Witham Town Council · Web view(a)To permit Members of this Council who are also Members of...

Witham Town CouncilTown HallNewland Street,Witham, CM8 2FE.

Tel: 01376 520627Email: [email protected]: www.witham.gov

A G E N D A

Meeting of: Planning Applications Sub-Committee

Date: Monday, 13th July 2015 Time: 6.45p.m.

Place: Town Hall, 61 Newland Street, Witham, Essex.

Members are requested to attend the above meeting to transact the following business. Members are respectfully reminded that each item on this Agenda should be carefully examined. If you have any interest, it must be duly declared.

To be present: Councillors: P.M. Ryland (Chairman)M.C.M. Lager (Vice Chairman)C.J. BaileyP.R. BarlowJ.C. GoodmanP. Horner

Mrs J.A. KempfMrs A KilmartinMrs C. LagerMrs J.M. Money

T.A. PleasanceR. RamageW.J. Rose

Mrs C. ThompsonMrs J. Williams

R. Williams

APOLOGIES

1. MINUTES

To receive the Minutes of the Meeting held on 29th June 2015 (previously circulated).

http://www.withamessex.co.uk/

Agenda for the Meeting of the Planning Applications Sub-Committee to be held 13 07 2015 Cont’d.

2. INTERESTS

(a) To permit Members of this Council who are also Members of Braintree District Council to confirm that, whilst considering planning applications at the Town Council, any opinion that may be given will be based on the information that is known to date. Each Councillor should confirm that he/she will not be held by opinions given or comments made at meetings of Witham Town Council, but will approach further meetings with an open mind. Furthermore, he/she will consider any additional information and/or representations that may be received prior to the meeting of the District Council.

(b) To receive any declarations of interests that Members may wish to give notice thereof on matters pertaining to any item on this Agenda.

3. QUESTIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

Members of the press and public will be invited to address the meeting regarding any item on the Agenda.

4. P LANS

(a) To to agree whether the more minor applications listed under Part I should be determined “en bloc” without debate and to consider planning applications for Lists 26 and 27 pertaining to Witham which are now available for viewing at the Town Hall, Newland Street, Witham

(b) To consider possible contentious items, if any and to decide whether or not the Town Council

will send a co-optee to attend the Braintree District Council’s Planning Committee to make comment.

5. DECISIONS

To note decisions on planning applications pertaining to Witham which have been received from Braintree District Council (attached).

Mark Squire

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Town Clerk JC 07 07 15

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PART I

APPLICATIONS TO BE CONSIDERED “EN BLOC” WITHOUT DISCUSSION

Reference Address Proposal15/00182/TPO 2 Hollybank Work on trees

15/00846/FUL 68 Chelmer road Erection of 2 storey side extension

15/00849/FUL 2 Millbridge Rd Erection of two storey side extension

15/00193/TPO 39 Collingwood Rd Work on trees

15/00194/TPOCON 39 Collingwood Rd Work on trees affected by the Conservation area

15/00196/TPO 13 The Paddocks Work on trees

15/00028/HHPA 8 Guithavon Road Erection of single storey rear extension

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Witham Town Council PLANNING APPLICATIONS

15/00182/TPO2 Hollybank CM8 1UX

Proposal:Work on trees affected by a TPO

History of Site:07/00959/TPO Work on trees affected by a TPO – permitted12/00011/TPO Work on trees affected by a TPO - permitted12/00740/FUL – erection of conservatory - permitted

Summary:This application seeks permission to remove the left limb from a lime tree, and pollard it to 6m in height to reduce its size, and crown reduce an Acacia to the first fork. These works have been discussed with the BDC Landscape Services Officer.

The advice of the Town Council Tree Warden has been requested.

Representations to Date: None to date

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15/00846/FUL68 Chelmer Road CM8 2ET

Proposal:Erection of two storey side extension

History of Site:No previous applications

Summary:This property is a semi-detached chalet-style building, seeking to add a two storey side extension measuring 3.4m x 8m. Materials to match existing.

This plot is adjacent to the garden of a property in Cromwell Way, and will overlook the rear of their garden, where their garage is situated. No windows are proposed in this elevation.

Office RecommendationNo objection.


