Public Participation- nil.

Matters Arising –

1- 3 Garstons- a late amendment received which the Parish Council were not privy to. This is not the first time that NSC has made a decision based on amendments to which the PC has not had the opportunity to comment on. Cllr. Glynn to consider the way forward.

2- Insurance cover re defamation- the Clerk is waiting for a response from insurers.

North Somerset Planning Committee Minutes – The Clerk made comment on the fact that Churchill PC had raised an issue for discussion at the next Parish Voice concerning airport car parking at the mushroom farm in Stock Lane. Cllr. Bigg made the point that the policy for BIA car parking covered: BIA, Weston-Super-Mare and where accommodation was being provided.

For planning applications and comments see attached sheet.

The Clerk made reference to a copy letter addressed to NSC, received from Mr. D Exell, relating to the planning application number 07/P/1072/F for airport car parking at Gatcombe Farm. Cllr. Glynn has already spoken with Mr. Exell clarifying the background.

The Clerk referred two planning applications numbers 07/P/1456/F & 07/P/1492/F both concerning development of stables on land at Iwood Lane. Whilst not in this Parish the matter had been referred by Congresbury PC on the grounds that the development bordered on the Parish of Wrington. The Clerk was directed to write to NSC along the grounds of access and usage stressing the disappointment in the changing land scene with the removal of hedges and trees.

Brook House- Cllr. Bigg questioned the Chair on the statement that there were inaccuracies on all sides relating to evidence given at the public inquiry. Cllr. Morua said that lessons should be learnt from the inquiry which would help with any future inquiry. Cllr. Yamanaka thanked all those who participated in the inquiry.

Other Planning Issues

2) - Letter from the Wrington Lawn Tennis Club indicating that they are looking to install new floodlights. The Clerk was directed to ask the Club to let the PC see the planning application before it is submitted. On the question of assistance with VAT the Clerk explained the current situation to the Council and will respond appropriately to the Club.

3) – Appeal re change of use of agricultural land and access track to overflow car park on land accessed off the A38 north of Downside Road. The Council was of the opinion that as its comments were already on file that no further action required.

4) – Pre-planning workshop at BIA- the Clerk indicated that one place available and that the Chairman of the Planning Committee had agreed to attend.

5) – The Clerk reported that the Planning Inspectorate had rejected the Council’s letter of 22nd May on the grounds that it was received after the deadline. Cllr. Glynn has already taken this matter up by e-mail with the Planning Inspectorate and waits a reply. The “PI” letter is dated 9th June which is one day after completion of the inquiry and the Inspector also made reference to the letter at the inquiry and Linden Homes barrister objected to the letter. The Clerk was directed to resubmit the letter to the Planning Inspectorate.

6) – A supplementary planning document Biodiversity and Trees” has been received from NSC

7) – List of NSC South Area Committee dates for the municipal year 2007/08 has been received.

8) – Review of delegation arrangements for planning applications – comments due back to NSC by 30th June and it was agreed that this would be left with Cllr. Glynn and the Clerk.

There being no other business the meeting was declared closed at 19.25 hours.

The Director of Planning and the Environment
North Somerset Council
Somerset House
Oxford Street
Weston-Super-Mare
BS23 1TG

20th June 2007

Dear Sir

Application no. 07/P/1446/F - Land at 8 Butts Batch, Wrington

When commenting on the previous application for development on this site, 06/P/1432/F and 07/P/0178/F, the Council objected on the following grounds:

'- drawings are not to scale and misleading

- design is not in keeping with the neighbouring properties

- the application indicates that no trees are to be felled, this is incorrect'

Having considered the revised application we maintain our objection and recommend refusal. We are particularly concerned that the new drawings are still incorrect and very misleading, giving a false impression of the impact on the neighbouring property to the south, 10 Butts Batch, and on the wider street scene. This false impression is created by 10 Butts Batch being shown much smaller than it actually is. We are also concerned about potential access difficulties related to the shared drive and vehicle manoeuvring area. We note that no details are provided of the proposed separating wall.

While objecting to the current proposal, we emphasise that we would not oppose a more appropriate development on this site. However, we recommend that any development should take account of the differing alignments between numbers 8 and 10 Butts Batch, with any new structure more centrally located between the existing properties. There appears to be adequate space available on this site for a new and separate vehicle access to 8 Butts Batch to the extent that any new development should be provided with its own dedicated access.

The current misalignment results in an excessive impact at the rear of neighbouring property, 10 Butts Batch, with some loss of privacy and light. This would be shown more clearly by accurate drawings. Although not an obvious planning issue, the misalignment extends the southwest corner of the proposed development toward the rear of the site to the extent that water and sewage services might well be affected. Water supply to these properties is through a pipeline close to the rear and not from the road.

Finally, we note the inclusion of a false chimney as a design feature. While appreciating that the objective here is to produce a design sympathetic with the neighbouring properties, the Council recommends that any chimney is built as a fully functional unit to allow for possible future use.

Yours faithfully

Terry Yearsley
Clerk to the Council
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