MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

HELD AT EPPING HALL ON TUESDAY 29th JANUARY 2008

 

 

PRESENT:       Councillors: 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)

 

IN ATTENDANCE:     Mrs J Hedges

 

OFFICER:                   Gill Ratcliff  (Senior Admin Officer)

 

 

One member of the press was present.

 

 

352.     APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor K Avey.   Apologies for lateness were received from Councillors N Hines and J Lewis.

 

 

353.     CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

 

Committee RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting on 15th  January 2008.

 

354.     DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

Councillor Murphy declared a non prejudicial interest in Application EPF/2720/07.  Councillor Macrae declared a non prejudicial interest in Application EPF/0004/08.  Councillor Miss Starling declared a prejudicial interest in Item 8 on the Agenda. 

        

355.  REPORTS AND INFORMATION NOT REQUIRING A DECISION OF COMMITTEE

 

Councillor Smith advised Committee that St John’s Church would be holding their Christmas Tree Festival from 5th to 8th December this year and that it was hoped the Town Council would consider holding the planned Christmas Market to coincide with this event.   Councillor Macrae advised that the District’s Conservation Officer was currently working on an Enforcement Order regarding the signage at “Speak Easy”.  Councillor Murphy advised that discussions were also in hand with regard to D&A Opticians illuminated internal signage. 

 

356.     PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

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

 

EPF/2720/07

George & Dragon Public House,

206 High Street

Mitchells & Butlers plc

Grade II listed building

application for internal refurbishment works.

Committee had no objection to this application subject to the approval of the District Council’s Conservation Officer.

 

 

EPF/0004/08

18a Beulah Road

Mr D. Marsh

Ground floor extensions and first floor extensions

Committee had no objection to this application.

 

 

EPF/0042/08

9 Buttercross Lane

Mr & Mrs Grimley

Two storey side extension, alterations to existing port and rear garden conservatory.

Committee had no objection to this application.

 

 

EPF/0049/08

25 Regent Road

Mr & Mrs Mahmut

Single storey rear extension and first floor rear extension.

Committee had no objection to this application.

 

 

EPF/0054/08

16  The Orchards

Mr & Mrs J Frost

Single storey rear extension and conservatory, single storey side infill extension, porch extension and change of use of garage to a bedroom.

Committee had no objection to this application but wished it to be noted that windows at the side of the property should not overlook neighbouring properties.

 

 

EPF/0055/08

2 Stewards Close

Mr S. Davis

Two storey side and single storey rear extension

Committee had no objection to this application.

 

 

EPF/0060/08

63 Sunnyside Road

Mr A Lack &

Mrs D Twitchett

Two storey side extension including front porch.

Committee had no objection to this application.

 

 

EPF/0066/08

1 Stonards Cottages

Stonards Hill

Mr Gary Moyler

Extension to front existing dormer window

Committee had no objection to this application.

 

 

EPF/0070/08

Saint Margaret’s Hospital

The Plain

Bellway Homes Ltd

Reserved matters application for 351 dwellings, landscaping and infrastructure

 

Committee strongly objected to this application.   It was felt that this was an overdevelopment, and that there should be more family housing and less flats within a more natural environment.  It was also felt that there could be problems with the access route. The plans as presented were extremely unsocial except for one small area to the front bordering with B181.  Committee also felt that the infrastructure was not in place were this to proceed.

 

Committee highlighted another area of Epping (Theydon Grove) where the outcome of the development had been well thought out.  They felt that the opportunity for a flagship development in character with the town in this part of Epping had been lost. 

 

 

357.     EPF/1748/07 – 42–52 COOPERSALE COMMON, COOPERSALE AMENDMENT TO DWELLING APPROVED EPF/744/03

 

Committee reviewed its previous comments in respect of this application and agreed to NOTE the amended plan and make no further comment.

 

358.     HIGH STREET DEVELOPMENT – McCARTHY AND STONE

 

Councillor Miss Starling having declared a prejudicial interest left the chamber.

 

Committee discussed the forthcoming development by McCarthy and Stone.  Committee were particularly concerned the development would change the aesthetic entrance to Epping.  The resulting loss of wildlife in this area was also highlighted.  Committee felt that there should be a goodwill gesture from the Company towards the Community and AGREED to apply to EFDC for a Section 106 payment. 

 

Councillor Miss Starling returned to the chamber

 

359.    CONSULTATION – ORDERS AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF LOCAL AUTHORITY MEMBERS IN ENGLAND

 

Committee considered the above Consultation Document and agreed to NOTE its contents.

 

360.     EFDC PLANNING DECISIONS

 

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

 

GRANTED:  None

 

REFUSED:   None