Your Council!Your Council

                                 

                                                                   DEVELOPMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE

29 MAY 2008

 

PRESENT:  Councillor B H Dykes, Chair;     

Councillors D Bebbington, D H D Charlesworth, W D Davies, R E Dodd, C Goff, E Howell, M A Martin, R Parker, A Richardson, J I Stockton, C G Thorley and J Wright.               

    

IN ATTENDANCE (FOR WHOLE OR PART OF THE MEETING):          

Councillors D Brickhill, J V Dwyer, W S McGinnis, S J S Mottram and R Westwood.      



DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

1          Councillor Dykes declared a personal interest in respect of planning application on P08/0275 as a member of Wulvern Housing’s Board.  Councillor Howell also declared a personal interest in the same application (P08/0275) as a family member lived within the development site. 

  

Councillor Thorley declared a personal application in agenda item 6 (Tree Preservation Order: Land rear of 194 Middlewich Street, Crewe [Order No. 215] TPO 2007) as an advocate of the preservation of trees in general.                 


MINUTES

 

2          RESOLVED:   That the Minutes of the meeting held on 29 April 2008 be approved as a correct record. 


APPLICATIONS UNDER THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990

 

3          The Borough Planning Officer submitted the following applications for determination.

 

1.         P08/0275       Residential Estate Improvement Works including               

Demolition (13 Houses), New Build (9 Houses), Remodelling of Existing Properties (53 Houses), New Pocket Park Traffic Calming and Other Environmental Works, Sherborne Road/Haslemere Way/Roedean Walk and Greenacres, Crewe for Wulvern Housing Limited    

 

APPROVED:     Conditions

 

1                 Standard

2                 Materials

3                 Surfacing materials

4                 Boundary treatments

5                 Landscape to be submitted

6                 Landscape to be completed

7                 Drainage details


 

P08/0275

(Cont’d)

 

8                 Tree protection

9                 Plans

10               Obscure glazing

11               Demolition of existing buildings

12               Sewer

13               Gates to be accessible by disabled people

14               Details of street furniture to be submitted and approved

15               Scheme for alley gating adjacent to 111/111A Middlewich Street to be submitted with application for development for 1-12 Sherborne Road

16               Scheme for alley gating rear of Stamp Avenue to be submitted with application for development at 7-13 Abbey Place                        


2.         P08/0299       Livestock and Feed Storage Building, Fields Farm, Whitchurch Road, Cholmondeley for The Cholmondeley Estate        

 

APPROVED:     Conditions

 

1                 Standard

2                 Plans

3                 Drainage

4                 Materials

5                 Landscape scheme

6                 Landscape implementation          

     


 

3.         P08/0318       Erection of a New Storage Unit with Internal Office Space and Servicing Area as an Extension to the Existing Buildings, T I Midwood & Co, Green Lane, Wardle for T I Midwood and Co Ltd   

Subject to the expiry of the press notice and no new material planning grounds of objection being received -  

 

            RESOLVED:  That the application be referred to full Council for determination as a departure from the Borough of Crewe & Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011 with a recommendation to APPROVE subject to the following conditions:

 

1                 Standard

2                 Plans

3                 Materials

4                 Surfacing materials

5                 Drainage

6                 Travel plan

7                 Landscaping submitted


 

P08/0318

(Cont’d)

 

8                 Landscaping implemented

9                 External lighting

10               No external storage

11               Car parking in accordance with Travel Plan

12               Cycle parking in accordance with Travel Plan

13               Shower facilities

14               Oil interceptors

15               Bin storage

16               Boundary treatment 


4.         P08/0357       Proposed Reconstruction of Warehouse/Office Buildings  on Existing Site with Associated Parking and Loading (5 New Units, 2 Storey), Land on Corner of Gateway and Quakers Coppice, Crewe for Hopecrest Holdings Ltd                           

 

APPROVED:     Conditions

 

1                 Standard

2                 Reference to plans

3                 Implementation of landscaping

4                 Submission/approval/implementation of details of boundary treatments including gates

5                 Submission/approval of materials samples.  Walls to be clad in light grey and roofs to be finished in dark grey