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Witham Town Council PLANNING APPLICATION

15/00849/FUL2 Millbridge Road CM8 1HB

Proposal:Erection of two storey rear extension

History of Site:15/00513/FUL – erection of two storey rear extension – refused

Summary:Members considered this application in May 2015 and had no objection. BDC refused permission on the grounds that the extension would have an unacceptable overbearing and un-neighbourly sense of enclose to the adjoining dwelling (4 Millbridge Rd) when viewed from the first floor rear elevation window.

This revised application seeks permission for a smaller two storey rear extension and conservatory. On the ground floor, permission is sought for a single storey extension measuring 4.m x 4.m, bringing the back of the house in line with the existing kitchen extension, together with a conservatory measuring 3m x 3m. This exactly replicates the ground floor extension and conservatory at 4 Millbridge Rd.

On the first floor, it is now proposed to extend over the existing kitchen only, to create a 3rd bedroom measuring 4m x 3m. There would be minimal impact on the garden of the adjacent property in Guithavon Road and no new windows are proposed in this elevation. All materials to match existing

OFFICER RECOMMENDATIONThere would be no detrimental impact on neighbouring amenity, nor the street scene, and the plot is large enough to accommodate the proposed extension. There are no planning grounds for objection. NO OBJECTION.Representations to Date: None to date

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15/00193/TPO39 Collingwood Road CM8 2DZ


History of Site:13/00149/TPO – fell 2 small ash trees - permitted

Summary:This application seeks permission to remove a dead oak tree.

The advice of the Town Council Tree Warden has been requested.


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15/00194/TPOCON39 Collingwood Road CM8 2DZ


History of Site:13/00149/TPO – fell 2 small ash trees – permitted

Summary:This application seeks to reduce the height of a 30’ pine tree and fir tree by 5-10’, and to remove and replace a self seeded hedge The advice of the Town Council Tree Warden has been requested.


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15/00196/TPO13 The Paddocks


History of Site:98/00216/TPO – thin crown of horse chestnut by 10%01/00837/TPO - remove 1 limb of chestnut tree adjacent to road side05/01686/TPO – cut back branches of 1 chestnut

Summary:This application seeks to crown this and reduce a mature Horse Chestnut tree by 20-30%. The advice of the Town Council Tree Warden has been requested.


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15/00028/HHPA8 Guithavon Road CM8 1HD

Proposal:Erection of single storey rear extension, which will extend beyond rear wall of original house by 4.61m with a maximum height of 3.18m and 2.8m to the eaves of the extension

History of Site:No previous applications

Summary:This information is for information only. No comment is requested.

This is a semi-detached property in Guithavon Road. This application seeks permission to add a single storey rear extension, measuring 4.61m deep to create a new living room. There will be a pitched roof on the extension to a maximum height of 3.18m. Materials to match existing.

From 31 May 2013, a single storey rear extension is considered to be Permitted Development, ie not requiring a planning permission application, where it extends beyond the rear wall of the original house by less than 6m if an attached house, or 8m for a detached house providing it doesn’t exceed 4m in height. Other restrictions apply, ie matching materials, not more than half the garden area etc.

The proposed rear extension is therefore within the current measurement guidelines. The plot size is sufficient to accommodate the proposed extension. There are no grounds for comment.


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ITEM 4 (a)List 26/27

WEEKLY LIST OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FROM BRAINTREE DISTRICT COUNCIL

The following applications have been made to the Council for planning permission under the Town & Country Planning Acts during weeks commencing 22nd June 2015. Copies of the applications and accompanying plans may be seen at the Planning Department Causeway House, Bocking End, Braintree or online at www.braintree.gov.uk

PLEASE NOTE: Under the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, representations cannot be treated in confidence.

