MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

HELD AT EPPING HALL ON TUESDAY 25^th SEPTEMBER 2007

PRESENT       Councillors: K. Avey (Chairman); Miss O D Dunseath (Vice Chairman); Miss M Starling, J.A. Smith; R. Macrae; J. Lewis, N. Hines (Town Mayor) and B.D. Murphy (Deputy Town Mayor)

OFFICER        Bob Whittome (Town Clerk)

Two members of the public were present.

171.     APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

No apologies were received from Committee Members, however, Cllr Mrs J. Hedges requested that her apologies be lodged with Committee since she is normally in attendance.

172.     CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 11^th September 2007, were confirmed.

173.     DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

No Member declared an interest in any item of this agenda..

174.     REPORTS AND INFORMATION NOT REQUIRING A DECISION OF COMMITTEE

The Clerk advised Members regarding the concerns of Cllr Mrs M-L Whitbread in relation to the external decoration of Bar 195. Cllr Mrs Whitbread felt the decorations were not fitting within Epping’s conservation area.  Other Members expressed concern at the uncontrolled parking which resulted in pedestrians having to walk in the High Road when passing the new premises.

The Clerk advised Members of a temporary road closure notice at Bower Hill starting on Monday, 8^th October 2007.  Members raised issues relating to the parking arrangements within Epping and in particular several Members had received complaints from Theydon Grove residents where it appeared parking tickets were being given to residents parking outside their own properties.  The Clerk advised Members that he would look into the matter and report back to Members at an appropriate time.

175.     PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Seven applications for planning permission were considered and the plans inspected.  Additionally, in accord with the agenda arrangements, the Clerk advised Members that an appeal notification had been received in relation to Coopersale Hall School’s application to demolish an existing temporary classroom and to erect new classroom facilities.  Cllr Murphy declared a prejudicial interest in this matter and left the Chamber.  Cllr Macrae declared a non-prejudicial interest in this matter.

176.     EPF/1270/07 - FAIRFIELD ROAD

Following discussions with EFDC’s Planning Officers regarding the above application; clarification of amendments to the proposals and Members discussions with neighbouring properties, Committee RESOLVED to withdraw its objection to this application provided the developer erects a rear fence as soon as possible between the development site and the adjacent flats complex.

The developer reported that following negotiations with the district council about the loss of the community hall at the site, it had been agreed that the developer would pay for community improvements in the sum of £10,000 to Epping Town Council.

177.     STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SUBMISSION DRAFT DOCUMENT PLANNING & COMPULSORY ACT 2004 – TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING (LOCAL DEVELOPMENT) (ENGLAND) REGULATIONS 2004

Committee considered the above consultation document but RESOLVED that no comment should be made in respect of this matter.

170.     EFDC PLANNING DECISIONS

Committee NOTED the decisions of Epping Forest District Council Area Planning Sub-Committee East.

GRANTED:  

REFUSED: