Agenda, decisions and minutes

An amendment to the membership of the Regulatory Committee as printed on the agenda for this meeting was made as follows.

Councillor Kate Rolfe is no longer a member of this Committee.  Councillor Judy Falp is a member of this Committee and should have been included on the agenda.

Councillor Chris Kettle is a member of the Committee replacing Councillor Rik Spencer.

To receive any apologies from Members of the Committee.

Apologies were received from Councillor Jeff Clarke and Councillor Adrian Warwick.

In relation to Item 3 on the agenda, Planning Application SDC/20CM009 (Edgehill Quarry), Councillor Chris Mills confirmed that he was the local member for the area, but he had not discussed the matter with the Parish Council or local residents.  Councillor Mills also confirmed that Mr Simon Pile (applicant) was known to him.

In relation to Item 6 on the agenda, Planning application WDC21CC003 (Campion School), Councillor Judy Falp confirmed that she is the local member for the area and that she is a school Governor at Campion School.  It was agreed that Councillor Falp would withdraw from the Committee for this item.

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.

Documents in relation to this application can be found via the following link –

SDC/20CM0009

Resolved

That the Regulatory Committee authorises the grant of planning permission for the Infilling of Redundant Quarry with Inert Soils and Clays to include Temporary Soils and Aggregates Recycling and Recovery Facility and Restoration of the Quarry to provide 10 No. Recreational EcoPods subject to a legal agreement controlling vehicle routing and to the conditions and for the reasons contained within Appendix B of the report of the Strategic Director for Communities; with the addition of the removal of Satruday working hours.

Matthew Williams, Senior Planner, presented the report and provided an overview of the application, sharing with the Committee the phased plans for the application site.

It was confirmed that the application proposed the following –

·         An additional 11 HGV movements per day

·         Working hours of      0800 – 1800 hours (Monday to Friday)

0800 – 1300 hours (Saturday)

·         The restoration of the site would be largely a conservation and habitat area with the inclusion of an EcoPods leisure facility.

The Committee noted that there had been significant public interest in the application.  Officers had received 36 representations in addition to those from local parish councils, and the OANB conservation board.  It was noted that there was some acceptance of the proposal but the overriding objection was from the local community and was concerned with the proposed infill and leisure use.

The Committee was asked to consider the following factors –

·         The location of the waste facilities.

·         Whether the proposal would enhance the AONB

·         Could the objections be solved by the inclusion of the conditions (as attached to the report)

The Committee was asked to note that the site will generate noise, but that the project has been designed with noise reduction in place.  Noise assessments have concluded that the noise can be controlled to an acceptable level.  It was noted that there is a propose condition for noise monitoring moving forward should the application be approved

There is a proposed dust management plan as part of the conditions.

A landscaping impact assessment was submitted with the application and concluded that there were no significant effects on the site. Warwickshire County Council landscape team agreed and stated the restoration will be beneficial in the long term.

Wheel washing facilities have been proposed as well as additional conditions to ensure road is kept clean.

Following a question from Councillor Chris Mills, it was confirmed that the material being bought to the site will be from the local area but will depend on where new development sites are.

Following a question from Councillor Jill Simpson-Vince, it was confirmed that there will be a vehicle movement agreement put in place which is enforceable if not complied with. There is an enforceable condition limiting the number of HGV movements per day (22 in total).   It was also confirmed that there had been no objections raised by Highways Officers in relation to the application.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Mr. Adrian Berry, local resident, addressed the Committee in relation to the application and concerns from residents.  Concerns in relation to the environmental impact of the quarry were highlighted, including traffic, noise, dust and light pollution.

Mr. Berry stated that there would be an increase in heavy traffic in the area with concerns about HGVs travelling through Edgehill and Ratley; irrespective of any requirements not to do so.  Residents have low confidence in the existing signage.

Ms. Veronica Walters, local resident, addressed the Committee and highlighted concerns in relation to the Warwickshire County Council Waste Strategy, which states that sites such  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Documents in relation to this application can be found via the following link –

NBB/21CC004

Resolved

That the Regulatory Committee authorises the grant of planning permission for conversion and adaptation of existing premises to include external works, to form New Special Educational Needs and Disability School, to include new boundary fence, introduction of new parking and provision of external unlit sports pitches at the former Pears RNIB Site (renamed The Warwickshire Academy) subject to the conditions and for the reasons contained within Appendix B of the report of the Strategic Director for Communities.

Matthew Williams, Senior Planner, presented the report to the Committee, confirming that moving forward the site would be known as The Warwickshire Academy.  The proposed development would include a SEND school with a boundary fence, parking and sports pitches.  Photographs shown to the Committee confirmed the location of the site and the proposed development site.  The school will be for pupils who have significant challenges.

The Committee noted that the provision of the school in this area would mean that SEND pupils would no longer have to go out of the area to attend school.

The Committee noted that the main issue in relation to the application was the traffic management and the proximity to Exhall Grange School.  It was confirmed that Highways had added conditions to the application in relation to traffic management.  In relation to parking, it was noted that the site will include drop off spaces.  Pupils are likely to arrive individually at the school and there is a possibility for multiple vehicles to arrive at the same time; provision has been made for this.