APPLICATION WARD

Witham

Case No: 15/00757/FUL Date Valid: 24/06/2015 WESTGrid Ref: 580149 E 215139 N Consultation Expiry: 23/07/2015Proposal: Change of use of building to animal feed centre

Applicant: Mr J Dipple Agent: NO AGENTLocation: Petco The Black Barn Powers Agents NO AGENT

Hall Farm Terling Road Witham Essex CM8 1LU

Case No: 14/00953/ADV Date Valid: 14/07/2014 Chipping Hill Grid Ref: 582058 E 214459 N Consultation Expiry: 11/08/2014 and CentralProposal: Display of fascia sign and projecting sign and window vinyls Applicant: Martin McColls Ltd Agent: Kirsop & Company LtdLocation: McColls 76 Newland Street Agents Mr Wayne Mardell BSc Hons

Witham Essex CM8 1AH MRICS RMaPS 11 Sandridge Park Porters Wood St Albans Herts AL3 6PH

Case No: 14/00955/LBC Date Valid: 14/07/2014 Chipping Hill Grid Ref: 582058 E 214459 N Consultation Expiry: 11/08/2014 and CentralProposal: Replacing existing advertisements with new timber Applicant: Martin McColls Ltd Agent: Kirsop & Company LtdLocation: McColls 76 Newland Street Agents Mr Wayne Mardell BSc Hons

Witham Essex CM8 1AH MRICS RMaPS 11 Sandridge Park Porters Wood St Albans Herts AL3 6PH

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http://www.braintree.gov.uk/


15/00799/OUT Valid 24/06/2015 NORTH

Hybrid planning application comprising: (i) full application for 222 dwellings including affordable homes, 279 sq m gross floorspace for retail (Class A1) (or 3 additional dwellings in the event that no operator commits contractually to the retail element), public open space including local equipped area for play, sustainable drainage systems, landscaping and associated development: and, (ii) outline application with all matters reserved for up to 148 dwellings including affordable homes, public open space including allotments, sustainable drainage systems, landscaping and associated development.

Land At North East Witham Forest Road Witham Essex

15/00800/FUL Valid 22/06/2015 NORTH

Hybrid planning application comprising: (i) full application for 222 dwellings including affordable homes, 279 sq m gross floorspace for retail (Class A1) (or 3 additional dwellings in the event that no operator commits contractually to the retail element), public open space including local equipped area for play, sustainable drainage systems, landscaping and associated development: and, (ii) outline application with all matters reserved for up to 148 dwellings including affordable homes, public open space including allotments, sustainable drainage systems, landscaping and associated development.

Land At North East Witham Forest Road Witham Essex

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PLANNING APPLICATION 15/00005/COUPA

The Black Barn, Powers Hall Farm, Terling Road CM8 1LU

Proposal:Prior Approval for change of use of agricultural building to animal feed centre

HISTORY OF SITE:-A search of the District Council’s web site has revealed:-99/00548/LBC - proposed replacement of monopitch roof to swimming pool including removal of solar panel - granted99/01376/LBC - removal of old passageway connecting house to pool, install new French windows to kitchen and internal alterations - granted01/00235/FUL - erection of 20m heavy duty lattice tower with 2 dual polar antennae, 2 microwaves dishes , equipment cabin and ancillary equipment - granted02/01061/COU - former agricultural workshop to B1 - electricians workshop - permitted06/02215/COU - former agricultural stockyards from agricultural to B1 (office, light industrial) - permitted12/00316/COU - listed barn from agricultural use to joinery workshop - permitted12/00317/COU - Unit 7 from agricultural use to vehicle repair workshop - permitted12/00318/COU - Unit 6 from agricultural use to vehicle repair workshop – permitted12/00821/FUL – installation of 50KW ground mounted PV solar array – permitted15/00005/COUPA Prior Approval for change of use of agricultural building to animal feed centre – application required.

SUMMARY:-The LPA concluded that a planning application was required for this change of use, because it is not development permitted by Part M as it is Grade II listed and that the prior notification procedure could not be used, as use had already commenced.

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Witham Town Council


The details are the same as members considered previously. This listed barn was previously used for the manufacture of wood furniture (12/00316/FUL) and is currently used as storage for animal feed. This is perhaps part of the ongoing diversification of the farm’s activities. Two other units have been granted permission for use as vehicle repair workshops in the past. Parking issues will be minimised as there is a large on-site car park. Previously the Historic Buildings Officer had no concerns about the change of use providing there was no change to the external appearance of the listed barn. No details are provided suggesting that there will be any external changes, such as signage. The unit will be open for business 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday. There are 10 onsite parking spaces.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATIONNo objection subject to there being no external changes to the appearance of the listed barn.

