None on known agenda items.

3. Public Participation

None.

4. Minutes of previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 19th February were reviewed and signed without amendment.

5. Matters arising:

None.

6. NSC South Area Planning Committee 12th March 2008

The papers for this meeting include the minutes of the previous meeting held on 13th February when questions by Wrington Parish Council were discussed at Parish Voice.

Cllr Yamanaka pointed out the confusion in the minutes with regard to the position of Area Officer and Parish Liaison Officer. Cllr Glynn read out the relevant paragraphs. It was noted that the South Area Committee has no power to affect what is decided by the Executive Member, and the question as to why the re-surfacing of Wrington roads had been taken out of the programme this year was not really addressed.

Other items noted:
(1) Dismissal of an appeal in relation to Hillside Cottage, Redhill – unauthorised use of land for sale and storage of motor vehicles and containers;
(2) Notification of appeal in relation to change of use to parking of vehicles at Langford Mushroom Farm, Stock Lane, Langford.

7. Decisions Notices issued by NSC

08/P/0043/F – Wrington Pharmacy, disabled access ramp – approved.

07/P/3241/F – 14 The Cottages, Station Road – replacement windows – approved. It was noted that this was contrary to the Parish Council’s objection to the use of upvc windows.

08/P/0032/F – Udley Farm – amendments to previous approval 07/P/1845/F – approved. It was noted that timber window frames had been stipulated, and this was felt to be inconsistent with other decisions in relation to the use of timber or upvc windows, and it was proposed that the Parish Council should comment on this.

It was agreed to write to the Planning Department for guidance on their policy. It was commented that the quality of upvc windows has improved in recent years and that perhaps the design of window frames should be taken into account rather than the material.

8. Planning Applications

08/P/0419/F - 4 Tincknells Row, Station Road: retrospective application for the replacement of 8 casement windows, front and back door with white upvc. It was felt to be disappointing that the design was not in keeping with the neighbouring properties.

It was agreed to object to the application on the grounds that the design of the windows and door were not in keeping with the other windows and doors in Tincknells Row, and the property is in the Conservation Area. A similar comment was made in relation to the design of windows at Clockhouse Mews, where the use of upvc was refused in similar circumstances. There appear to be inconsistencies in the approach by NSC, bearing in mind Article 4 policy.

08/P/0420/WT - The Old Rectory, Broad Street – tree works: no comment

08/P/0471/F - Farley House – Relocation of front door and ground floor window, with various internal works to create lobby. It was felt to be a sensible move to create an inner door away from the High Street, and that the new front door would improve the appearance. It was agreed to make no comment other than to suggest that double-glazed timber units should be considered in the light of current energy-reducing policies.

08/P/0482/F - 2 Redcroft, Redhill – Erection of single-storey extension to front and side to create lounge extension and study – no comment.

The following additional applications had been received on the day of the meeting and these were also considered.

08/P/0503/WT - Kingsett, Ropers Lane – tree works to Beech and Bay. It was agreed to comment that minimal works should be carried out, in view of the public amenity value of the Beech tree.

08/P/0529/F - 1 Hailstones Cottages, Bristol Road, Redhill – Erection of a conservatory to the South elevation – no comment

08/P/0539/F - 8 Bakers Buildings, Station Road, Wrington – rebuild rear extension and double garage and demolish outbuildings. Amendments to previous planning application 04/P/0043/F to include changes to the front elevation of the garage, change the rear elevation of the garage roof from pitched to hipped and raise the roof height. Relocate gates 2.8m to the East and change 5-bar gate to boarded gates.

It was agreed to object to the development on the grounds that the proposed change to the gable was unattractive, together with the increase in height. It was also noted that the boarded gates have already been erected, and the 5-bar gates shown on the drawings were never in place.

08/P/0561/F - Whinstone House, Downside Road, Wrington – no comment.

9. Other Planning Issues

a. It was noted that an Enforcement case had been opened in relation to BIA – 08/0178/E. No details available at present.

b. Cllr Gallop commented that there had been a caravan parked in The Triangle for several days, and other members had also noted this. It was agreed that Cllr Gallop would initially speak to the house owner to point out that it should not be parked on the public road, before any further action is taken.

c. The Clerk informed members that CMS Bath Ltd would be attending the next meeting with further proposals in relation to Gatcombe Farm.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.28 pm.

Mr. D W Glynn
Chairman