Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - South Cambs Hall. View directions

Contact: Ian Senior, 03450 450 500 Email: democratic.services@scambs.gov.uk  Members of the public wishing to speak at this meeting are requested to contact the Support Officer by no later than 4pm on Friday 9 July 2021. A public speaking protocol applies.

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

Chair's announcements

Minutes:

The Chair made several brief housekeeping announcements. 

2.

Apologies

To receive apologies for absence from committee members. 

Minutes:

Councillor Eileen Wilson sent apologies.

3.

Declarations of Interest

 

1.         Disclosable pecuniary interests (“DPI”)

A  DPI is where a committee member or his/her spouse or partner has any kind of beneficial interest in the land under consideration at the meeting.

 

 2.        Non-disclosable pecuniary interests

These are interests that are pecuniary involving a  personal financial benefit or detriment but do not come within the definition of a DPI.  An example would be where a member of their family/close friend (who is not their spouse or partner) has such an interest.

 

3.         Non-pecuniary interests

Where the interest is not one which involves any personal financial benefit or detriment to the Councillor but arises out of a close connection with someone or some  body /association.  An example would be membership of a sports committee/ membership of another council which is involved in the matter under consideration.

Minutes:

Councillor Judith Rippeth declared a non-pecuniary interest in Minute 5 (20/05253/FUL - Waterbeach (Cambridge Innovation Park, Denny End Road)) as one of the local Members for Milton and Waterbeach. Councillor Rippeth had met the applicant three years ago when the application was in a different iteration and subsequently withdrawn. Councillor Rippeth was considering the matter afresh.

 

Councillor Deborah Roberts

·       declared a non-pecuniary interest in Minute 6 (S/4252/19/FL - Fowlmere (Cherry Tree Field, Shepreth Road)) as a member of Fowlmere Parish Council. Councillor Roberts stated that she had taken no part in drafting the Parish Council’s written response.

·       Stated that she would not take part in, or vote upon, Minute 9 (21/0662/TTHR - Cottenham (Land at Setchel Drove and Smithy Fen)) because it related to a Travellers site.

 

Councillor Heather Williams

·       Declared a non-pecuniary interest in Minute 7 (21/01390/HFUL - Fulbourn (24 Shelford Road)) because she was friends with, and members of the same political group at South Cambridgeshire District Council as, Councillor Graham Cone, one of the applicants. Councillor Heather Williams took no part in the debate, and did not vote.

·       Declared a non-pecuniary interest in Minute 14 (Enforcement Report) as the local Member for Arrington.

·       Stated that sge was a member of the Greater Cambridge Partnership Joint Assembly.

 

Councillor Dr. Richard Williams declared a non-pecuniary interests in Minute 7 (21/01390/HFUL - Fulbourn (24 Shelford Road)) because he was friends with, and members of the same political group at South Cambridgeshire District Council as, Councillor Graham Cone, one of the applicants. Councillor Dr. Richard Williams took no part in the debate and did not vote.

 

In respect of Minute 6 (Minute 6 (S/4252/19/FL - Fowlmere (Cherry Tree Field, Shepreth Road)), Councillors Dr. Martin Cahn, Peter Fane, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Judith Rippeth, Deborah Roberts, Heather Williams, and Dr. Richard Williams all declared that they were considering the matter afresh having been present at the meeting on 11 November 2020 when this application had first been considered.

4.

Minutes of Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 169 KB

To authorise the Chair to sign the Minutes of the meetings held on 26 May 2021 and 9 June 2021, and the Extraordinary meeting held on 19 February 2021 as correct records.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee authorised the Chair to sign, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2021 subject as follows:

 

Minute 2 – Apologies

Replace “…for apologies…” with “…for absence…”.

 

Minute 4 – Bourn Airfield

In the final line of the paragraph immediately following the first set of bullet points relating to Part 2 of the presentation, replace “…the Busway…” with “…a Busway…”.

 

Councillors Pippa Heylings and Judith Rippeth were not present at the meeting on 19 February 2021 so did not take part in authorising the Chair to sign the minutes.

 

The Committee authorised the Chair to sign, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 26 May 2021 subject as follows:

 

Minute 4 – Minutes of the meeting held on 13 April 2021

Between the words “…there was…” and “…need to…” delete the word “…no…” from the additional wording so that it reads

 

Councillor Judith Rippeth spoke as a local Member and articulated that her main concerns with the application could be addressed as Reserved Matters rather than at the Outline stage.  She added that there was need to attribute significant weight to the inspector’s decision to allow the planning application on the neighbouring site, where the inspector had stated that the Bannold Road was no longer of a rural nature and was now more suburban in character.”