6                 Submission/approval/implementation of travel plan

7                 Provision of secured and covered cycle parking

8                 Provision of vehicle parking and turning areas

9                 Access to Cheshire County Council specification

10               Scheme of external lighting

11               Submission/approval and implementation of a scheme of drainage to include – site to be drained on a separate system with only the foul drainage  and discharges from storage areas, vehicle washing and other areas where water is contaminated to be connected to the foul sewer 

12               All surface water drains to have interceptors

13               All fuel and chemical storage tanks must have adequate bund walls without outlets

14               Submission and approval of a risk assessment in respect of contamination            

 


5.         P08/0384       Conversion of Existing House to Four Apartments and Erection of Ten Dwellings, 425 Crewe Road, Winterley for Pochin Homes Ltd                              

 

REFUSED:     Reasons

 

1          The proposed development fails to provide affordable housing within the settlement boundary of Winterley and therefore conflicts with Policy RES.7 of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011.       

 

2          The part of the site that falls outside the settlement boundary is not considered to represent an acceptable rural exceptions site due to the harm that would be caused to the character and appearance of the open countryside and taking into account the potential for windfall sites and provision of affordable housing within the settlement boundaries of Haslington and Winterley.  It is not considered that there are planning benefits that would warrant departing from the local plan policies regarding affordable housing.  This is contrary to Policies NE.2, RES.7 and RES.8 of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011. 

 

(Note: In accordance with Procedure Rule 26(2), Councillor Mottram spoke on the application having given the required notice.       

   


       

6.         P08/0399       Erection of Two Detached Dwellings, 69 Crewe Road, Haslington for Malley Regeneration Ltd

 

            APPROVED:     Conditions

 

1                 Standard

2                 Materials

3                 Surfacing materials

4                 Obscure glazing to north east window (House 1)

5                 Access, turning and car parking to be provided

6                 Garage details

7                 Landscaping

8                 Landscaping implementation

9                 Permitted development rights removed

10               Boundary treatment

11               Drainage

12               Brick reveals

13               Retention of garage

14               Approved plans

 

(Note: In accordance with Procedure Rule 26(2), Councillor Mottram spoke on the application having given the required notice.       

 


7.         P08/0436       Residential Development Comprising Eight Dwellings (Resubmission of P07/1175), Land at Kettle Lane, Chapel End, Audlem for Welcome Homes                        

 

REFUSED:     Reasons  

 

1          In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the range of buildings running into the site displays suburban character, in which houses are designed as a series of separate massing units, most displaying added decorative features to each stand out individually both at close range and when viewed from a distance.  There is little group value, and no sense of containment or completeness to the form.  It therefore creates a visual challenge to the muted and subdued landscape character and the proposal creates a threat to the sense of completeness of the village as a well defined and clustered community.  Furthermore, the units by reason of their size, design and bulk when taken cumulatively, will appear disjointed and discordant in relation to the character and appearance of the existing dwellings on Kettle Lane and the rural vernacular and as such would detract from the quality of the built environment.  The proposal is contrary to Policies BE.1 (Amenity), BE.2 (Design Standards) and advice contained within PPS1: Delivering Sustainable Development.              

 

2          In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the new residential developments is in the open countryside where there is a presumption against new residential development.  Whilst it would constitute the redevelopment of a brownfield site it would also encroach onto undeveloped land.  The proposal is therefore an inappropriate form of development and contrary to advice advocated within PPS 3: Housing and Policy NE.2 (Open Countryside) of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011.    

 

3          In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the height and close proximity to the boundary of Plot No. 3 would have an overbearing impact and would overshadow the gardens of plots no. 1 and 2 and would appear very oppressive when viewed from this property.  This would be to the detriment of their residential amenity and therefore contrary to Policies BE.1 (Amenity) and BE.2 (Design Standard) of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011.          

 

4          In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the size of the units is disproportionate to the area of the site and would create a cramped form of development which is out of character with the area and the open countryside.  The proposal is therefore an inappropriate form of development and is contrary to advice advocated within PPS1: Delivering Sustainable Development and PPS3: Housing and Policy BE.2 (Design Standards) of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011.       


