Open Session:

There were no members of the public present

Present:

Cllr N R G Clarke (Chairman)
Cllr N J Chard
Cllr D R Cole
Cllr L C Ford
Cllr B H Terry
Cllr A Wiseman
Cllr B Woodifield

In Attendence:

Claire Perrens, Meetings Administrator
Terry Simpson, Town Clerk (from 3.30pm)

The Meetings Administrator reported that apologies for absence had been received from Cllr Steele.

P/4797 Declarations of Interest

Cllr Ford declared a personal and prejudicial interest in a planning application – for details see P/4799 below.
Cllr Clarke declared a personal interest in a planning application – see P/4799 below.
Cllr Woodifield declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the appeal regarding 177 Christchurch Road – see P/4800 below.

P/4798 Minutes of Previous Meeting

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 30th July 2010, having been circulated, be approved and signed as a correct record.

P/4799 Planning Applications

Cllr Ford declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Planning Application 10/95512 as the applicants are known to her. Cllr Ford left the Meeting whilst this application was discussed and took no part in the debate and decision made.

Cllr Clarke declared a personal interest in Planning Application 10/96016 as the applicants are involved with the Ringwood Twinning Association, of which he is Chairman.

Members considered planning applications in respect of periods ending 28th July, 4th August, 11th August and 18th August 2010.

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

P/4800  Appeal Regarding 177 Christchurch Road

Cllr Woodifield declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item, due to a business connection with the applicant. Cllr Woodifield left the Meeting and took no part in the debate and decision made.

Members considered the grounds of an appeal regarding Planning Application No 10/95408 for 1 block of 2 flats at 177 Christchurch Road. The Town Council observation was: Permission (1):- Any concerns about garden space of the host bungalow seem overstated as they are within that recommended by sustainable homes guidance.

RESOLVED: That no further comments be made regarding this Appeal.

Cllr Woodifield returned to the Meeting.

P/4801 Appeal Regarding 136 Christchurch Road

Members considered the grounds of an appeal regarding Planning Application No 09/94839 for Retention of 2 non illuminated signs; 2 illuminated hanging signs; 1 illuminated post sign at The Candlesticks, 136 Christchurch Road. Members noted that the applicant was only requesting the retention of Sign E, the post mounted sign, located separately at the car park entrance to the side of the listed building. This was regularly changed, to display different menus and other relevant information. The design of this sign had been changed to a simple black text on white background.

The Town Council observation was Permission (1) with the following comments:

· Members support the need for signage and have no objection to signs (a), (c) or (d). The majority of the signs have been in position for over 25 years and, until now, have not caused harm, nor has there been any objection raised to their presence.

· Illumination is required for the security of customers and employees, prevention of crime and disorder and for the generation of business. However, the existing illuminated signs (b) and (e) do appear out of character and we would recommend negotiation to improve these.

· As there are additional signs that do not appear to have been included in this application, Members recommend that one consolidated application is submitted to cover all signs associated with the business.

· One of the main objectives of the Core Strategy is to maintain the vitality and viability of town centres and Policy CS17 specifically states that visitor-based service sector jobs and the local tourism industry should be supported. Ringwood is defined as a “service centre” and is also the western gateway to the New Forest National Park.

Therefore businesses such as The Candlesticks provide an important service and we should do all we can to support them in order to maintain the positive contribution they make to the town.

RESOLVED: That in addition to the observation already made, the following comments be forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate: Members would support the amended Sign ‘E’ as they feel that, given the location of the property on a busy, narrow road, a suitable sign is essential to advertise the nature and range of services provided.

P/4802 Abolition of Regional Spatial Strategies

The Town Clerk joined the Meeting for this item.

Members considered submission of a response to the announcement of Inquiry and Call for Evidence into the Abolition of Regional Spatial Strategies by the Communities and Local Government Committee. Members had been requested to bring the Consultation Document circulated on 3rd August 2010 to the meeting. The Chairman had prepared a draft response to the Consultation Document and these comments were tabled at the Meeting.

After further discussion the draft response was approved with the addition of further comments as shown in Annex ‘B’ attached.

RESOLVED: That the response agreed at the Meeting, as shown in Annex ‘B’ attached, be forwarded to the Communities and Local Government Committee.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 3.50pm.

RECEIVED AND ADOPTED

29th September 2010

TOWN MAYOR

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN