Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting (these are circulated separately)

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 April were confirmed by the Members present.

Hard-copy minutes will be signed by the Chair when restrictions are lifted.

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies were received from Cllr Tindall (Substitute Cllr Stevens)

Apologies received from Cllr Durrant

Apologies from Cllr Sutton (Substitute Cllr Williams)

To receive any declarations of interest

A member with a disclosable pecuniary interest or a personal interest in a matter who attends

a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered -

(i)            must disclose the interest at the start of the meeting or when the interest

becomes apparent and, if the interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest, or a personal
interest which is also prejudicial

(ii)           may not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter (and must withdraw

to the public seating area) unless they have been granted a dispensation.

A member who discloses at a meeting a disclosable pecuniary interest which is not registered in the Members’ Register of Interests, or is not the subject of a pending notification, must notify the Monitoring Officer of the interest within 28 days of the disclosure.

Disclosable pecuniary interests, personal and prejudicial interests are defined in Part 2 of the Code of Conduct For Members

[If a member is in any doubt as to whether they have an interest which should be declared they

should seek the advice of the Monitoring Officer before the start of the meeting]

It is requested that Members declare their interest at the beginning of the relevant agenda item and it will be noted by the Committee Clerk for inclusion in the minutes.

Councillor Guest asked Members to remember to declare any Disclosable Pecuniary or other Interests at the beginning of the relevant planning application.

An opportunity for members of the public to make statements or ask questions in accordance with the rules as to public participation.

You need to inform the council in advance if you wish to speak by contacting Member Support on Tel: 01442 228209 or by email: Member.support@dacorum.gov.uk

The Development Management Committee will finish at 10.30pm and any unheard applications will be deferred to the next meeting.

There are limits on how much of each meeting can be taken up with people having their say and how long each person can speak for.  The permitted times are specified in the table above and are allocated for each of the following on a 'first come, first served basis':

·         Town/Parish Council and Neighbourhood Associations;

·         Objectors to an application;

·         Supporters of the application.

Every person must, when invited to do so, address their statement or question to the Chairman of the Committee.

Every person must after making a statement or asking a question take their seat to listen to the reply or if they wish join the public for the rest of the meeting or leave the meeting.

The questioner may not ask the same or a similar question within a six month period except for the following circumstances:

(a)       deferred planning applications which have foregone a significant or material change since originally being considered

(b)       resubmitted planning applications which have foregone a significant or material change

(c)       any issues which are resubmitted to Committee in view of further facts or information to be considered.

At a meeting of the Development Management Committee, a person, or their representative, may speak on a particular planning application, provided that it is on the agenda to be considered at the meeting.

Please note: If an application is recommended for approval, only objectors can invoke public speaking and then supporters will have the right to reply. Applicants can only invoke speaking rights where the application recommended for refusal.

Councillor Guest advised that members of public have registered to speak at this meeting and reminded any members of the public viewing the meeting about the rules of doing so.

Item 5a – 19/02749/MOA: Outline planning for up to 350 dwellings, land for 5 gypsy & traveller pitches. Vehicular access from A4147, public open space including extension to Margaret Lloyd Park and associated landscaping, infrastructure and drainage. Detailed approval for access arrangements ( Revised Scheme: Emergency Access Link to Laidon Square) Land At Marchmont Farm, Piccotts End Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

Cllr Wyatt-Lowe declared she is the Herts County Councillor for Grovehill and Woodhall farm, Clearly LA1 is of great interest and impact on Grovehill and she has attended briefings with other ward councillors on the matter, she had not expressed a view in these briefings but may have asked questions for clarity but had not given an opinion.

NSultan confirmed that the interest is no prejudicial and is personal, as long as Cllr Wyatt-Lowe viewed with an open mind and listens to the whole application objectively.

Cllr Williams declared his daughter lives in Grovehill however he doesn’t believe she would be affected by this development and comes with an open mind.

NSultan agreed this interest this would be purely a personal interest.

James Doe introduced this report by saying that what you have before you is the 2^nd largest of the main greenfield sites that the council allocated in both its core strategy 2013 and site allocations development plan from 2017, it has been a long time in the making, large developments are a lengthy process and what’s before the committee tonight is the 1^st step in a further process for the applicant and then the developer to obtain planning permission for all the details on the site to ensure that delivery can go ahead for the very large number of new houses that are proposed and in very high need in Dacorum. As the slides indicate the application is made in outline form and there is only a matter of detail before the committee this evening and that is the access into the new site, it’s very important that the terms, conditions, the section106 terms are very carefully considered by the committee this evening as these would form the basis for governing the subsequent reserve matters applications that will follow the ground outline consent if the committee is content with these proposals.