8.         P08/0444       One Detached Dwelling, Land adjacent to 79 Crewe Road, Haslington for Miss J Holmes 

 

            APPROVED:     Conditions

 

1                 Standard

2                 Plans

3                 Materials

4                 Boundary treatment

5                 Remove all permitted development rights

6                 No development until ground floor window in west elevation of 79 Crewe Road closed in accordance with a scheme to be submitted and approved.  

7                 No development until first floor bedroom window in west elevation of 79 Crewe Road has been relocated in accordance with a scheme to be submitted and approved

8                 No development until first floor bathroom window in west elevation of 79 Crewe Road has been fitted with obscure glass which shall be retained

9                 Parking

10               Access point to highway authority specification    

 

(Note: In accordance with Procedure Rule 26(2), Councillor Mottram spoke on the application having given the required notice.       


9.         P08/0498       Conversion of Former Public House and Managers Flat To One Dwelling and Erection of 9 Residential Apartments with Car Park, Cheshire Cheese, 56 Crewe Road, Nantwich for Alexandra Countryside Investments Ltd              

           

DEFERRED:                 Reason   

 

For further information and consultation with the public to ascertain the contribution of the facility to the community.    

 

(Note: In accordance with Procedure Rule 26(2), Councillor McGinnis spoke on the application having given the required notice.       

 


10.       P08/0499       Conversion of Barns into 7 Residential Units, Amendment to Approved P05/1420, Dodcott Grange, Lodmore Lane, Burleydam for Mr D Harris         

 

APPROVED:     Conditions

 

1                 Materials

2                 Details of garage doors

3                 Boundary treatment

4                 Surfacing of driveway

5                 Removal of livestock buildings shown for removal

6                 Rebuilding contained areas identified in structural survey

7                 Retention of ventilation apertures and dentil course

8                 Parking provision

9                 Visibility splays and passing places

10               No enlargement or alteration

11               No incidental buildings within curtlidge

12               Septic tank

13               Approved plans


11.       P08/0504       Conversion of Remaining Structures of Barn and Reconstruction of Collapsed Barn to Form Four Dwellings, Little Heath Barn, Cheshire Street, Audlem for Markden Homes

 

            RESOLVED:  That the application be referred to full Council for determination as a departure from the Borough of          Crewe & Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011 with a recommendation to APPROVE subject to the following conditions:

 

1                 Standard

2                 Plans

3                 Materials to use reclaimed materials  

4                 Drainage details

5                 Vehicular access details

6                 Removal of agricultural buildings

7                 Boundary treatments

8                 Surfacing materials

9                 Residential curtlidge to be defined

10               Removal of permitted development rights

11               Landscaping scheme

12               Implementation of landscaping

13               Metal rainwater goods

14               Timber windows and doors

15               Timber garage doors

16               Conservation roof lights

17               Tree protection

18               Implementation of tree protection

19               Sample brick panel to be constructed for approval       

 


12.       P08/0513       Change of Use from Redundant Agricultural Buildings to Five Dwellings and Demolition of Modern Agricultural Buildings, Dorfold Dairy House, Dig Lane, Acton for Mr R Roundell                  

                       

            RESOLVED:  That authority be delegated to the Development Control Manager to APPROVE the application subject to negotiations relating to the garaging, parking and hard-standing layout on the site and the following conditions -  

 

1                 Standard

2                 Plans

3                 Materials

4                 Compliance with structural report

5                 Removal of modern agricultural buildings

6                 Roof lights to finish flush with roof

7                 Details of treatment of ventilation openings

8                 Bin stores

9                 Contaminated land report

10               Removal of permitted development rights for extensions, roof alterations, outbuildings, means of enclosure