 

Minute 6 - 20/03802/FUL - Orchard Park (Development Parcel L2, Topper Street)

To the list of bullet points add “significant open space contribution”

 

Minute 10 - 20/02593/OUT - Weston Colville (Garage Plot to North of 14 Horseshoes Lane)

The first paragraph should read

 

Members briefly discussed access to the adjacent farmyard, historical flooding on site, and car parking. In relation to the final point, the case officer said that while the Council could require the applicant to submit a traffic management plan, this would not usually be warranted in the case of a single dwelling.”

 

The Committee authorised the Chair to sign, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 9 June 2021 subject as follows:

 

Minute 5 - S/2896/19/FL - Duxford (Imperial War Museum, Royston Road)

Replace the paragraph beginning “For Councillor Geoff Harvey…” with

 

For Councillor Geoff Harvey, the benefit to tourism and leisure was significant. He said that the design of the hotel should protect future residents of it from noise from the airfield.”

 

At the end of that minute, “…in favore…” should be “…in favour…”

5.

20/05253/FUL - Waterbeach (Cambridge Innovation Park, Denny End Road) pdf icon PDF 683 KB

 

Hybrid application for the expansion of existing business park to create a sustainable campus comprising - (i) Full application for the erection of two office (Class E) buildings, together with landscaping, SuDS, earthworks and associated works; (ii) Outline application (matters of access and scale to be considered, all other matters reserved) for the erection of additional office (Class E) floorspace, together with landscaping, SuDS, earthworks, renewable energy generation/storage, new pedestrian and cycle routes, cycle and parking facilities and associated works.

Decision:

By seven votes to three, the Planning Committee approved the application subject to

 

1.    the prior completion of a Legal Agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 in accordance with the Heads of Terms referred to in the report from the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development, subject to the parties exploring

 

a.    the viability of the shuttle buses being electric in accordance with the Committee’s aspiration; and

 

b.    together with Waterbeach Parish Council, the possibility of a scheme being brought forward by Urban & Civic that would secure street lighting and footpath improvements along the footpath to the north of Denny End Road as part of Phase 1A of the current application; and

 

2.    the Conditions set out in the report from the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development with the final wording thereof being agreed by officers in consultation with the Committee Chair and Vice-Chair, including (but not limited to) rewording so as to require retention of the temporary car parking area until the decked car park is in use, and its retention should Phase 2 not proceed, and a landscaping Condition including details of fencing to the ponds; and

 

3.    the Informatives set out in the said report.

Minutes:

The case officer reported that the Drainage Manager had no objection, and outlined the business case supporting the application.

 

Professor John French (applicant), Councillor Jane Williams (Waterbeach Parish Council) and Councillor Judith Rippeth (in her capacity as one of the local Members) addressed the meeting. The Delivery Manager Strategic Sites) read out a statement from Councillor Paul Bearpark, another of the local Members.

 

There was some concern relating to the phasing of the footpath lighting along the north side of Denny End Road. Cambridgeshire County Council had not requested this as provision would be made by Urban & Civic as part of the development of the New Town. Following an intervention from the Delivery Manager (Strategic Sites), the agreed by affirmation to ask officers to negotiate with Urban & Civic the early delivery of said footpath and lighting.

 

The travel plan was commended as innovative and comprehensive. Members welcomed the Green standards, energy efficiency and renewable generation aspects of the proposal.”

 

In response to Councillor Judith Rippeth, an assurance was given that the developer would not be allowed to begin work on Phase 2 unless Phase 1 was seen to be successful. Accordingly, it was in the developer’s  interest to make sure that the shuttle bus service was effective.

 

Further debate surrounded

 

·       Policy E/16: the Delivery Manager (Strategic Sites) suggested that this one of the policies overriding Policy S/7 to permit development outside the village framework.

