To receive any apologies from Members of the Committee.

There were no apologies received.

Members are required to register their disclosable pecuniary interests within 28 days of their election or appointment to the Council. A member attending a meeting where a matter arises in which they have a disclosable pecuniary interest must (unless they have a dispensation):

• Declare the interest if they have not already registered it

• Not participate in any discussion or vote

• Must leave the meeting room until the matter has been dealt with (Standing Order 39).

• Give written notice of any unregistered interest to the Monitoring Officer within 28 days of the meeting Non-pecuniary interests must still be declared in accordance with the Code of Conduct. These should be declared at the commencement of the meeting.

None

Minutes of the meeting held on 2 February 2021 and 2 March 2021.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a true and accurate record.  There were no matters arising.

Members are asked to note the applications dealt with under delegated powers since the last meeting.

The Committee noted the delegated decisions made by officers since the last meeting as presented in the report.

The plans for Planning Application RBC/20CM010 can be viewed online here.

Paul Wilcox, Senior Planner (Contractor), presented the report to the Committee in relation to the proposed erection and operation of a sand and gravel processing plant and weighbridge at Wolston Fields Quarry.

The following points were highlighted to the Committee –

•           The nearest property is 400 meters from the proposed site.

•           The Committee was shown a plan with the existing site with the proposed area for the processing plant also highlighted.  The proposed site is within the current site.

•           The routing plans between Bubbenhall Quarry and Wolston field were shown to the Committee with confirmation that the routing arrangement (avoiding Wolston and Ryton on Dunsmore) is part of the permission requested today.

•           The detailed plan for the proposal includes a screening bund and a surface area lorry turning point.  The surrounding hedge is approximately 8m-10m high which will offer some protection to the view.

•           New regulations mean that the council must now consider the impact of proposals on nearby habitat and rivers; in this case, the impact on the river Avon as the site will be hydraulically connected to the seven estuary.

•           There is a potential for silt to travel into the river Avon and reduce water quality which will then have a detrimental effect on the wildlife in the river.  The Council has taken a precautionary approach and carried out an assessment.  The conclusion is that the silting arrangement in place is well controlled and designed and there is minimal likelihood of having an impact on the river.

•           In addition, an additional void has been made available on site to accommodate emergency water capacity if needed, although very unlikely.

•           The Committee noted the restoration plan which includes a water area, and an area which will be returned to an agricultural site for a horse paddock.

•           The area for the proposed processing plant is in a green belt area but there are very special circumstances which would permit the application to go ahead.

Councillor Kate Rolfe requested clarification on the potential for reduction of oxygen to the fish in the river Avon.  Paul Wilcox confirmed that an assessment was carried out on the worst-case scenario.  The result was that contamination is unlikely. 

Councillor Dave Reilly asked for information in relation to restoration and it was confirmed that none of the proposals are subject to infilling.  No materials will be bought in to change any of the levels on site.  Soils from the bund would be used to restore the site.  It was confirmed that the restoration period is due to start in summer 2024.

Following a question from Councillor Chris Williams, it was confirmed that there was a wheel washers on site in addition to a road sweeper to keep the site clear.

DEBATE

The Chair noted that the Committee had received a very thorough report from Paul Wilcox.  It is a green belt site and members must assess the impact on the greenbelt.  Harm will happen but given all the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

The Chair announced the end of the meeting and that it was his last regulatory as Chair.  He wished a big thank you to be noted to the team who have supported him in my role as Chair including Helen Barnsley, Democratic Services Officer; Matthew Williams, Senior Planner; Sally Panyai, Senior Planner and Ian Marriott, Legal Service Manager. 

The Chair noted that it has been a very interesting year for all the members of the Committee and that included the use of a drone for a site visit.  There have been tough applications; some complex and some emotional, but the Committee has always been fair and acted without prejudice.  It has been a pleasure to work with you all as members of this Committee.

Good luck to those members standing again for re-election; and for those members not standing again – enjoy your retirement.