11               Define extent of curtidge

12               Drainage

13               Timber windows/doors and reveal

14               Metal rainwater goods

15               Boundary treatment

16               Landscaping scheme

17               Implementation of landscaping

18               Retention of open bay to Barn 1

19               Graduated slate pattern

20               Works to stop if protected species are found

21               Mitigation measures for bats

22               Mitigation measures for nesting birds (including barn owls)

23               Inspection for nesting birds prior to the commencement of development

24               Surfacing materials

25               Trusses, beams and rafters to remain

26               Passing places and access details onto Dig Lane

27               Hedgerow removal to be outside nesting season and replacements planted

28               Agricultural buildings not to be used for livestock or manure         

 


13.       P08/0514       Erection of Five Dwellings and Part Amendment to Approved Layout of Planning Application P06/1237, Land to Rear of 201-213 Middlewich Street, Crewe for Mr N Reynolds   

 

REFUSED:     Reasons    

 

1          The proposal fails to achieve a high standard of design due to the inappropriate design characteristics of the terrace block which fails to respect the pattern and character of the proposed street scene and would furthermore involve the storage of waste receptacles on the frontage of Plot 18 resulting in an adverse affect on the proposed street scene all contrary to the provisions of Policy BE.2 (Design Standards) of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011.       

           

2          Due to the lack of affordable housing provision the proposed development fails to contribute towards meeting the need for such  accommodation in the Borough as identified by the Housing Needs Survey 2005 contrary to the provisions of Policy RES.7 Modified (Affordable Housing within the Settlement Boundaries of Crewe, Nantwich and Villages listed in Policy RES.4) of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011 and guidance contained in PPS 3: Housing.            


14.       P08/0518       Change of Use from Dwelling into Four Self Contained Flats (Amended Site Address), 241 Nantwich Road, Crewe for Mr L Riley                                 

 

            REFUSED:     Reason

The Local Planning Authority considers that the proposal would have a significant adverse impact on the amenities of future occupants by reason of direct overlooking between a bedroom window and a lounge window located 1m apart serving separate units on the ground floor.  As a consequence the proposals are contrary to Policy BE.1 (Amenity) of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011.    


15.       P08/0551       Change of Use of Redundant Agricultural Barns into 6 Dwellings, Construction of 6 Garages and an Underground Calor Gas Storage Area, The Mount, Hadley Hall Road, Norbury for Mr C Gleave                         

 

            APPROVED:     Conditions

 

1                 Standard

2                 Materials

3                 Window and external door specifications

4                 Removal of all permitted development

5                 Surfacing materials

6                 Access details


 

P08/0551

(Cont’d)

 

7                 Contaminated land survey

8                 Implementation schedule of bat mitigation measures

9                 Conversion only

10               Schedule of approved plans   

 

(Note: At this point in the meeting Councillor Richardson declared a personal interest in the following two items as a member of the County Council’s Planning Committee.)                   


16.       7/2008/CCC/7           New Road Access to Join Up to Existing Road on Whittakers Green Farm (County Consultation) for Mr F H Rushton

           

            RESOLVED: That Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council objects to   the proposal and asks that Cheshire County Council consider refusal of the application on the following grounds –

 

1           The proposed development does not constitute development which is essential for the purposes of agriculture, forestry, outdoor recreation, essential works undertaken by public service authorities or statutory undertakers, or for other uses appropriate to a rural area.  It is therefore contrary to Policy NE.2 of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011.   

           

2          The Great Crested Newt Survey submitted as part of this application to identify whether or not Great Crested Newts are present in this area or any mitigation measures to protect the Great Crested Newt during the construction works is considered to be inadequate. In the absence of this information, to allow this development would be contrary to Policies NE.5 (Nature Conservation and Habitats) and NE.9 (Protected Species) of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011.            

 

(Notes: 1) In accordance with Procedure Rule 26[2], Councillors Brickhill and Dwyer spoke on the application having given the required notice.  2) Councillor Richardson abstained from voting which has been recorded in accordance with Procedure Rule 18[2].)         