REPRESENTATIONS:-None to date

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PLANNING APPLICATION 14/00953/ADV and 14/00955/LBC

McColls 76 Newland St CM8 1AH

Proposal:Display of fascia sign and projecting sign and window vinyls

History of Site:See attached list

Summary:This is the fourth time members have considered this application.

In October 2013, WTC had no objection provided the letters of McColls only were illuminated. BDC Refused Permission on the grounds that it was inappropriate in the Conservation Area, specifically:- “No. 76 Newland Street, Witham, is a Grade II Listed Building in the Witham Town Conservation Area. It is considered that the the fascia sign is inappropriate in this context as it is unsightly and lacks overall unity in relation to the building as the main lettering is excessively large and the modern type face is of no architectural quality. The sign also is excessively deep and will dominate the elevation of the building, effectively separating the ground and first floors. In addition, no details have been provided with regard to materials, therefore, it is concluded that the proposed fascia sign will fail to preserve or enhance the Listed Building and the Conservation Area. Accordingly the proposal is considered to be harmful to amenity contrary to the Control of Advertisements Regulations (Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2007) and the policies set outabove

In August 2014, a further application was submitted, and members recommended refusal on the basis that the fascia sign was excessively deep in relation to the building.

In October 2014, the applicant responded that they were concerned that if the backboard is reduced, this may expose unsightly materials. Instead, they proposed a 30% reduction in the size of the lettering and a new timber fascia sign measuring 1.1m x 10.1m (same size as

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Witham Town Council


before) across the front of the shop with a white background with blue lettering, and be externally illuminated. All other adverts on the fascia sign to be removed.

The 2 existing hanging signs will be replaced with one non-illuminated hanging sign advertising the post office. New window vinyls are proposed obscuring the windows.

WTC had no objection, but the Listed Buildings Officer raised concerns about the width of the fascia and the brass swan neck lamps, which are not in keeping with the Conservation Area and the applicant was advised to submit a revised proposal reducing the width of the sign, removing the swan neck lamps and replacing them with a discreet strip light fitted to this central part of the fascia only

This current revision is to meet these requirements.

Guidance for advertising in a Conservation Area is given overleaf for information

Representations to date:None to date

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History of Site 89/01933/P – installation of illuminated fascia panel and projecting sign – permitted 89/01935/P – installation of illuminated fascia panel and projecting sign – permitted 96/00470/COU – proposed change of use from shop to night club/disco with alterations including

new frontage – application withdrawn 96/00537/COU – proposed change of use ground floor A3(food and drink) and first floor

A2(financial and professional services) and new shop front and rear extension – permitted 96/01234/COU and 96/01235/LBC – proposed change of use of first floor to offices and new timber

fascia and shop front with separate access door and corridor to first floor – permitted 97/00656/FUL and 97/00657/LBC – installation of new spiral staircase to rear to provide access to

first floor off car parking area – permitted 98/00597/FUL and 98/00598/LBC – erection of single storey extension to from garage – refused 98/01790/FUL and 98/01791/LBC – Conversion of existing store room to garage and insert new

garage door in external wall – permitted 99/00213/FUL and 99/00222/LBC – erection of single storey extension to form garage – permitted 99/00241/FUL and 99/00242/LBC – installation of Bank of Scotland ATM cash machine and CTU

– permitted 01/00952/ADV – display of one externally illuminated fascia sign and three non-illuminated

projecting box signs – permitted 01/00953/FUL – installation of new electric doors, 3 no air conditioning units, refurbishment and

alterations – permitted 01/00954/LBC – proposed installation of new shop front and sliding doors and display of new shop

fascia and 3 no illuminated projecting signs – permitted 06/02364/LBC – retrospective consent for display of advertisement – refused 08/00629/LBC – installation of satellite dish on building – refused 13/01024/ADV – display of fascia sign and projecting sign and window vinyls – refused 14/00953/ADV14/00955/LBC - display of fascia sign and projecting sign and window vinyls – WTC

recommend refusal Aug 14 - pending 14/00997/LBC - Existing shop front currently painted blue now to be decorated white – WTC No

objection Aug 14 - pending

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PLANNING APPLICATION 15/00800/FUL and 15/00799/OUT