·       The temporary car park: officers undertook to amend the wording so as to require retention of the temporary car parking area until the decked car park is in use, and its retention should Phase 2 not proceed

·       Landscaping, including fencing around the ponds

 

Following further comments, and by seven votes to three, the Planning Committee approved the application subject to

 

1.    the prior completion of a Legal Agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 in accordance with the Heads of Terms referred to in the report from the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development, subject to the parties exploring

 

a.    the viability of the shuttle buses being electric in accordance with the Committee’s aspiration; and

 

b.    together with Waterbeach Parish Council, the possibility of a scheme being brought forward by Urban & Civic that would secure street lighting and footpath improvements along the footpath to the north of Denny End Road as part of Phase 1A of the current application; and

 

2.    the Conditions set out in the report from the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development with the final wording thereof being agreed by officers in consultation with the Committee Chair and Vice-Chair, including (but not limited to) rewording so as to require retention of the temporary car parking area until the decked car park is in use, and its retention should Phase 2 not proceed, and a landscaping Condition including details of fencing to the ponds; and

 

3.    the Informatives set out in the said report.

 

(Councillors Henry Batchelor, Cahn, Fane, Harvey, Hawkins, Heylings and Rippeth voted in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

S/4252/19/FL - Fowlmere (Cherry Tree Field, Shepreth Road) pdf icon PDF 381 KB

 

Conversion of cowsheds to 3 bedroom house with internal annex and stable building.

Decision:

By six votes to four, the Planning Committee refused the application contrary to the recommendation in the report from the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development. Members agreed that the application conflicted with Policies S/7 (Development Frameworks) and H/17 (Reuse of Buildings in the Countryside for Residential Use) of the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2018 specifically with regard to the enlarged curtilage, height, bulk, form and visual harm.

Minutes:

The case officer corrected the date of the Local Highways Authority response to 13 May 2021 and not 2020 as shown in the report. A revised prior approval provided a fall-back position. The application had been advertised as a departure from the Development Plan.

 

James Fulton (applicant) and Philip Kratz (agent for Fowlmere Parish Council) addressed the meeting.

 

The Delivery Manager (Strategic Sites) confirmed that the Class Q prior approval was a material consideration in considering the current application. Policy H/17 of the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2018 was also relevant.

 

Following debate, and by six votes to four, the Planning Committee refused the application contrary to the recommendation in the report from the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development. Members agreed that the application conflicted with Policies S/7 (Development Frameworks) and H/17 (Reuse of Buildings in the Countryside for Residential Use) of the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2018 specifically with regard to the enlarged curtilage, height, bulk, form and visual harm.

 

(Councillors Cahn, Fane, Hawkins and Rippeth voted to approve the application, while Councillors Henry Batchelor, Harvey, Heylings, Roberts, Heather Williams and Richard Williams voted to refuse it.)

7.

21/01390/HFUL - Fulbourn (24 Shelford Road) pdf icon PDF 256 KB

 

Demolition of existing rear extension and construction of a two-storey side and single-storey rear extension.

Decision:

By affirmation, the Planning Committee approved the application subject to the Conditions set out in the report from the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development.

 

(Councillors Heather Williams and Dr. Richard Williams did not vote and were not part of the affirmation.)

Minutes:

By affirmation, the Planning Committee approved the application subject to the Conditions set out in the report from the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development.

 

(Councillors Heather Williams and Dr. Richard Williams did not vote and were not part of the affirmation.)

8.

21/01024/OUT - Harston (Land adjacent to 12 Church Street) pdf icon PDF 279 KB

 

Outline planning permission for a two-storey self-build dwelling with all matters reserved.

Decision:

By seven votes to three, the Planning Committee approved the outline planning application subject to the Conditions and Informatives set out in the report from the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development.

Minutes:

The case officer highlighted that the application’s description had been amended to ‘up to two-storey’ to allow for a single-storey Reserved Matters application to be submitted if desired. Further objections had been received from Harston Parish Council and from neighbours but these had either been addressed in the report or could be addressed at the Reserved Matters stage.

 

In response to Councillor Dr. Richard Williams, officers confirmed that the Local Plan did not designate the site as allotment land and was not currently in use as such. As it was not registered as allotment land there was no need to refer the matter to the Secretary of State. Councillor Dr. Martin Cahn pointed out that the Committee’s purpose was to consider land use rather than any legal restrictions that might prevent the implementation of any planning permission granted.

 

Following further comments, and by seven votes to three, the Planning Committee approved the outline planning application subject to the Conditions and Informatives set out in the report from the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development.