17.       7/2008/CCC/9           Variation of Condition 14 of Application P04/0124 To Change Green Waste Vehicle Movements from 5 In/5 Out From Site to 20 In/20 Out From Site, Whittakers Green Farm, Pewit Lane, Hunsterson  for Mr F H Rushton       

           

7/2008/CCC/9

(Cont’d)

           

            RESOLVED:  That Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council objects to the proposal and asks that Cheshire County Council consider refusal of the application on the following grounds –

 

1.         The intensification of the business activities associated with the increased vehicle movements will result in a scale of operation that is considered too large and out of character with the tranquil rural setting contrary to the provisions of Policy E.6 (Employment Development within Open Countryside) of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011.          

 

2.         The applicant has failed to prove that the increased vehicle movements will not have a prejudicial impact on the safe movement of traffic or neighbouring amenity contrary to the provisions of Policy BE.1 (Amenity) of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011.     

 

(Notes: 1) In accordance with Procedure Rule 26[2], Councillors Brickhill and Dwyer spoke on the application having given the required notice.  2) Councillor Richardson abstained from voting which has been recorded in accordance with Procedure Rule 18[2].)         


APPOINTMENT OF CONSERVATION AREAS SUB-COMMITTEE 2008-2009    

 

4          The Development Control Committee had appointed a Conservation Areas Sub Committee on three previous occasions (05/06, 06/07 and 07/08) to “Consider and recommend to the Development Control Committee, approval of an overall programme of work over the next five years for the re-visiting, updating and re-consulting of 13 appraisal reports previously approved”.

 

Having completed this work, 5 conservation areas remained to be considered (Audlem [Woore Road], Cox Bank [Audlem], Reaseheath, Wrenbury and Wybunbury).  The Committee was invited to reappoint the Sub-Committee on a proportionality basis of 2:2:1.

 

            RESOLVED: That Councillors Charlesworth, Goff, Howell, Martin and Wright be appointed to the Conservation Areas Sub-Committee for 2008-2009.          


TREE PRESERVATION ORDER: BASFORD WEST WILDLIFE AREA, OFF CREWE ROAD, SHAVINGTON CUM GRESTY (ORDER NO. 213) TPO 2007  

 

5          A provisional Tree Preservation Order was made on 13th November 2007, in order to safeguard a number of trees made up of a variety of species growing within mature hedgerows dividing fields lying to the south and east of Crewe Road, Shavington.

 

The report of the Borough Solicitor gave details of representations received relating to the Order.  Having considered the comments made, the Committee was invited to confirm modifications to the Order which would omit references to a small number of trees on the site.     

 

            RESOLVED:  That the Basford West Wildlife Area, off Crewe Road, Shavington-cum-Gresty (TPO No. 213) made provisionally on 13 November 2007 be confirmed with the following modifications;  

i)   Oak tree originally numbered as T15 and part of Group G9 to be omitted from the Order as set out in paragraph 2b of the updated report;

ii)   Oak tree previously included in Group G9 to be renumbered as T15;

iii)  Group G10 and G 11 to be renumbered G9 and G10 respectively.     

   


 

TREE PRESERVATION ORDER: LAND REAR OF 194 MIDDLEWICH STREET, CREWE (ORDER NO.215) TPO 2007

 

6          The report of the Borough Solicitor gave details of a provisional Tree Preservation Order made on 15th November 2007 to protect an Oak Tree, located on land maintained as rear gardens between 194 Middlewich Street and 65 Sycamore Avenue, which it was thought was under threat from felling.     

          

Representations relating to the Order had been received but, in the opinion of the Local Authority, the grounds put forward in support of felling had not been substantiated.  The Committee was therefore, invited to confirm the Order without modification.        

 

            RESOLVED:               That the Land rear of 194 Middlewich Street, Crewe (Order No. 215) TPO 2007 made provisionally on 15th November 2007 be confirmed without modification.     


TREE PRESERVATION ORDER: 84 WISTASTON ROAD, WILLASTON (ORDER NO. 218) TPO 2007   

 

7          The report of the Borough Solicitor gave details of a provisional Tree Preservation Order made on 6th December 2007 to protect a Beech Tree located to the side of 84 Wistaston Road, Willaston; as the tree stood on land which might be the subject of future development.             

 

No objections had been received and the Committee was invited to confirm the Order without modification.    

