There were no members of the public present.

4. Minutes of previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 10th November were reviewed and signed as a correct record.

5. NSC South Area Planning Committee

No papers had as yet been received for the next meeting on 9th December.

6. Decisions Notices issued by NSC

These had been circulated prior to the meeting. The following points were noted:

09/P/1525/F – Udley Farm – change of use from agricultural building to offices – conditions on car parking and landscaping, and protection for existing trees at the site.

09/P/1755/F – Oakdene Farm – change of use from agricultural building to holiday accommodation – requirements for tree planting and lighting.

09/P/1608/PAI – Stone Farm Barn (BIA) – car wash facility – permitted development. Copy of a letter to BIA advising on arrangements for disposing of effluent from the operation.

09/P/1519/F – Woodman’s Cottage – application for removal of agricultural tie: it was noted that this application had been withdrawn for a second time.

7. Planning Applications

09/P1850/F – The Keepers, Ropers Lane, Wrington: it was noted that a decision on an application for amendment to the plans had been made prior to the date of the meeting. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to Development Control at NSC to express concern that the Parish Council did not have an opportunity to comment on this.

09/P/1895/F – Brook House, Silver Street, Wrington: demolition of Brook House with outbuildings. It was agreed that there was no objection to demolition in principle. However, it was agreed to propose that as much of the material as possible from the buildings should be re-used on site, and anything of real value should be retained or re-used. It is understood that there are a number of Bristol Delft tiles and Victorian fireplaces in the main house.

09/P/1894/F – Brook House, Silver Street, Wrington: redevelopment of site with erection of eleven retirement dwellings and associated means of access, car parking, landscaping and open space.

It was noted that a flood risk area has been identified and some of the proposed dwellings have been moved to avoid this. The pedestrian access is to be closed up, resulting in any flood water being contained on site and subsequently flowing into the brook. The effect of this could potentially be felt in parts of Garstons Close and The Glebe. It was also noted that the sewage pipe from the site decreases in size after leaving the site and it was questioned whether this could cause a problem. It was agreed that the threat of closure of the doctors’ surgery was a concern, as it raised questions as to whether the village was a sustainable location for a retirement development.

It was agreed to object to the development as proposed for the above reasons, and in particular to object to the proposed gated entrance. This is felt to be an inappropriate and unnecessary feature in Wrington, and it was noted that a proposal for similar gates at another development had been refused. There is also an issue with safety, as vehicles would have to stop on the bend in order to gain access to the site. The lack of a separate pedestrian access was felt to be undesirable, and it was agreed to propose that an exit from the site as described in the Parish Council’s previous recommendations should be included. This would help to integrate the development into the wider community and make it safer and easier for residents to walk to village amenities. It was felt reasonable that the developer should provide access across the brook as part of the services and facilities arising directly from the development, as described in the Replacement Local Plan.

The question of Section 106 contributions was discussed, on the basis that the development may be approved. It was noted that draft proposals suggested £11,902.40 for open space and £7,356.47 towards library services. Members felt that they would prefer a contribution to cultural and community facilities as described in the Replacement Local Plan. In particular, upgrading of kitchen facilities at the Memorial Hall would be appropriate in that residents of the development may well be significant users of the hall through local clubs and societies.

09/P/1902/TPO – 35 Garstons Close – tree works: no objection.

09/1961/F – 46 Garstons Close – erection of single storey side/rear extension: no objection.

09/P/1920/F – St Raphaels, Ropers Lane – erection of a detached garage to front of property (re-submitted application): it was felt that there was no significant difference in this application from the previous one, and it was therefore agreed to object on the same grounds as previously.

09/P/1929/HAZ – BIA – Hazardous substance consent for existing installation comprising 10 tanks in total – 1no terminal domestic heating oil tank, 5no aviation fuel tanks (jet A1 and Avgas), 2no hangar heating LPG tanks and 2no LPG tanks for fire training simulation (retrospective).

It was agreed that a number of questions arose from this application: when should permission have been sought? why is permission being sought now? why was the Planning Authority not aware previously of the need for permission? It was agreed to write to Development Control to express concern over the potential health and safety issues, and to enquire whether there have been any recorded incidents to members of the public or employees.

Under this item, Cllr Turton raised concern over an apparent new airport parking facility near the junction of Downside Road and Hyatts Wood Road. It was agreed that the Clerk would ask the Enforcement team to investigate.

09/P/1963/LDE – 31 South Meadows – Certificate of Lawful Development for erection of timber shed in front garden. It was noted that although the applicant stated a shed had been in place at the site in 2005, in fact the present (much larger) shed had only been installed approximately 12 months ago. It was noted that this was sited within 1 metre of the boundary of the property, which it is understood requires permission. It was agreed to comment accordingly.

09/P/1985/PAI – BIA – relocation of long stay car park payment point, associated shelter and help kiosk. It was agreed to make no comment on this application.

09/P/2008/F – Springside, Ladywell, Wrington – erection of single storey front extension: it was agreed that there was no objection in principle to the development. However, it was noted that the height of the fence quoted in the application is incorrect: the height is 2.3m, not 1.8m, and therefore needs planning permission as it is adjacent to a public footpath. It was agreed to comment that the applicant should either submit a new planning application, or reduction in the height of the fence should be a condition of approval for the development.

09/P/2018/F – 3 Butts Orchard, Wrington - Erection of 2no single storey rear extensions to include decking, following demolition of conservatory with alterations to front door, adjacent window and rear patio doors. It was agreed to make no comment on this application.

09/P/1876/WT – 60 The Glebe, Wrington – works to tree located in the garden of Mulberry Cottage, Church Walk: no objection.

8. Other Planning Issues

a. Rickyard Road – Section 106 agreement

The Clerk reported that she had now spoken to the officer at NSC who will be involved in implementing this agreement. He had asked that the Parish Council state what they would like the £13,000 identified for the provision of sport and recreation facilities to be used for. It was agreed that this should be used for new play equipment for the Recreation Field. In relation to the £30,000 to be used for either the provision or improvement of surface water drainage and/or the provision or improvement of recreational or open space facilities, the officer had asked that the Parish Council request details of what this was to be used for. The Clerk will respond accordingly.

b. Gatcombe Farm Appeal

Cllr Gallop read out extracts from the Planning Inspector’s report, which had concluded that the appeal should be dismissed. The reasons for this were mainly the Green Belt location and the increased car travel that would result from residents of the site commuting to work outside the village.

The Clerk offered to provide copies of the full report for any members who would like this.

c. BIA Noise Action Plan

Cllr Turton said that the PCAA’s comments on the consultation had just been received, and it was agreed that she and Cllr Glynn would consider this and amend Wrington Parish Council’s draft comments if necessary. The final version could then be confirmed at the next meeting.

The meeting was closed at 7.45 pm.