Notes & Decisions of the Planning and Development Committee Meeting
Held on Wed 20th January 2021 at 7.30pm via Zoom
| Planning Committee Members: | Bob Tyrrell, Brian Butcher, Murray Harlow, Norma Smith, Andrew Savage, Ex officio member Chris Stevenson and Laura Walkingshaw (Parish Clerk) | Next meeting:
Wed 17th Feb 2021 at 7.30pm via Zoom (review of VDS after meeting) |
| Apologies: | None | |
| Members of the public present: | Two members of the public | |
| Declarations of Interest: | None |
It is the aim of the Parish Council to seek a high standard of design for all new developments and extensions in the Village.
The Parish Council will take into account the Village Design Statement and the West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan, emerging planning policy and CBC Planning policies when making comments and decisions on Planning Applications
Item 1: To receive any pre-application representations regarding proposed planning applications.
The owner of Twain, Chapel Lane, PA 202600 spoke to the Planning Committee in regard to her current application and the Planning Committee’s previous comment, submitted to the CBC planning portal in Dec 2020:
“The Parish Council has no objection in principle to an extension on this property, however the current application is simply not appropriate in such a prominent position within the “Character Area” of the village which the dwelling is situated in.
The Council would therefore refer to PP5 of the CBC-adopted West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan, Character Area: The “Character Area” designated on Map PP5, which reflects the built local distinctiveness of Essex’s heritage, will be protected from degradation. Development proposals will be expected to respect its features and character in relation to the scale, design and setting of any development.”
A debate ensued regarding what constitutes a character area or building, however the Committee advised that the comments were only WB Parish Council’s opinion and that the Planning Committee is a consultee in the planning process not the deciding body, just like any other neighbour. Colchester Borough Council may not agree with WBPC’s comments and approve regardless, we await the Planning Officer’s decision.
The Committee reiterated once more that they had no objection to an extension or improvements to the property but would prefer the application if the roof was a pitched roof and front aspect redesigned.
Item 2: To discuss and make decisions on the following applications:
| Location | Proposal | Application No. and link to CBC planning website | Object / Support / Observations | Decision or Recommendation | Comments made by Planning Committee |
| Inverewe, Armoury Road, West Bergholt, CO6 3JN |
Two storey front extension. | 202800 | Object | Decision | The Planning Committee have no objection in principle to an extension to this property, however the current application is simply too large.
The gable end will be too prominent at the front and could set a precedent among similar houses along that side of the road. The Council would like to see a street view of the application in relation to neighbouring properties in order to see how it affects the street scene. The Council would therefore refer to PP10 of the CBC-adopted West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan, specifically policies DG7:
It was also noted that the existing and proposed first-floor plans are inaccurate as they show the existing ground floor garage doors on both plans. |
| Land south of WB Cricket Club, Colchester Rd, WB (amended plans) | Outline application for up to 18 dwellings with access to be determined and all other matters reserved. | 201686 | Support | Decision | The Council support the amended plans and the inclusion of the wildlife protection area so long as the boundary is now defined as indicated on Drawing No. 1853_015A in the document list. |
| Orchard End House, Whitehouse Lane, West Bergholt, CO6 3ET |
Removal of softwood cladding from first floor. Adding exterior wall insulation. Cladding all external walls with brick slips which match the original red brick. | 210093 | Support | Recommendation | The Parish Council has no comment.
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