MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND GENE

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

HELD AT EPPING HALL ON TUESDAY 18^th DECEMBER 2007

PRESENT Councillors: K. Avey (Chairman); Miss O D Dunseath (Vice Chairman); Miss M. Starling,

J.A. Smith; R. Macrae and B.D. Murphy (Deputy Town Mayor)

OFFICER Bob Whittome (Town Clerk)

No members of the public were present.

294. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors N Hines (Town Mayor) and J. Lewis.

295. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

The Clerk requested Committee to authorise a change to minute 288, the date shown as 8^th January should be altered to show 2^nd January. Committee approved this correction and subsequently RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 4^th December 2007.

296. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor Miss O D Dunseath declared a prejudicial interest in application EPF/2304/07. Councillor Miss Dunseath advised Committee that she would speak as a member of the public prior to the decision being made but would not remain for the discussion or the decision in this matter.

297. REPORTS AND INFORMATION NOT REQUIRING A DECISION OF COMMITTEE

Councillor Macrae advised Committee that he had contacted the district’s conservation officer, Paul Sutton, in relation to the signage to ‘Speak Easy’ and Paul Sutton is investigating this matter. Councillor Macrae also expressed concern at the state of the paving slabs in High Street and it was agreed that this matter should be included in an agenda item for a future date to enable Members to discuss the High Street and its alterations more widely.

298. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Ten applications for planning permission were considered and the plans inspected.

EPF/2304/07

24 Bower Vale

Mr T. Feldman

Outline application for a three bedroom detached house.

Councillor Miss Dunseath declared a prejudicial interest and addressed Committee as a member of the public prior to leaving the chamber.

Committee object to this application on the basis that the current proposal represents an overdevelopment of the site. Parking and access to the proposed development is exceedingly poor and the proposal is for a property which does not comply with the current building line.

Councillor Miss Dunseath returned to the chamber.

EPF/2475/07

St Margaret’s Hospital

The Plain

East Thames Group

Demolition of existing hospital buildings and redevelopment of 46 key workers flats in two 3 storey blocks with 46 external parking spaces and associated works.

Committee had no objection to this application, however, Committee would prefer buildings with more local character and more representative of buildings in an historic market town.

EPF/2511/07

1 Ashlyns Road

Mr & Mrs Mills

Loft conversion with rear dormer window.

Committee object to this application because the proposal doesn’t enhance the building or the street scene. The proposal to put a loft conversion in is not in itself objectionable, however, Committee felt that more consideration should be given to how the completed building will look within the street scene.

EPF/2549/07

269 High Street

RHPI

(formerly Batchelors)

Creation of two additional residential units at first floor level with new dormer windows to side and rear.

Committee have no objection to this application subject to the comments of the conservation officer.

EPF/2550/07

269 High Street

RHPI

(formerly Batchelors)

Grade II listed building application for internal works to create two additional residential units at first floor level with new dormer windows to side and rear

Committee have no objection to this application subject to the comments of the conservation officer.

EPF/2552/07

1 Granville Road

Mr & Mrs A Williams

Single storey side extension