Open Session:

There were three members of the public present, who wished to comment on planning applications (see P/4746 below).

Present:

Cllr N R G Clarke (Chairman)
Cllr M A Steele (Vice-Chairman)
Cllr N J Chard
Cllr D R Cole
Cllr B H Terry (until 4.20pm)
Cllr Mrs J Terry (until 4.20pm)
Cllr A Wiseman
Cllr B Woodifield

In Attendence:

Jo Stannard, Deputy Town Clerk
Claire Perrens, Meetings Administrator
Ashley Finch, Student Advisor(until 3.15pm)
Ed Fullick, Student Advisor
Cllr O’Reilly (until 2.13pm)

P/4743 Apologies

The Deputy Town Clerk reported that apologies for absence had been received from Cllr Ford.

P/4744 Declarations of Interest

Cllr O’Reilly declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Planning Application 10/95126. Cllr Steele and Cllr Woodifield declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Planning Application 10/95184. For details see P/4746 below.

P/4745 Minutes of Previous Meeting

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 5th February 2010, having been circulated, be approved and signed as a correct record.

P/4746 Planning Applications

Members considered planning applications in respect of periods ending 3rd February, 10th February, 17th February and 24th February 2010.

Planning Application 10/95126 -7 Monmouth Court, Southampton Road
Margaret Rice, a resident of Southampton Road, wished to object to the application to use 7 Monmouth Court for hot food takeaway. She was concerned about noise and rubbish being thrown into residents’ gardens, particularly late at night. She mentioned that there was a block of flats with a number of elderly residents nearby. There was already a Chinese takeaway and restaurant in the immediate area. Members were aware that there had been a large number of written objections to this application.

Cllr O’Reilly declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Application 10/95126, as she has business premises close by. She made a statement objecting to the application. Although she supported business in general, she was concerned that the area was busy late at night with the Chinese takeaway and video rental store. Parking was limited. She suggested that a lunchtime sandwich shop would be a better option. Cllr O’Reilly then left the Meeting, taking no part in the debate or decision made.

Planning Application 10/95097 – 11 Gypsy Lane
Mr and Mrs Sale, residents of 9 Gypsy Lane, attended the Meeting to object to the application for a two-storey rear extension. Members had also seen their written objection. The proposed extension would lead to loss of light to two windows at the side of their property. However, the rooms in question, did have other windows to the rear.

Student Advisor, Ashley Finch left the Meeting at 3.15pm.

Cllr Steele and Cllr Woodifield declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Planning Application 10/95184 – The Purbecks, Gravel Lane, due to business connections. Cllr Steele left the room and Cllr Woodifield made a statement and then left the room. Cllr Steele and Cllr Woodifield took no part in the debate or decision made.

RESOLVED: That the observations summarised in Annex ‘A’ be submitted.

P/4747 Southampton Road and The Close

Members considered proposed changes to waiting restrictions and to the existing prohibition of driving restriction in Southampton Road and The Close respectively (Annex ‘B’ attached). There was a sign at the site of the current pedestrian crossing informing residents that it would be relocated.

RESOLVED: That the proposals for Southampton Road and The Close as shown in Annex ‘B’ be noted.

P/4748 Proposed trellis panels – 33 A Southampton Road

Members considered the Deputy Town Clerk’s report (Annex ‘C’ attached). The Deputy Town Clerk commented that the signs put up on the wall in question by the current tenant had not been submitted for planning consent and were subject to an enforcement order. It was unlikely retrospective permission would be obtained for these signs, as this was part of the conservation area.

RESOLVED:
1) That the proposals for trellis panels at 33a Southampton Road as detailed in Annex ‘C’ be approved;

and

2) That the Town Council accept responsibility for the ownership and future maintenance of the proposed trellis panels and associated planting.

P/4749 Bus Stop – Poulner Hill

The Deputy Town Clerk reported that further correspondence with the transport section of Hampshire County Council suggested that there was no real need for a bus stop in this location. It was necessary to obtain permission from the Highways Agency for advertisements at bus stops. There had been no response to date, but it was felt unlikely that approval would be given, particularly as an objection had recently been made to an advertisement sign on the A31 nearby. Little Chef had confirmed that they would agree to a more rural design than originally proposed (Minute P/4736 05.02.10 refers) and would take responsibility for insurance and maintenance.

RESOLVED:

1) That the offer by Little Chef to provide a replacement bus stop for Poulner Hill, with associated advertising, be not approved;

and

2) That investigation be made into whether the existing structure needs to be removed.

P/4750 NFNPA Local Development Framework – Core Strategy & Development Management Policies DPD

The New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA) Local Development Framework Core Strategy & Development Management Policies Development Plan Document (DPD) had been received for consultation. The Committee was requested to seek the Council’s approval for delegated power to submit the Council’s formal response, as there would be no time to submit a full report to Council. The deadline was 12th April 2010. One hard copy was available at the office, and the document was also available online:- http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/corestrategy.

RECOMMENDED: That delegated power be approved for the Planning, Town & Environment Committee to submit the Council’s formal response to the NFNPA Local Development Framework Core Strategy & Development Management Policies DPD.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 4.35pm.

RECEIVED AND ADOPTED

31st March 2010

TOWN MAYOR

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN