The Committee considered the report of the Head of Development Management.

Following the introduction of the application by the Senior Planning Officer, Councillor English stated that he was a Member of Tovil Parish Council.  However, he had not participated in the Parish Council’s discussions regarding the proposed development and intended to speak and vote when it was considered.

Mrs Russo, for objectors, Mr Hewett, a local resident taking the Parish Council speaker slot with the Chairman’s discretion, and Mr Dadd, agent for the applicant, addressed the meeting.

Having stated that he was a Member of Tovil Parish Council and had participated in its discussions on the application, Councillor Wilby made representations and then withdrew from the meeting.

RESOLVED:

1.  That permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report with:

  The amendment of condition 7 (Landscaping) to require a wildflower lawn along the churchyard boundary.

  An additional condition to enhance energy efficiency/energy usage within the development.

  The amendment of condition 13 (Cycle/Refuse Storage) if appropriate following a review of access/egress to the bins.

  An informative advising the applicant that the Committee’s preferred option is that the caretaker/handyman should live on site.

2.  That the Head of Development Management be given delegated powers to be able to add, settle or amend any necessary planning conditions/informatives in line with the matters set out in the recommendation and as resolved by the Planning Committee.

Voting:  7 – For  2 – Against  2 – Abstentions

FURTHER RESOLVED:  That the Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development be requested to bring forward initiatives to ensure that the Council has the evidence base in policy to assess the parking needs that are generated by residential conversions and sub-divisions and HMOs in the town centre.