maintained an impartial role, had not expressed any views and had kept an open mind.

Councillor Rutherford reported that she had received correspondence in relation to application 24/0046/FUL and had also made an informal visit to the site. In both instances she had maintained an impartial role, had not expressed any views and had kept an open mind.

Ward

Ashford North & Stanwell South

Proposal

Provision of an artificial grass pitch (AGP), floodlighting and ancillary works.

Recommendation

Refuse the application for the reasons set out at Paragraph 8 of the Report.

Description:

Provision of an artificial grass pitch (AGP), floodlighting and ancillary works.

Additional Information:

Matthew Churchill, Principal Planning Officer reported on the following updates:

Revisions to paragraph 1.3 on the Council’s Local Plan 2022-2037 (amendments underlined):

The local plan was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate under Regulation 19 on 25 November 2022.  An Examination into the Local Plan commenced on 23 May 2023.  However, on 6 June 2023, the Council resolved the following:  Spelthorne Borough Council formally requests the Planning Inspector to pause the Examination Hearings into the Local Plan for a period of three (3) months to allow time for the new council to understand and review the policies and implications of the Local Plan and after the three month pause the Council will decide what actions may be necessary before the Local Plan examination may proceed. At the meeting of the Council on 19 July 2023, it was agreed that Catriona Riddell & Associates be appointed to provide ‘critical friend’ support to inform the options for taking the plan process forward. On 14 September 2023, the Council considered a report following the deferral in June. The Council resolved to extend the pause in the Examination timetable until the proposed changes to the NPPF have been published (expected in the Autumn) before determining the next steps and take immediate legal advice to confirm the validity of the minister's directive. The revised NPPF was published on 19 December 2023 and the Council considered its position in light of the implications on the Local Plan and whether Members wished to propose modifications as a result. At an Environment & Sustainability Committee meeting on 29 February 2024, Members agreed to the proposed modifications relating to Green Belt allocations, flood risk sites and the Staines Development Framework, which have been conveyed to the Inspector for his consideration on whether the examination will be able to resume.

Thames Water has confirmed that there are no objections.

The Council’s Spatial Planning Team has confirmed that the HSE was not consulted on the Spelthorne Pitch Playing Strategy.

The LPA has received two further letters of representation, which object to the proposals on highways and parking grounds.

An additional sentence should be added to paragraph 7.83 to read “The applicant seeks to encourage participation in football from groups with protected characteristics”.

Public Speaking:

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

-This proposal caused disturbance to public highway

-The parking provided by the club was in a muddy grass area with no marked bays which encouraged participants to park carelessly

- Disruption to public highway lasted for many hours as the club hosted tournaments lasting all weekend

-Residents on Short Lane, Nuthatch Close and The Nightingales were affected by public highway disturbances on match days

-On match days cars often parked on blind bends which was dangerous

-Disturbance of the public highway would be heightened when more people used the club  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3/24

Ward

Staines

Proposal

Proposed development comprising the construction of a single storey extension at roof level consisting of 5 no. self-contained residential units (Use Class C3); including provision of car parking, cycling and associated works.

Recommendation

Approve the application subject to conditions as set out at Paragraph 8 of the Report.

Description:

Proposed development comprising the construction of a single storey extension at roof level consisting of 5 no. self-contained residential units (Use Class C3); including provision of car parking, cycling and associated works.

Additional Information:

Matthew Churchill, Principal Planning Officer reported on the following updates:

Revisions to paragraph 1.3 on the Council’s Local Plan 2022-2037 (amendments underlined):

The local plan was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate under Regulation 19 on 25 November 2022.  An Examination into the Local Plan commenced on 23 May 2023.  However, on 6 June 2023, the Council resolved the following:  Spelthorne Borough Council formally requests the Planning Inspector to pause the Examination Hearings into the Local Plan for a period of three (3) months to allow time for the new council to understand and review the policies and implications of the Local Plan and after the three month pause the Council will decide what actions may be necessary before the Local Plan examination may proceed. At the meeting of the Council on 19 July 2023, it was agreed that Catriona Riddell & Associates be appointed to provide ‘critical friend’ support to inform the options for taking the plan process forward. On 14 September 2023, the Council considered a report following the deferral in June. The Council resolved to extend the pause in the Examination timetable until the proposed changes to the NPPF have been published (expected in the Autumn) before determining the next steps and take immediate legal advice to confirm the validity of the minister's directive. The revised NPPF was published on 19 December 2023 and the Council considered its position in light of the implications on the Local Plan and whether Members wished to propose modifications as a result. At an Environment & Sustainability Committee meeting on 29 February 2024, Members agreed to the proposed modifications relating to Green Belt allocations, flood risk sites and the Staines Development Framework, which have been conveyed to the Inspector for his consideration on whether the examination will be able to resume.

The Council has received further letters of representation (resulting in 43 in total submitted against the application), which in addition to the previous comments object to the proposals on the following grounds:

-       The withdrawal of the Voyager Place application does not overcome parking concerns.

-       Concerns over the provision of electric vehicle parking spaces.

-       Concerns over noise from the balcony areas.

-       There would be an adverse impact upon water and sewage.

-       Concerns that the applicant has not consulted residents, (Officer note: The Local Planning Authority has sent neighbour notification letters).

Plan 1244.36.2-PA-050 Rev B, is to be removed from Condition 2.

Public Speaking:

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

-This proposal had false assertions on the current use of parking spaces and the protected turning area

-The applicant never engaged with management company to validate its understanding of the development or its challenges

-The number of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4/24

Ward

Sunbury East

Proposal

To seek confirmation of Tree Preservation Order 291/2023 that was served with immediate effect to protect one Yew tree on the site.

Recommendation

Confirm without modification

Description:

On 20 October 2023, Tree Preservation Order (TPO) was served with immediate effect to protect one Yew tree on land at 110 French Street, Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16 5LE.

Additional Information:

Alice Heynes, Planning Technical Officer reported that there was no additional information.

Public Speaking:

There were no public speakers.

Debate:

During the debate the following key issues were raised:

-This was a species of tree which was hard to grow and added to the variety of the area

-The tree was visible from French Street and contributed to the street scene and visual amenities

-The Committee supported the view to keep as many trees as possible in the borough

-The Committee raised concern regarding the size and future growth of the tree however the Team Leader, Planning Development Management clarified the TPO would not restrict tree management

The Committee voted on the application as follows:

For: 14

Against: 0

Abstain: 0

Decision: The Tree Preservation Order was confirmed without modification.

To note details of the Planning appeals submitted and decisions received between 30 November 2023 - 20 February 2024.

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.

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.