JDoe continued that this site used to be in the greenbelt however is no longer because it has been removed as part of their statutory development plan process, the principle of weather housing should go in this site was addresses and resolved through the development plan process and what members need to concern their selves with this evening is the details of the proposal set out in front of them. The site has been subject to a master plan which was adopted by the council, that in itself along with the development plan was a result of quite extensive community engagement. There was a briefing for the committee earlier in the week and officers have produced a note of that together with the slides and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

Item 5b – 20/03938/MFA       Demolition of existing bungalows, flats and garages.  Construction of 2 no. apartment blocks comprising of 30 dwellings with associated car parking and landscaping. 16-34 Randalls Ride, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 5AQ

The report was introduced by the case officer James Gardner

It was proposed by Councillor Woolner and seconded by Councillor Beauchamp that the application be Granted

Vote:

For:  10                        against:  0                   Abstained:     1           

Resolved:  Granted

Condition(s) and Reason(s):

 1.        The development hereby permitted shall begin before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

            Reason:  To comply with the requirements of Section 91 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended by Section 51 (1) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

 2.        The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans/documents:

            19083.wd2.01     Proposed Site Plan     Rev. E

            19083.wd2.02     Proposed Site Elevations     Rev. C

            19083.wd2.03     Proposed Site Sections 1     Rev. C

            19083.wd2.04     Proposed Site Sections 2     Rev. D

            19083.wd2.010     Bat 1 - Proposed Ground & First Floor Plan     Rev. B

            19083.wd2.011     Bat 1 - Proposed Second & Roof Floor Plan    Rev. A

            19083.wd2.012     Bat 1 - Proposed Elevations     Rev. C

            19083.wd2.020     Bat 2 - Proposed Ground & First Floor Plan     Rev. A

            19083.wd2.021     Bat 2 - Proposed Second & Roof Floor Plan   

            19083.wd2.022     Bat 2 - Proposed Elevations    

            19083.wd2.030     Proposed Recycling stores Elevations     Rev. B

            19083.wd2.031     Proposed Cycle stores Elevations     Rev. B

            Randalls Ride Fire Strategy     Issue 2

            M03001-05_DG01 dated February 2021

            M03001-05_FR01  dated October 2020

            Reason:  For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

 3.        Notwithstanding the details indicated on the approved plans, no development above slab level shall take place until details of the materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted have been submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details. 

            Reason:  To ensure satisfactory appearance to the development and to safeguard the visual character of the area in accordance with Policies CS11 and CS12 of the Dacorum Borough Core Strategy (2013).

 4.        Notwithstanding the details indicated on the approved plans, no on-site works above slab level shall commence until a detailed scheme for the necessary offsite highway improvement works as indicated on drawing number 19083wd2.01 E have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. These works shall include:

Item 5c - 21/00362/FUL         Conversion of existing 3 bedroom semi-detached two-storey dwelling to provide two self-contained 1-bed flats

2 Central Nursery, Two Waters Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire         

The report was introduced by the case officer Mike Davey

It was proposed by Councillor Williams and seconded by Councillor Woolner      

Vote:

For:      10        against:  0                   Abstained: 1   

Resolved:  Granted

Condition(s) and Reason(s):

1. The development hereby permitted shall begin before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason:  To comply with the requirements of Section 91 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended by Section 51 (1) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans/documents:

6821/1101 - Site Location Plan

6821/1103 - Proposed Site Plan

6821/1202 - Proposed Plans & Elevations

Reason:  For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

Informatives:

1. The applicant is advised that the storage of materials associated with the construction of this development should be provided within the site on land which is not public highway, and the use of such areas must not interfere with the public highway. If this is not possible, authorisation should be sought from the Highway Authority before construction works commence.

2. It is an offence under section 137 of the Highways Act 1980 for any person, without lawful authority or excuse, in any way to wilfully obstruct the free passage along a highway or public right of way. If this development is likely to result in the public highway or public right of way network becoming routinely blocked (fully or partly) the applicant must contact the Highway Authority to obtain their permission and requirements before construction works commence.

