Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 21 September 2022 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 September 2022 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 and Councillor Vinson reported that they had received correspondence in relation to application 22/01017/FUL but had maintained an impartial role, had not expressed any views and had kept an open mind.

Councillor Beecher, Councillor Sider and Councillor Howkins reported they had visited the site. 

Councillor Mooney was attending as Ward Councillor and reported that she had received communications on application 22/01017/FUL and was speaking on behalf of residents.

Ward

Staines South

Proposal

Erection of a single storey rear infill extension and change of use of existing dwelling (C3) to 7 bedroom House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) (Sui Generis) with shared kitchen and dining room, associated parking and amenity space

Recommendation

To approve the application subject to conditions as set out at paragraph 7 of this report.

Description:

Erection of a single storey rear infill extension and change of use of existing dwelling (C3) to 7 bedroom House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) (Sui Generis) with shared kitchen and dining room, associated parking and amenity space.

Additional Information:

1.    Update to Committee report: Paragraph 5.1 – The Council has received 8 10 letters of objection and 1 letter of representation. The two additional letters have been received from the same person that has already written in.

2.    Since the report has been written 4 more letters of objections have been received, most of the comments received are covered in the report. However, the following issues are not already covered in the report:

-       In terms of the issue relating to highway safety, the County Highways Authority has already considered the impact of the proposed development on the adjacent highway and raised no objection.

-       In terms of procedural queries we are satisfied all procedures have been followed.

-       With the comments made on National Design Guide the design of the single storey rear extension already has planning permission.

-       With comments made restricting future occupants to parking permits, the Council does not have a policy for this, and this is not considered to be reasonable or necessary for this scheme.

-       Equality Act has been considered in paragraph 6.22 in the Officers report

Public Speaking:

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

-       A 7 person HMO was not permitted development in a residential area

-       The development would not be a positive contribution to the street scene or character of the area

-       There had been incidents between the police and previous tenants on the property under the current owner’s management

-       There were not enough parking spaces for 7 occupants which could lead to road safety issues

-       Two trees in front of the property had been cut down

-       A large number of occupants would lead to an increase in noise and privacy concerns for neighbours

-       Removing a large family home from the housing market would contribute to the shortage of large family homes.

-       There are already a number of HMO’s in the area

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, Councillor Chris Bateson spoke as Ward Councillor regarding his calling-in of the application raising the following key points:

-       The property had a turbulent history with a significant turnover of tenants

-       Incidents of anti-social behaviour and drugs had been commonplace on property

-       Neighbouring residents are unable to relax in their gardens due to noise and odours from the property

-       Approval would allow up to 13 people to reside at the address

-       Development would be out-of-keeping with surrounding residential environment

-       Parking would be an issue and would create safety issues on the road

-       Two trees had been cut down without a request

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55/22

To note the published Housing Delivery Test Action Plan 2022.

The Committee received a report from the Planning Development Manager and Principal Planning Officer on the Housing Delivery Test Action Plan 2022. The Environment and Sustainability Committee had agreed the plan at their meeting in September.

The Housing Delivery Test Action Plan arose from the Housing Delivery Test required by the government that assessed the authority’s housing delivery against the housing requirement. As Spelthorne scored 69%, an action plan was required. The report outlined central causes for under delivery, what the Council was currently doing to address the under delivery and further actions it could take going forward.  

The Committee confirmed that the pandemic had been included in the report as a reason for housing under delivery.

The Committee resolved to note the Housing Delivery Test Action Plan 2022.

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 8 September 2022 – 6 October 2022.

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.