Minutes of a meeting of the Town Council's Planning/ Licensing Committee held in the Council Chamber, Windmill Lane, Northam on 11th November 2009

PRESENT: Chairman - Cllr C K Langton

Members - Cllrs Mrs P D Biggs, Mrs A Boyle, Mrs S Collins, B Edwards, P Hames, R Johnson and 20 parishioners

Apologies were recorded on behalf of the Town Mayor, Cllr R H Osborne, Cllrs Mrs M Cox, A Eastman, R Miller, S Robinson and R Tisdale

1. Minutes

The minutes of the Town Council's Planning/Licensing Committee held 28 th October 2009 were approved and signed.

(Vote: Unanimous)

2. Terms of Reference

It was RESOLVED to accept the draft Terms of Reference as follows:-

1. The Committee will comprise 14 Members (the whole Council).

2. The quorum of the Committee shall be 5 Members.

3. The Committee shall undertake the following roles and functions:-

To make decisions on behalf of the Council

(a) in relation to the approval or otherwise of any development and/or strategy proposals under planning legislation affecting the Parish;

(b) in respect of any representations to the Local Planning Authority in support of any departure application;

(c) in relation to any arrangements between the Town Council and the Local Planning Authority about the involvement of the Town Council in the discharge of planning functions;

(d) To make representations to the Local Planning Authority on any other application referred to the Town Council and on any other planning matter that affects the Parish;

(e) To make representations to the Licensing Authority on any application referred to the Town Council for comment;

(Vote: Unanimous)

3. Planning applications

0980/09 Land to the south and east of Silford Road, Northam – Proposed multi sports centre comprising 4 internal and 4 external tennis courts, 3 squash courts, 2 sports/gym/recreational rooms, viewing area, lounge, small meeting room, refreshment area, and associated facilities. Provision of car parking and access, and landscaping scheme and wildlife habitat – RESOLVED - Recommend refusal on the grounds that the proposal is not on a suitable site. It has poor access with lack of public transport, has an adverse effect on the environment, would close the rural gap and is outside of the development area.

(Vote: 6 For, 1 abst)

1028/09 Duckhaven Stud, Cornborough Road, Westward Ho! – Variation of condition 8 from Groom's accommodation to holiday accommodation – RESOLVED - Recommend refusal. The existing property is inextricably linked to the adjacent equestrian use which has now ceased and its position is so close to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Coastal Preservation Area that conversion to residential in the form of holiday accommodation is not appropriate. The Council would like to see this, and the adjacent buildings associated with the equestrian use, removed and the land allowed to be put back to agricultural use.

(Vote: 6 For, 1 abst)

1029/09 Duckhaven Stud, Cornborough Road, Westward Ho! – Variation of condition 04 granted in 2003 from occupied by staff to occupied for holiday use – RESOLVED - Recommend refusal. The existing property is inextricably linked to the adjacent equestrian use which has now ceased and its position is so close to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Coastal Preservation Area that conversion to residential in the form of holiday accommodation is not appropriate. The Council would like to see this, and the adjacent buildings associated with the equestrian use, removed and the land allowed to be put back to agricultural use.

(Vote: 6 For, 1 abst)

1050/09 2 Meeting Street, Appledore – Proposed replacement door and fanlight – RESOLVED - Recommend approval.

(Vote: Unanimous)

1075/09 31 Bude Street, Appledore – Replacement conservatory to rear and side of property – RESOLVED - Recommend approval but not keen on upvc and would prefer to see a suitable wood alternative.

(Vote: 6 For, 1 abst)