Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2020 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2020 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 Smith-Ainsley advised that the applicant was Spelthorne Borough Council but he remained impartial and kept an open mind.

Ward

Laleham and Shepperton Green

Proposal

Erection of an amenity block and pavilion following demolition of the existing pavilion.

Officer recommendation

This planning application is recommended for approval, subject to conditions.

Description:

This application by Spelthorne Borough Council proposed the erection of an amenity block and pavilion following demolition of the existing pavilion.

Additional Information:

The Senior Planning Officer advised the Committee that a further condition was recommended as follows:

“The applicant will:

- Either - obtain a European Protected Species (EPS) licence from Natural England following the receipt of planning permission and prior to any works which may affect bats commencing and to;

- Undertake all the actions which will be detailed in the Method Statement which will be required to accompany the licence application, based on the mitigation, compensation and enhancement actions presented within section 7 of the above referenced Bat Survey Report.

Or – undertake works under the brief of a Registered Consultant who holds a Low Impact Class Licence for bats.

Reason:

In the interests of biodiversity to ensure the development will not have an adverse impact upon protected species”.

Public Speaking:

There were no public speakers.

Debate:

During the debate the following key issues were raised:

·         The building had looked sad for a long time

·         Proposal had been long awaited by residents and councillors

·         Proposal was the same footprint as the existing building

·         It was acceptable to the Environment Agency on flooding grounds

·         Complied with policy CO1 regarding community use

·         Provided renewable energy

·         Good proposal for a dilapidated building

·         It provided facilities for the disabled

·         Bold imaginative redevelopment

·         The design could be better, it did not set any standards, members need to be involved in the design of such schemes at an earlier stage

·         Electric vehicle charging points should be provided

·         Bird boxes were welcomed

·         Wonderful acquisition for the council in a prime location

·         A café could be provided

·         Additional highest possible renewable energy should be provided.  Photovoltaics should be provided

·         Building should contain ecological conservation of water, i.e., automatic taps and lights

Decision:

The application was approved subject to the following additional condition and informative:

Condition

The applicant will:

-  Either - obtain a European Protected Species (EPS) licence from Natural England following the receipt of planning permission and prior to any works which may affect bats commencing and to;

-  Undertake all the actions which will be detailed in the Method Statement which will be required to accompany the licence application, based on the mitigation, compensation and enhancement actions presented within section 7 of the above referenced Bat Survey Report.

Or –  Undertake works under the brief of a Registered Consultant who holds a Low Impact Class Licence for bats.

Reason:

In the interests of biodiversity to ensure the development will not have an adverse impact upon protected species.

Informative

The applicant is requested to incorporate, where possible, the following measures into the development hereby approved:

·         Electric vehicle charging points,

·         The highest possible amount of renewable energy, and

·         Measures to assist with the ecological conservation of water, i.e., automatic taps and lights.

To note the report of the Planning Development Manager.

The Planning Development Manager reported on the Development Management Performance for the period January to June 2020.

Resolved to note the report.

To note details of the Planning appeals submitted and decisions received between 10 August and 30 September 2020.

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 consider any items which the Chairman considers as urgent.

There were none.