Cllr Glynn reported that he is still to receive a response from NSC regarding the unachievable post-dated condition for the Tamarisk stable development. He also confirmed that a response had been received from NSC about the airport’s wind turbine on the question of which aspect of the T/12 policy they were referring to and details were read to the meeting.

It was reported that a resident had raised the matter of brick pillars recently constructed at the entrance of Old Bell Court, Broad Street. It was agreed to contact the developer and NSC about this issue as these pillars had not been shown on the drawings and condition 28 specifies that no gates would be permitted.

5. NSC South Area Planning Committee

There were no papers to be reviewed.

6. Decisions Notices issued by NSC

A list of decision notices had been circulated prior to the meeting. Particular attention was drawn to the following:

10/P/0424/F – Plush Hotel – Redhill: It was noted that the application had been approved despite the Parish Council’s objections. Attention was drawn to the Conditions and relevant points raised by residents and members.

7. Planning Applications

The following comments were submitted on the basis of discussion and agreement, with a more substantive response submitted in relation to the airport hotel application.

10/P/1259/WT - 6 Old Bell Court, Wrington: Works to trees – Conservation Area.

It was agreed that the Council has concerns about this Conservation Area tree works proposal, which relates to an Ash tree to the rear of plot 6, Old Bell Court, off Broad Street, Wrington. The public amenity value of this and the other remaining trees is difficult to assess as the development has still to be completed and the site opened for free access. However, the landscaping scheme and retention and need for ongoing maintenance of the trees are addressed in the Conditions attached to the planning permission.

It was noted that the application has been submitted by an off-site neighbour and not by the developer or the prospective owner of plot 6 and it is not apparent that the neighbour concerned had made any comment about this tree in relation to the development proposal.

It was agreed that in the circumstances, it was difficult to see the claimed justification for felling at this time, not least because the tree appears to be located some distance from the neighbouring house. It was noted that no explanation had been provided as to why this tree posed any particular health and safety risk.

10/P/1250/F – 3 Bakers Buildings, Station Road, Wrington – Change of use of existing ground floor shop (A1 use) into integral residential accommodation ( C3 use)

It was agreed to object to the proposed change of use for the following reasons: although partly now in residential use, this property is a long-established retail shop which provides a valuable facility for village residents and visitors. The shop is currently occupied and trading primarily as a newsagent and no evidence has been provided to show that the premises are unsuitable for either the current use or for any commercial alternative. Although the property and business did recently change hands, as far as the Council is aware, no attempt has since been to market the premises or business by the current owners. The Council felt that conversion to full residential use would impact on the community through the loss of a local shopping facility.

10/P/1240/F - Land at Bristol Airport: erection of a 251 bedroom hotel with ancillary parking, access and landscaping with reconfiguration of entrance to car parking and car hire returns area.

It was agreed to object to this application, primarily for the following reasons; members were concerned about the size of the proposed hotel and the visual impact of such a physically large structure on the local surroundings and nearby residents in Downside Road. The proposal appears to be out of proportion with what might seem appropriate for the location in terms of both scale and design. Members considered the hotel to be an unnecessary addition to the local area and one that will impact heavily on B&Bs, guest houses and other local facilities. The hotel will displace what is currently used for parking, which would be moved to the south side of the site and which would potentially have an impact on the Green Belt. It was also noted that only five parking spaces had been provided for employees of the hotel, which was considered insufficient by a considerable margin. Cllr Glynn agreed to prepare a draft response and circulate it to Members for comment.

8. Other Planning Issues

NSC Development Management Policies for Development in North Somerset’s Green Belt and Residential Parking Standards

It was agreed that Cllr Glynn would draft a response to this consultation and circulate it to members to comment on before submitting it on the 18th August.

The Gallery, High St: A Member raised the issue of the window in the Gallery. This is currently finished as stained hardwood, although planning permission had been granted subject to the window frame being painted white. It was agreed that the Clerk should write a gentle reminder to the Gallery about this.

The meeting was closed at 7.30pm.