Land at NE Witham, off Forest Road

Proposal:Hybrid Planning application comprising (i) full application for 222 dwellings including affordable homes, 279 sqm gross floorspace for retail (Class A1) (or 3 additional dwellings in the events that no operator commits contractually to the retail element) public open space including local equipped area for play, sustainable drainage systems, landscaping and associated development; and,(ii) outline application with all matters reserved for up to 148 dwellings including affordable homes, public open space including allotments, sustainable drainage systems, landscaping and associated development

History of Site:Site allocated in LDF for 300 new dwellingsScoping Opinion Request 14/00014/SCR and presentation by Bellway Homes 16th June 2015

Summary:The site off Forest Road measures 16.74 hectares and is bounded by Forest Road, Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre, the railway line and the rear of existing properties off Yew Close and Holly Walk. It currently comprises agricultural land, woodland and golf course land. This land has been allocated for development as a mixed-use growth location in the adopted Braintree Core Strategy (September 2011) – 300 dwellings.

The full element of the application is for the agricultural land immediately east of Forest Road and the existing woodland at the centre of the site. The outline element of the application is for the golf course land, between the existing woodland and the eastern boundary of the site. The approval of reserved matters for the outline element, including for access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale, will be sought at a later date.

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Witham Town Council


The Proposed Development includes a total of 370 new dwellings, of which 111 (i.e. 30%) will be affordable homes. The 111 affordable homes will be split into 78 affordable rent and 33 shared ownership properties (i.e. a 70:30 split).

The Proposed Development has a gross density (i.e. including all areas of public open space and infrastructure) of 22 dwellings per ha, based on 370 dwellings over the total site area of 16.74 ha.

The delivery of new dwellings at the site will take place over two phases:-

Phase 1 will include 222 new dwellings (including a pro-rata proportion of affordable homes) to be delivered on the agricultural land between Forest Road and the central woodland. Full planning permission is being applied for on this part of the site to enable development to proceed as soon as possible.

Phase 2 will include up to 148 new dwellings (including a pro-rata proportion of affordable homes) to be delivered on the golf course land between the central woodland and the site’s eastern boundary. Outline planning permission is being applied for on this part of the site, to enable sufficient time to relocate the existing golf course holes and to carry out other ecology survey work before development commences on the second phase.

The mix of houses for the first phase will be as follows:-

The new dwellings will be mostly traditional in style, in character with the wider Essex vernacular and will use a mixture of brick, render and weatherboarding on external walls. Building heights will be predominantly two storeys, with some single, two and a half and three storey elements in places. All roof designs will be pitched.

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All garden sizes comply with the Essex Design Guide requirements of at least 50 sq m for houses not exceeding two-bedrooms and at least 100 sq m for houses with three or more bedrooms. All parking provision complies with the Essex Parking Standards – i.e. at least one vehicle space per one bedroom property and at least two vehicle spaces per two-bedroom property, plus visitor parking and cycle parking. Some of the largest dwellings proposed at the site will include three vehicle spaces.

Retail ProvisionThe planning application drawings make provision for 279 sq m (3,000 sq ft) gross of new retail (Class A1) floorspace, along with associated parking provision. The planning application drawings accommodate this floorspace at ground floor level within a three-storey building, with residential flats above. This building is located at the intersection of the secondary access road and the John Ray Walk, within easy walking distance of the bus stops on Forest Road. This location will ensure that the new retail floorspace is accessible to both new residents on-site and existing residents nearby. It will also provide a pleasant setting overlooking a new drainage pond and an area of new andscaping/planting.

The retail floorspace on-site will accommodate a new convenience store and pharmacy. Discussions are already underway with a known local operator, who is interested in opening a store here (relocating from elsewhere in Witham). The new retail floorspace will include dedicated off-street parking (8 spaces), fronting an area of amenity green space, a pond and new benches. This store will provide for the day-to-day local convenience retail needs of both new residents on-site and existing residents nearby, and in doing so provide an important community facility.

