Minutes of a meeting of the Town Council's Planning/ Licensing Committee held in the Council Chamber, Windmill Lane, Northam on Wednesday 17th March 2010.

PRESENT: Chairman - Cllr Mrs A Boyle

Members - Cllrs Mrs P Biggs, A Eastman, P Hames, R Johnson, C K Langton, R Osborne, S Robinson

Apologies were recorded on behalf of Cllrs Mrs S Collins, B Edwards, R Tisdale

1. Minutes

The minutes of the Town Council's Planning/Licensing Committee held 24 th February 2010 were approved and signed.

(Vote: Unanimous)

2. Proposed re-development of Middle Dock, Appledore

Members considered a letter regarding the ownership of a piece of land adjacent to the Middle Dock site in Appledore. The land had been used for many years as a slipway to the river and an access for workers going to the shipyard. It would appear that there was no local information which could shed light on the ownership of the land although it was thought that the use of the land as a public highway, giving access to the river, could be proven although to date insufficient information had materialised. There was also concern about material that had been dumped on the slipway hindering its use. It was agreed to write to the District Council's Solicitor to seek advice on what could be done.

3. Planning applications

0980/09 Land to the south and east of Silford Road – additional information on the tennis club application – Members considered additional drawings provided in support of the application. It was proposed that the whole scheme should be discussed by full Council but on being put to the vote this proposal was lost by 3 votes to 4. It was then agreed that as the additional information did not address the issues raised by the Council in their objection to the scheme it was RESOLVED to note the plans.

(Vote: 4 For, 2 against, 2 abst)

0044/10 Old Coastguard, the Lifeboat Slip, Appledore – Proposed ground floor balcony to north elevation – Members expressed concern that the proposal would be overhanging land not in the ownership of the applicant. However as this is not a material planning considered it was RESOLVED to approve the application.

(Vote: 4 For, 3 against, 1 abst)

00068/10 9A Bude Street, Appledore – Listed Building application for the installation of roof light and sun tile in roof – RESOLVED – No objections.

Cllr Robinson declared an interest and withdrew from the room while this application was being considered.

(Vote: Unanimous)

0095/10 Little Orchard, 64 Cross Street, Northam – Proposed partial demolition and re-build extension – RESOLVED - Recommend refusal. This is a large re-build which will be overbearing for the neighbours.

(Vote: Unanimous)

0158/10 Duckhaven Stud, Cornborough Road – Proposed demolition of existing indoor riding arena and stables and the building of four holiday lodges – RESOLVED - Recommend refusal. The stables were given special permission. If that need has now passed then the land should revert to agricultural use and not become holiday units. It is understood that developments that affect areas of outstanding natural beauty should only be permitted if they are of national importance.

(Vote: Unanimous)

0160/10 The Spinney, Limers Lane, Northam – Proposed alterations to garage – RESOLVED - Recommend approval.

(Vote: Unanimous)

0162/10 Lemon Bank, 99 Bay View Road – Proposed extension and alterations to include raising the roof – RESOLVED - Recommend approval

(Vote: Unanimous)

0163/10 Duckhaven Stud, Cornborough Road – Proposed extension of office block to provide area for cookery school and the change of use of the remaining building to be used as a cookery school with staff or guest accommodation located at the first floor – Members discussed the likely tourism benefits that could stem from such a proposal and it was proposed that the application be approved. However, this was lost by a vote of 5 to 2 with 1 abstention. The Members took the view that this application was similar to 0158/10 and it was RESOLVED to Recommend refusal. The office and buildings relating to the stud were given special permission. If that need has now passed then the land should revert to agricultural use and not become a quasi hotel type use. It is understood that developments that affect areas of outstanding natural beauty should only be permitted if they are of national importance.

(Vote: 5 For, 2 against, 1 abst)

0164/10 Hillcote West, First Raleigh – Proposed dwelling and parking areas – RESOLVED - Recommend approval.

(Vote: Unanimous)

0167/10 Tangletrees, Orchard Hill – Proposed single dwelling with access – RESOLVED – Recommend refusal. The Council considers this to be backland development which is undesirable and they are also concerned that it would increase the amount of traffic using Orchard Hill and the poor junction with Heywood Road.

(Vote: Unanimous)

0170/10 1 Commons Mews, Atlantic Way – Proposed alterations to existing outbuilding and link extension – RESOLVED - Members did not understand the plans. Can the Council have a clearer description supplied please?

(Vote: Unanimous)

176/10 3 Adrian Close, Orchard Hill – Proposed annexe for dependant relative – RESOLVED - Recommend approval.

Vote: Unanimous)