Agenda and minutes

          Officers reported that there was one Condition omitted from Minute number DEV 38 as follows:

‘A risk assessment that demonstrates that risks from contamination to Bowers Brook were minimised and including any necessary mitigation measures’

The Minutes would be amended and presented for agreement at the next meeting of the Committee.

RESOLVED:  That

1)    the minutes from the meeting held on 7 March 2016 be amended to include the additional condition above; and

2)    the revised minutes be agreed at the May Committee meeting.

The consultation procedure undertaken was outlined in the report together with background information in respect of the site.

Since the report was published Officers advised the Committee that an additional letter had been received raising similar issues already discussed in the report relating to increased traffic and highway safety.  It was noted that the amended noise report with updated mitigation measures had been received and the Environment Agency had confirmed that they raised no objections based on the updated Flood Risk Assessment subject to condition.  With regards to the highways, surface water drainage and land contamination queries; these were still to be resolved.  Members were advised that the applicant intended to programme the bridge and access works during school holidays; hence the early reporting of the application to Committee with a request for delegated authority to minimise delay that could be apportioned to the planning system. 

One correction to the report was made; the final paragraph on page 16 point a) of the recommendation to be deleted and replaced with ‘the entering into a legal or other agreement for the provision of a financial contribution per dwelling’, similar to the existing overarching Sandymoor Legal Agreement and towards inter alia highway improvements.

The Committee was addressed by Sandymoor Parish Councillor David Felix, who spoke regarding the requirement for an easement of drainage agreement which would need to be entered into between Sandymoor Parish Council (SPC) the owners of the land, and the developer, and that currently this had not been finalised.  Reverend Felix produced a draft plan of the area detailing the drainage requirements.  He further stated that the public open space areas were not finalised and that SPC needed more information regarding the financial contributions towards this.  Parish Councillor Felix also raised concerns over the volumes of traffic in the area, in particular the junction at Wharford Lane and Pitts Heath Lane, and Newmore Lane junction.  He also raised concerns of the access to Sandymoor itself in the event of a road accident, as had recently happened.  He requested the Committee to note that the easement agreement had not yet been reached when making their decision on the application.

In response to the Speaker the Committee was advised that the outstanding drain easement agreement was a private land matter and therefore not a material consideration.  Drainage considerations would normally be dealt with by conditions; similarly third party payment for maintenance of the public open spaces was not a material consideration whereas a maintenance schedule could be covered by a landscaping condition.  With regards to concerns over the traffic and junctions, this was a material condition and the Highways Officer responded.  It was reported that some allowance in the overall masterplan had been made for transport growth in Sandymoor up to 2018.  He stated that the performance of the junctions and chicane at Newmore Lane and Wharford Lane would be monitored over the next two years; but there were no alterations proposed as a result of the current proposals  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

The following applications had been withdrawn:

15/00592/FUL

Proposed two storey side extension at Jamar, Halton Station Road, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 3EL.

13/00379/OUT

Outline application (with all matters reserved) for residential development of up to 131 dwellings on Land East of Dans Road and North and West of Bennetts Lane, Gorsey Lane, Widnes, Cheshire.

The following Appeals had been received / were in progress:

15/00108/S73

Proposed removal of condition number one from Planning Permission APP/D0650/C/10/2126943, to allow the permanent retention of a mixed use for the keeping of horses and a residential gypsy caravan site and the variation of condition 5 to allow the stationing of 12 caravans at any time (of which no more than one shall be static caravan or mobile home) at land to the South West of Junction between Newton Lane and Chester Road, Daresbury, Cheshire.

Appeal to be heard at a Public Inquiry for four days commencing on 4 October 2016 at Runcorn Town Hall.

15/00005/REFUSE – 15/00115/COU

Proposed change of use to residential caravan site for up to 8 caravans including the laying of hardstanding and erection of three amenity blocks at former Ivy House, Marsh Lane off Brindley Road, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1NS.

To be dealt with by way of a Public Inquiry (date to be confirmed).

15/00006/REFUSE – 14/00656/FUL

Proposed construction of single storey convenience store with associated car parking, landscaping and ATM machine at Wellington Hotel Car Park 23, Town Lane, Hale, Liverpool L24 4AG.

The Appeal was dismissed.

Mr Plant advised Members of the appeal decision regarding the application at the Wellington Hotel and the issues involved.