The Applicant has investigated potential operators for the new retail floorspace and these investigations have indicated that there are no national multiple convenience retailers interested in this site. However, a local independent operator has shown interest in opening a convenience store and pharmacy on-site. The Applicant has agreed to design and build the new floorspace, subject to the local operator signing up to a long-lease at a pre-agreed sum.

If the local operator withdraws his interest or does not sign up to a long lease, and no replacement operator can be found within a specified period (to be defined in the Section 106 agreement), the Proposed Development will revert to the fall back position delivering three additional affordable flats in place of the retail floorspace and switching two other affordable dwellings elsewhere on-site to market tenure.

Public Open Space

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The Proposed Development includes a total of 4.14 ha of land for public open space. These areas include, but are not limited to:

1.47 ha of open space set within a woodland glade and wildflower meadow, running from the southern boundary, through central part of the site and onto the northern boundary of the Application Site;

0.54 ha for a local equipped area for play (LEAP) and surrounding parkland, near the northern boundary of the site; and

0.21 ha for allotments on a southern facing slope, near the railway line and at the southeast corner of the site.

The proposals also provide amenity green space throughout the development and most notably:(i) around the new drainage pond and tree planting at the southwest corner of the site;(ii) along a corridor of retained hedgerow, new tree planting and grass verges, either side of the primary access road; and(iii) along a swale and grassland corridor, adjacent to the existing woodland edge to the east.

These areas of incidental open space will provide further amenity value to new and existing residents.

ACCESSThe Proposed Development includes two new points of vehicular access from Forest Road which will be standard priority junctions, spaced at least 60 metres apart. The new access roads comprise:

6.75 metre carriageway along the primary access road, i.e. the northern most of the two roads, which will provide access to the majority of the Proposed Development and will maintain access to the Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre; and

6 metre carriageway along the secondary access road, i.e. the southern most, which will provide access to the southern parts of the Proposed Development and the new local retail facility.

The provision of two new junctions on Forest Road improves the site’s accessibility and provides an alternative route for emergency services in the event that one access road becomes blocked or impassable. The width of the 6.75 metre carriageway along the primary access road reflects the greater prominence of this route and allows access for maintenance vehicles and other machinery to serve the Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre from time to time. Both new access roads will be flanked on either side by 2 metre wide footways for pedestrians.

The John Ray Walk is a 9 mile linear walk between Braintree and Witham. The Walk connects Braintree railway station in the north to Witham railway station in the south, via

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the Braintree urban area, Black Notley, White Notley, Silver End, Rectory Lane in Rivenhall, the Application Site and Holly Walk and Cut Throat Lane in Witham. The Proposed Development retains the current alignment of the John Ray Walk and seeks to enhance its setting by positioning new public open space, a LEAP, a local retail facility and a drainage pond / amenity green space alongside its route.

A new joint foot and cycle path will be created within the site, leading from the southern parts of the Proposed Development, up through the central public open space and then across the northwest boundary of the site to Rectory Lane, near the junction with Forest Road. This will provide residents with sustainable foot and cycle connections to the primary and secondary schools off Conrad Road. These connections will include off-site works, in particular the creation of a new hard surfaced footway on the southern side of Forest Road, leading up to Rickstones Road.

Off site Highways ImprovementsThe Proposed Development includes proposals for local highway improvements at the B1018 /Cypress Road / Braintree Road double mini-roundabout. This is likely to involve converting the southern Cypress Road / Braintree Road mini-roundabout into a priority T-junction, subject to negotiations with the local highway authority and BDC. How will traffic turn right out of Cypress Road, will traffic lights be needed (Bearing in mind that the 31 dwelling property at the former Community Centre site will also be using this junction).

The Proposed Development also includes proposals to create a new hard surfaced footway on the southern side of Forest Road, leading up to Rickstones Road. This will enhance pedestrian connections between the Application Site and the primary and secondary schools off Conrad Road.

There are two existing bus stops on Forest Road, adjacent to the site, which currently serve the no. 90 bus route. The Proposed Development will make a contribution towards bus stop enhancements, which is likely to comprise new bus shelters and real-time information / telematics.

Bellway advise that discussions with ECC and bus operators are ongoing, and will be finalised once planning permission is granted with a response expected within 2-3 months to coincide with the proposed start of building in Spring 2016.