 

(Councillors Henry Batchelor, Cahn, Fane, Harvey, Hawkins, Heylings and Rippeth voted in favour. Councillors Roberts, Heather Williams and Richard Williams voted against.)

9.

21/0662/TTHR - Cottenham (Land at Setchel Drove and Smithy Fen) pdf icon PDF 307 KB

 

 

Proposal to remove five 7-metre sections of hedgerow to facilitate the laying of a new sewer.

Decision:

By affirmation, the Planning Committee agreed not to object to the Hedgerow Removal Notice. Councillor Deborah Roberts did not take part in the debate and did not vote.

Minutes:

Noting officers’ opinion that the notice served by Anglian Water on South Cambridgeshire District Council was reasonable and that the lengths of hedgerow would be replaced, and by affirmation, the Planning Committee agreed not to object to the Hedgerow Removal Notice.

 

Councillor Deborah Roberts did not take part in the debate and was not part of the affirmation.

10.

Tree Preservation Order 0011 (1985) - Land to the north of Eltisley Wood, Eltisley pdf icon PDF 126 KB

Minutes:

Members received evidence that the tree had had not existed on site for  over 20 years and that there had not been any enforcement action.

 

By affirmation, the Planning Committee revoked Tree Preservation Order number 0011 (1985) on land to the north of Eltisley Wood, Eltisley.

11.

Tree Preservation Order 0016 (1989) - 8 Old Camps Castle, High Street, Castle Camps (also known as New Inn) pdf icon PDF 126 KB

Decision:

By affirmation, the Planning Committee revoked Tree Preservation Order number 0016 (1989) at New Inn, Castle Camps (8 Old Camps Castle. High Street).

Minutes:

Members received evidence that the tree had been removed before 2003 and there had not been any enforcement action.

 

By affirmation, the Planning Committee revoked Tree Preservation Order number 0016 (1989) at New Inn, Castle Camps (8 Old Camps Castle. High Street).

12.

Caxton (Firs Farm, St Peters Street, Caxton, CB23 3PJ) pdf icon PDF 133 KB

Decision:

By affirmation, the Planning Committee approved the issue and service of a provisional Tree Preservation Order on a development site’s conditional tree planting scheme at Firs Farm, St. Peters Street, Caxton.

Minutes:

Following a few comments, and by affirmation, the Planning Committee approved the service of a Tree Preservation Order in line with a Condition imposed on development land at Firs Farm, St. Peters Street, Caxton

13.

Review of Local List of Validation Requirements for Planning Applications pdf icon PDF 161 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

By affirmation, the Planning Committee approved the revised Local Validation List to provide an up-to-date basis for assessing the validity of planning application requirements.

Minutes:

The Assistant Director (Delivery) presented a report reviewing the Local List of Validation Requirements for Planning Applications.

 

In response to Councillor Heather Williams, the Assistant Director said that the review had been subject to an ‘open consultation’. Parish Councils had been informed informally but none had commented. Planning agents had also been made aware.

 

Officers acknowledged that, when updating documents, the use of tracked changes would be beneficial.

 

By affirmation, the Planning Committee approved the revised Local Validation List to provide an up-to-date basis for assessing the validity of planning application requirements.

14.

Enforcement Report pdf icon PDF 137 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee received and noted an Update on enforcement action. In the absence of the Principal Planning Enforcement Officer, the Delivery Manager (Strategic Sites) reported that regarding

 

·       The Croudace Homes Ltd. site, land off Horseheath Road, Linton – A further meeting had taken place between South Cambridgeshire District Council planning officers and the developers to progress the matter. Planning Enforcement had not been instructed to take any further action at this stage.

 

·       Burwash Manor – South Cambridgeshire District Council had sent a letter under caution to the owner advising that a prosecution is to commence.

 

·       Whitehall Farmhouse, 29 Ermine Way, Arrington – South Cambridgeshire District Council had contacted the owner’s planning agent who responded that an application would be submitted by 19 July 2021.

15.

Appeals against Planning Decisions and Enforcement Action pdf icon PDF 26 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee received and noted a report on appeals against planning decisions and enforcement action.

 

The hearings relating to Mill Lane, Sawston and New Road, Over had been postponed to a date as yet unknown because appropriate notices had not been displayed on site. In response to a question from Councillor Heather Williams, the Delivery Manager (Strategic Sites) undertook to discover whether the Committee would be invited to say what its decision would have been regarding New Road, Over, which had been appealed for non-determination.