           

            RESOLVED:  That the 86 Wistaston Road, Willaston (Order No. 218) TPO 2007 made provisionally on 6th December 2007 be confirmed without modification.      

 


URGENT ITEM: TREE PRESERVATION ORDER - MILLSTONE LANE (WEST), NANTWICH (ORDER NO. 217) TPO 2007    

 

8          The Chairman had agreed for this item to be considered by the Committee as a matter of urgency. 

 

The Committee had deferred determination of Tree Preservation Order: Millstone Lane (West), Nantwich (Order No. 217) TPO 2007 at its meeting on 29th April 2008 to enable a site inspection to be held to allow Members to assess the amenity value of a Lime Tree (T3); which was included in the Order.

 

The inspection had taken place on 23 May 2008 and the recommendation of the Borough Solicitor was to confirm the Order without modification.        

                       

            RESOLVED:              That the Millstone Lane (West) Nantwich (Order No. 217) TPO 2007 be confirmed without modification.    


URGENT ITEM: APPLICATION TO FELL - LIME TREE T3, MILLSTONE LANE (WEST), NANTWICH (ORDER NO.217) TPO 2007   

 

9          The Chairman had agreed for this item to be considered by the Committee as a matter of urgency. 

 

The Committee had deferred determination of an application to fell: Lime Tree T3, Millstone Lane (West), Nantwich (Order No. 217) TPO 2007 at its meeting on 29th April 2008 to enable a site inspection to be held to allow Members to assess the amenity value of the Lime Tree (T3) and establish its impact on residences.    

 

The inspection had taken place on 23 May 2008.  The report of the Borough Solicitor proposed no changes to the original recommendation which was to reject the application in favour of pruning works.                

                       

            RESOLVED:  a) That authority be delegated to the Development Control Manager to defer the application for a period of 3 months commencing from 29 April 2008 to enabled the applicants to provide expert evidence to support the structural damage claims; and b) Consent for pruning works to Lime Tree T3, Millstone Lane (West), Nantwich (Order No. 217) TPO 2007 (as detailed in Mr Griffies' report of 18 January 2008) be granted.               

  


 

STREET NAMING:  MEADOW VIEW, WILLASTON (LAND OFF WISTASTON ROAD, WILLASTON)   

 

10        The Committee considered the report of the Borough Planning Officer which suggested the name “Meadow View” for the development situated on land off Wistaston Road, Willaston.  The name had been suggested by the developer, Thomas Jones and Sons.   

 

 It was reported that the Royal Mail and Parish Council had been consulted on the proposal and had no objection. 

 

            RESOLVED:  That the name “Meadow View” be accepted for inclusion in the Local Land and Property Gazetteer.             


PLANNING APPLICATIONS DETERMINED UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY  

 

11        The Committee received for information the report of the Borough Planning Officer which gave details of the outcome of planning decisions delegated to and determined by the Borough Planning Officer during the period 16 April 2008 to 13 May 2008.      


OUTCOME OF PLANNING APPEALS 

     

12        The Committee received for information the monitoring report of the Borough Planning Officer which gave details of the results of the following appeals:

 

 

Application:

P07/0410

 

Proposal:

Outline application for one dwelling and detached garage     

 

Location:

Land adjacent to Rookery Park Cottage, Rookery Park, Worleston       

 

Recommendation:

To refuse the application

 

Decision:       

Application refused  

 

Outcome:      

Appeal upheld  

 

 

 

 

Application:

P07/0920

 

Proposal:

Conversion of existing building into two semi-detached houses

 

Location:

Unit 1, Rear of Smallman Road, Crewe

 

Recommendation:

To refuse the application

 

Decision:       

Application refused

 

Outcome:      

Appeal dismissed

 

 

 

 

Application:

P07/1319

 

Proposal:

Two storey side and rear extension and front dormer

 

Location:

83 Ashcroft Avenue, Shavington

 

Recommendation:

To refuse the application

 

Decision:

Application Refused

 

Outcome:

Appeal dismissed

 


 

 

…………………………  Chair