Phase 2The plans for the second (outline) phase of development are sited on the southern-most golf holes at the Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre. However, these holes will be re-provided elsewhere on the golf course, prior to the second phase coming forward for development.

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A separate planning application is being made by the landowner to:(i) remodel and reconfigure the golf course layout;(ii) construct an extension (measuring circa 345 sq m gross) to the clubhouse for functions and public events, allowing the clubhouse to cater for 170 people (up from 70 people at present);(iii) create a new adventure golf facility; and(iv) extend the existing car park.

The golf centre application will be submitted shortly to expand the existing clubhouse and to encourage its use by the public. This will allow the community to use the facility for functions and public events and enable the clubhouse to cater for a total of 170 people (up from 70 people at present). The clubhouse extension is likely to measure circa 345 sq m gross. The clubhouse is within easy walking and cycling distance of the Proposed Development (less than 400 metres) and will provide an additional community meeting place / facility for the public, with bar, restaurant / carvery and function facilities.

PHASE 3A separate submission was made to BDC’s Call for Sites consultation in October 2014 providing information on additional land, to the north of the Application Site. However, this additional land (now known as Phase 3) will be assessed and considered as part of BDC’s emerging new Local Plan process and does not form part of this planning application.

RECTORY LANERectory Lane is a protected lane and favoured by local walkers, dog walkers and cyclists. The Proposed Development does not physically alter Rectory Lane in any way.

Vehicular access to the development will be provided via Forest Road, which in turn provides onward highway connections via Cypress Road and Rickstones Road. Rectory Lane is highly unlikely to be an attractive route for motorists travelling to or from the Application Site. However, a new cycle path will connect the Proposed Development to the southern part of Rectory Lane. This will ensure that the Proposed Development does not adversely affect the physical appearance, traffic generation or conservation of Rectory Lane.

However, although the Proposed Development provides on-site floorspace for a new pharmacy, it is noted that the development’s wider impacts on primary health services and facilities will be adverse, principally through the additional demand placed on local GP / health centres. As a result, the Proposed Development is likely to provide a planning contribution towards new or expanded health provision in Witham.

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Potential IssuesHousing Mix – Bellway advise that based on BDC pre-planning advice this will include 2 bungalows and a range of 1-2 bedroom flats and 2-5 bedroom houses. The bungalows do not appear to be included in Phase 1. Do members think there should be more bungalows, to meet the needs of an ageing population?

Further information obtained by Cllr Rose from BDC indicates that for phase 1the following affordable mix has been negotiated with the developer Bellways

* 9 x 1 bedroom 2 person flats * 25 x 2 bedroom 4 person flats * 19 x 2 bedroom 4 person houses * 7 x 3 bedroom 5 person houses * 2 x 3 bedroom 5 person wheelchair bungalows * 5 x 4 bedroom 7 person houses

Although this doesn’t show in the application information. See table above.

When negotiating for affordable housing, very careful analysis of housing need is considered in determining an ideal mix. In addition, account is taken of the current social housing stock. In Witham there are 147 x 1 bed and 315 x 2 two bed existing bungalows. These combined represent 19% of the 2423 social housing homes in Witham which is a high proportion when compared to other areas of the district.

When negotiating for the type of homes required, we also concentrate on the quality. We have for example asked that all the house types and ground floor flats meet Lifetime homes standards. This approach enables homes to be larger than average and be more easily adaptable to meet the needs of older people and people with disability. There are however a relatively low number of applicants who require larger 3 bedroom single level wheelchair accessible accommodation. This type of home are low in number within current housing stock. For that reason we attempt to address this need by asking for a small number of larger 3 bedroom bungalows on appropriate sites. For Forest Road we have requested that two such homes be provided on phase 1 of the development.

Build out rate50-70 dwellings pa is proposed – so the total development could take 7+years. Bellway advise that the build out rate is fluid and dependent on a number of factors such as the state of the economy at the time of construction and the rate of sales. Once Bellway has a contract with a housing association for the affordable housing this will increase the build out rate. This is in line with other housebuilders in the region.

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There is always a risk that drop in the economy will lead to building stopping completely, as happened at Maltings Lane. An economic downturn is forecast for 2020.