The Committee noted that the application is for the positive reuse of a school that has not been used for some time.  There are conditions proposed for traffic and boundary management.

The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Jill Simpson-Vince and was seconded by Councillor Chris Mills.  A vote was held, and the Committee voted unanimously in favour of the recommendation.

Resolved

That the Regulatory Committee authorises the grant of planning permission for conversion and adaptation of existing premises to include external works, to form New Special Educational Needs and Disability School, to include new boundary fence, introduction of new parking and provision of external unlit sports pitches at the former Pears RNIB Site (renamed The Warwickshire Academy) subject to the conditions and for the reasons contained within Appendix B of the report of the Strategic Director for Communities.

Documents in relation to this application can be found via the following link –

WDC/21CC002

Resolved

That the Regulatory Committee authorises the grant of planning permission for the installation of a replacement Air Handling Unit (AHU) with associated ductwork and extension to screen cladding subject to the conditions and for the reasons contained within Appendix B of the report of the Strategic Director for Communities

Sally Panayi, Senior Planner, presented the report to the Committee confirming that the proposal was for the replacement of an Air handling unit and an extension to screen cladding. 

The Committee noted that in February 2019, emergency insultation was fitted to school kitchen to allow the school to remain open.  The installation led to complaints from local residents due to visual impact.  It was confirmed that the previous application was to improve the installation.  This application is for a further installation and cladding.

The Committee noted that the application was supported by a noise impact assessment and an odour assessment.

The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Jill Simpson-Vince and was seconded by Councillor Jan Matecki.  A vote was held, and the Committee voted unanimously in favour of the recommendation.

Resolved

That the Regulatory Committee authorises the grant of planning permission for the installation of a replacement Air Handling Unit (AHU) with associated ductwork and extension to screen cladding subject to the conditions and for the reasons contained within Appendix B of the report of the Strategic Director for Communities

Documents in relation to this application can be found via the following link –

WDC/21CC003

Resolved

That the Regulatory Committee authorises the grant of planning permission for the erection of a two storey Sixth Form Centre, re-cladding and re-roofing of the existing Sports Hall, provision for a new MUGA and other enabling works subject to the conditions and for the reasons contained within Appendix B of the report of the Strategic Director for Communities.

Councillor Judy Falp left the meeting due to her interest in this item.

Sally Panayi, Senior Planner, presented the application to the Committee confirming that it is for a 6^th form building, MUGA and the refurbishment of the current sports hall.  It was noted that residential development in the local area has increased pupil numbers.

This proposal is for phase two to allow for the predicted continued increase in pupil numbers.  Details of the proposed application were shared with the committee, including floor plans and external views

The following points were noted by the Committee –

·         Alterations have been agreed in principle by Highways and there are no objections from Highways Authority subject to attached conditions,

·         There is a recommended condition in relation to the pinch point within the access road – there is a need for it to be widened before the 6^th form is completed.  This has been completed already so the condition can now be removed.

·         In relation to ecology; the Committee learnt that 11 trees will need to be removed but that they are to be replaced by 28 additional tress of varying species. 

·         There have been no objections from residents.

·         The boundaries will be screened by vegetation.

·         There are conditions attached to the application to control the level of noise and lighting.

The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Jill Simpson-Vince and was seconded by Councillor Chris Mills.  A vote was held, and the Committee voted unanimously in favour of the recommendation

Resolved

That the Regulatory Committee authorises the grant of planning permission for the erection of a two storey Sixth Form Centre, re-cladding and re-roofing of the existing Sports Hall, provision for a new MUGA and other enabling works subject to the conditions and for the reasons contained within Appendix B of the report of the Strategic Director for Communities.

Documents in relation to this application can be found via the following link –

NWB/19CC006

Resolved

That the Regulatory Committee authorises the discharge of Condition 13 of planning consent NWB/19CC006 for a Green Travel Plan.

Sally Panayi, Senior Planner provided an update to the Committee in relation to the discharge of conditions on a previous application approved by the Committee. 

The application was in relation to High Meadow School in Coleshill.  Previous members of the Committee felt that due to the nature of the application that they should be involved in the approval of the green travel plan.

Highways agreed that it was now acceptable to discharge the condition in relation to the green travel plan; but added that it will need to be reviewed and updated once pupils are in the classroom.  The Committee noted that this requirement is a normal part of a green travel plan.

The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Jill Simpson-Vince and was seconded by Councillor Jack Kennaugh. A vote was held, and the Committee voted unanimously in favour of the recommendation.

The Committee took the opportunity to wish the pupils all the best in their new classrooms.

Resolved

That the Regulatory Committee authorises the discharge of Condition 13 of planning consent NWB/19CC006 for a Green Travel Plan.

The Chair wished his thanks to be placed on record to the planning officers, other officers and the broadcasting team who all helped the meeting to run smoothly in unusual circumstances.