1

Apologies for Absence

As listed above.

2

Declarations of Interest

Cllr Munday declared an interest in item 4.1.b, and took no part in the discussion or decision on that item.

3

Minutes of the Last Planning Committee Meeting

3.1

The minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 13^th March 2019 were unanimously agreed and signed off by the Chairman. 

3.2

Matters arising

None.

4

Planning & Development

4.1

New Applications

a.

19/00700/HSE - The Stables Cufaude Courtyard Cufaude Lane Bramley

Erection of part single storey, part two storey front extension. Erection of part single-storey with balconies above and part two-storey extension to rear

Objections unanimously agreed as below:

• Balconies will overlook neighbouring property
• Front extension design is out of keeping with both this property and neighbouring properties.
• Rear extension – upper storey windows will overlook neighbouring property. 
• Rooflights will increase from 1 to 5, which will increase light pollution, and are not in keeping with a previous rural setting.

Clerk to process.

Clerk

b.

18/03133/RET - 8 Pheabens Field Bramley

Change of use from open space to residential land including the erection of outbuilding and fencing

The following points were made by the applicant:

• The original garage needed replacing due to asbestos etc. 
• The applicant spoke with neighbour about their plans before beginning any work, and they had no objection prior to the changes. 
• There appears to be a boundary dispute, although the location plan does show that the changes are within the owner’s curtilage.
• Before the changes there was room for one small car to park.  Now two cars can park easily. 

After some discussion, no objection was unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

c.

New applications

19/00857/HSE - 27 Farriers Close Bramley

Erection of single storey rear extension following demolition of conservatory

No objection unanimously agreed.

Clerk

4.2

Approvals/Refusals/Pending (see appendix A) – these were noted. 

The approval for the Minchens Barn application was noted, and concern was expressed that that the Neighbourhood Plan does not appear to have been considered in this instance.  A letter of complaint to BDBC on the issue was suggested.

5.

Planning Appeals

a.

17/00942/FUL - Land Adjacent To The Oaks Cufaude Lane Bramley and associated applications

The appeal was heard at BDBC offices last week.  No final decision was made, and there will be a further appeal hearing in September. 

Cllrs noted that sight lines were discussed, and how one oak tree in particular was causing some concern.  Cllr Tomblin and Clerk are looking at obtaining a TPO on the remaining trees.

Cllr Tomblin/ Clerk

b.

18/03304/FUL - The Upper Barn, Middle Barn And South Barn Minchens Court Minchens Lane Bramley

The Parish Council submission has been entered via the planning portal.  There is no date as yet for the appeal to be heard.  It should be noted that application 19/00373/FUL for the same site was approved at the last DC meeting at BDBC.

c.

18/03184/HSE - 6 Churchlands Bramley

The appeal for this application was dismissed.  The main issues were the effect of the appeal proposal upon the character and appearance of the Churchlands street scene; and upon the living conditions of the occupants of 5 Churchlands, with specific reference to outlook.

6.

Update on sewerage for new developments

Cllr Bell has summarised the current position, and plans to submit this to planning officers at BDBC, as well as the Ward Councillors and the Portfolio Holder.  The text was unanimously agreed.  It should also be sent to Thames Water.  A covering email should also mention that BDBC officers do not appear to have followed up on planning conditions.  Clerk to put on headed paper and send.

Clerk

7.

Neighbourhood Plan Review working group

The Parish Magazine article has resulted in a few responses.  A further item is to be placed in the next issue of the parish magazine.

         i.            Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA)

The map for Bramley was reviewed.  It will be published in the Parish Magazine and on the PC website.  Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

8.

S.106

a.

Minchens Lane development

• The lockable bollard at the footbridge has been vandalised and allowed access to a vehicle, which exited Clift Meadow at the pub car park.  BDBC have confirmed that there are no plans to replace the original wooden posts by the pub car park.  Therefore, temporary posts will be placed in the next day or two, with plans to make a more permanent barrier later on.  A more robust bollard for the bridge is being investigated.
• Concerns have been raised that the new path and footbridge have not yet received a certificate of completion.  Given that the responsibility for maintenance will rest with the Parish Council, BDBC has been notified of this, with a query as to whether the bridge and path should be closed until is all made secure and properly completed.
• The Clerk continues to liaise with BDBC re the St James Park playground.
• Main junction into the site is also causing problems with people ignoring the priorities.  Cllr Flooks to write to Highways highlighting the issue.
• Staggered barriers at the Doctors surgery are still required. 

Cllr Flooks

b.

Borough Council enquiries

Councillors and the Clerk met with officers at BDBC to discuss the issues.  Since 2014, the s.106 rules have been tightened up, which means the use of such funds is now very specific.  It is very unlikely that funds earmarked for one use (such as open spaces) could be used for something else (such as community facilities). 

A number of s.106 opportunities were discussed:

• Car parking contribution - this is showing at £161k.  This was the sum earmarked for resurfacing work at Clift Meadow.  The work has now been carried out, so BDBC need to clarify if they are going to receive any of these funds.  The likely answer is no.
• Community Facilities contribution – this sits at £197k as received, and is earmarked for work on the Village Hall drainage and car parking.  The Clerk has put the Trustees directly in touch with the relevant officer at BDBC.
• Play and open space contributions - just under £2k is available towards the play park at Clift Meadow, and a LIF application is being progressed to support the proposed works. 
• Football club allocation – this is towards a reduced scope of works that do not include provision of a community/function hall.  The works are for the changing rooms and kitchenette and serving hatch.  The club are working on securing external funding from NGB which will look to match fund the s.106.  The investment in this club will balance the loss at Sherfield Park of one set of changing facilities to ensure future provision is not lost.

9.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next Planning Committee meeting will be on 15^th May 2019

Meeting closed at 8.49pm.