Delivery of landscapingStrategic planting of the proposed trees and hedgerows to the open boundaries to the north and west will be planted post completion, because of the need to build the adjacent shared surface access roads. Therefore new planting to currently open boundaries is likely to occur once each phase has been built out. New planting will be maintained by the landscape contractor for 12-months, prior to this responsibility being passed to a private management company. This would also apply to street tree planting.

There is scope for the early clearing and planting for the creation of the community woodland link through the centre of the site concurrent with the first phase, as this will be protected during the programme.

Delivery of AllotmentsThis is currently planned for Phase 2 as they are contained within this area. Substantial areas of open space are deliverable in Phase 1. If Phase 2 isn’t built, can some of open space land in Phase 1 be utilised as allotments for Phase 1 residents? Should there be more allotment provision?

Location of Affordable HousingDespite the agent’s claim that this will be spread across the site and integrated with the market housing, there are three distinct areas and the retail area is located within one of these. Could the affordable housing be dispersed better throughout the site?

Housing DensityThe overall housing density for the site is quoted as 22 dwellings pa, but a significant proportion of the open space is concentrated in a central corridor, making the rest of the site very dense (29 dwellings pa). Should the density be reduced. Also the density of Phase 1 appears higher than Phase 2. Should it be more even?

Phase 3Site RIV 366 was put forward in the recent Call for Sites. This site is even larger than this one, which together will create a significant development on the outskirts of Witham.

Construction TrafficIt is proposed that construction traffic will be routed via Rickstones Rd, rather than Conrad Road. How will this impact on local schools? Should movements at certain times of the day be prevented?

28


Representations to date:None to date

29

DECISIONS PERTAINING TO WITHAM RECEIVED FROM BRAINTREE DISTRICT COUNCIL IN THE PERIOD:

FROM : 22nd June 2015 TO: 3rd July 2015

Application Details Witham Town Council Recommendations

Witham

Application 15/00564/FUL Application GRANTED Decision Level: Delegated No objectionApplicant: Mr And Mrs J Keen Decision Date: 23/06/2015Description: Erection of front first floor extension over existing single storey building CAddress: 28 Constantine Road Witham Essex CM8 1HL

Application 15/00624/FUL Application REFUSED Decision Level: Delegated No objectionApplicant: Mr G Ludhor Decision Date: 23/06/2015Description: Erection of single storey extension providing a one bedroom flat and meeting room, quiet room, C

study and disabled toilet. The existing unsuitable sun room to be rebuilt as additional lounge area and improved kitchen facilities

Address: 37 Cross Road Witham Essex CM8 2NA

Contravenes RLP20 (extending residential care homes) as this would result in insufficient amenity open space being provided and create unpleasant outlook for neighbouring property

Application 15/00502/FUL Application REFUSED Decision Level: DelegatedApplicant: Ms Jane Carter Decision Date: 03/07/2015Description: Erection of first floor summer house to 3 storey town house UAddress: 27 Barwell Way Witham Essex CM8 2TY

Application 15/00360/FUL Application GRANTED Decision Level: DelegatedApplicant: Mr R Barrow Decision Date: 30/06/2015Description: Demolition of wall within a conservation area CAddress: 10 The Retreat Witham Essex CM8 2BH

Historic Buildings Advisor raised no objection as the wall makes a neutral contribution to the Conservation, also wall is not listed, so refusal would be unreasonable. Condition attached that prior to the erection of any replacement boundary treatment, or replacement of the brick piers, details of the location, height and design shall be submitted to and agreed in writing with the local planning authority and thereafter so maintained (as timber fencing would be inappropriate)

Recommend refusal on grounds of detrimental impact on neighbouring amenity

Recommend Refusal of the above application on the grounds of adverse impact on the appearance of the Conservation Area. Councillors consider that the wall and pillars should be repaired or replaced.


Application 15/00579/PLD Application GRANTED Decision Level: Delegated Receive and NoteApplicant: Mr G Cockell Decision Date: 02/07/2015Description: Application for a proposed lawful development certificate - erection of open porch U

Address:49 Elgar Drive Witham Essex CM8 1NG

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