It is an offence under section 148 of the Highways Act 1980 to deposit mud or other debris on the public highway, and section 149 of the same Act gives the Highway Authority powers to remove such material at the expense of the party responsible. Therefore, best practical means shall be taken at all times to ensure that all vehicles leaving the site during construction of the development are in a condition such as not to emit dust or deposit mud, slurry or other debris on the highway

Item 5d - 20/03993/FUL         General Purpose Agricultural Storage Building & Hay Store, Means of Enclosure (deer proof fence) and Agricultural Track to barn

Westlands Farm, Station Road, Aldbury, Tring

The report was introduced by the case officer Nigel Gibbs

It was proposed by Councillor Wyatt-Lowe and seconded by Councillor Uttley that the application be Granted

Vote:

For:    7           against:  1                   Abstained: 3

Resolved:  Granted

Condition(s) and Reason(s):

 1.        The development hereby permitted shall begin before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

            Reason:  To comply with the requirements of Section 91 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended by Section 51 (1) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

 2.        The building hereby permitted shall only be used for agricultural purposes.

            Reason: With due regard to the building’s very significant visual impact upon this part of the AONB, the local planning authority has only been prepared to grant planning permission for the building due to the entirely farm based operational circumstances confirmed by the submitted information. This explains the need for the building to serve Westlands Farm in this location, of this size and in the absence of other alternatives for the Farm’s operation. Permission for the building for the approved use is in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework’s economic objective.

 3.        The development shall be constructed in the materials referred to by Plan No.

200.02A, and all the south western elevation reclad in timber within 18 months of the building’s first use. All the rainwater goods shall be black and roller shutter door and pedestrian door shall match the cladding of the south western elevation and notwithstanding the details shown by Block Plan 200.01 Rev A the building hereby permitted shall constructed in the dimensions specified by Plan No. 200.02A.

            Reason:  In the interests of the appearance of the development in the interests of the Rural Area and the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework, Policies CS7 and CS24 and the Countryside Place Strategy of the Dacorum Core Strategy (2013) and saved Policy 97 of Dacorum Borough Local Plan (2004) and for the avoidance of doubt.

 4.        The planting of the 100 orchard trees must be carried out within one planting season of the first use of the building hereby permitted.

            Any tree which forms part of the approved landscaping scheme which within a period of 5 years from planting fails to become established, becomes seriously damaged or diseased, dies or for any reason is removed shall be replaced in the next planting season by a tree of the same species, size and maturity.

            Reason: In the interests of biodiversity and the local environment of the Rural Area and the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework , Policies CS7, CS24  and CS29 and the  Countryside Place Strategy of the Dacorum Core Strategy (2013) and saved Policies 97,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5d

Philip Stanley gave a quick update and shared some key points:

The second round of the Geographic focus has now been completed

They have moved to a “400 plan”, this is a plan to reduce the live enforcement cases from 600 live cases to 400 by the end of the financial year, this was through a combination of looking at news cases promptly but also in a systematic way.

He was delighted to share that they now have Caroline Durrant in their team, she is a 1 year planning enforcement officer that started a couple of weeks ago and has settled well.

PStanley ran through some items on the enforcement report and invited questions from the committee:

Cllr Riddick referred to item 13 and the Land at Featherbed Lane, he understood there was going to be public inquiry taking place on the 11^th of May, he asked if this was still going ahead and how they would be dealing with that, would it be virtually or socially distanced in person.

PStanley responded that it will be taking place virtually, it was highly unusual in term of this case involving travellers, the barrister mentioned that this would be the first instance of an appeal going ahead that involved the traveller community however the appellant has confirmed that they are happy for this to be done virtually. If any member has an interest in attending they can let him or Olivia know and they can arrange for the link to be sent.

Cllr Beauchamp noticed from the list there was no mention of 21/21a High Street Hemel, there had been a long running poor property in the heritage area and understood they were going to write to the owner of the property.

PStanley said that the report in front of members is a report outlining where formal action has been taken in terms of a notice, there are a number of cases where either a notice is not necessary or has not yet been served. He said he cannot give any further update on 21/21a as he doesn’t think there had been any progress since it was discussed last quarter however it’s something that he will speak to the case officer about and come back to Cllr Beauchamp on.

Cllr Stevens noticed that Haresford Farm still features on the list, he understood that they had the appeal, he asked how it was going.

PStanley confirmed that the appeal is still ongoing and the hearing is due to take place in May.

Cllr Guest thanked PStanley for his report and said that this confirms the enforcement process is working.