Agenda and minutes

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 16 May 2024 as an accurate record.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings held on Thursday 16 May 2024 be signed as a correct record.

Disclosure of Interests Members and co-opted Members of the Council are reminded that, in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct and the statutory provisions of the Localism Act 2011, they are required to consider in advance of each meeting whether they have a disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI), some other registrable interest (ORI) or a non-registrable interest (NRI) in relation to any matter on the agenda. If advice is needed, Members should contact the Monitoring Officer in good time before the meeting. If any Member or co-opted Member of the Council identifies a DPI or ORI which they have not already registered on the Council’s register of interests or which requires updating, they must urgently complete the disclosure form which can be obtained from Democratic Services at any time, copies of which will be available at the meeting for return to the Monitoring Officer.

Members and co-opted Members are required in general to disclose any relevant DPIs, ORIs or NRIs at the meeting –

• Where the matter relates to a DPI they may not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter and must not stay in the room unless granted a dispensation.
• Where the matter directly relates to the financial interest or wellbeing of an ORI they may not vote on the matter unless granted a dispensation.
• Where a Member or co-opted Member has an NRI which directly relates to or affects their or a relevant person’s financial interest or wellbeing, whether they can participate in any discussion or vote on the matter or stay in the room depends on the detailed rules in paragraphs 7 of Appendix B of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

The Chair will invite Members to make their disclosure of interests orally at the meeting and they will also be recorded in the minutes.

There were no disclosures of a pecuniary interest not already registered.

To receive notice of any business not on the agenda which in the opinion of the Chair, by reason of special circumstances, be considered as a matter of urgency.

There was none.

To receive the following presentations on a proposed development:

There are none.

There were none.

To consider the accompanying reports by the Director of Planning & Strategic Transport:

Demolition of existing detached dwelling house, out buildings, swimming pool and garden structures and replacement with 8 new semi detached dwellings with associated landscape, driveway, access & parking.

Ward: Coulsdon Town

Recommendation: Grant permission

Demolition of existing detached dwelling house, out buildings, swimming pool and garden structures and replacement with 8 new semi-detached dwellings with associated landscape, driveway, access & parking.

Ward: Coulsdon Town

The officer presented details of the planning application and in response to members’ questions explained that:

• Officers have to assess the impact of the actual development. For the proposed development there was a legal agreement to secure contribution towards sustainable transport, however the seven additional dwellings did not justify the provision of a a path for pedestrians to be implemented in the area.

• For the scheme on the adjacent site to the proposed development, a pavement was not provided as part of the development although the hedge at the front of the site had been slightly set back so there was a grass verge which pedestrians could walk across. 

• There was a rural character to the front of the site which is to be maintained.

• There was a standard condition requiring the submission of a construction logistic plans which would enable officers to understand the state of the highway prior to construction work taking place.

• Planting was due to be set back slightly for visibility splays either side of the site, officers could have discussions with the applicant regarding whether the landscaping could be maintained in a similar way to that of the neighbouring sites and offer a potential footway for pedestrians.

The committee clerk read out a written statement on behalf of Mr and Mrs Turton in objection to the application, Simon Grainger spoke in support of the application. After the speakers had finished, the Committee began the deliberation, during which they raised the following points:

• There were concerns over the cumulative impact of the developments that had been approved on Hollymeok road.

• There were concerns regarding highways safety as there were points in the road which did not have a pavement for pedestrians to walk safely.

• The proposal of eight semi-detached family homes was appreciated.

• The improvements to the application had been noted.
• The developers had taken on feedback from Councillors and neighbours, addressing issues and objections that had been raised.

• Family homes were needed in the borough and these seven additional dwellings would help the Council to achieve its housing target.

• The proposed development was in keeping with the character of the area.

• The site was situated in a semi-rural area and consideration was needed for the safety conditions of pedestrians.

• The site could potentially have hosted several more dwellings than the number of homes in the proposed development.

• This development would have a potential negative impact on the neighbours.

• The improvement into public access to public transport was necessary.

• Whilst the potential increase in air pollution was noted, it was acknowledged that most vehicles which would frequent the area would be ULEZ compliant.

The substantive motion to GRANT the application based on the officer’s recommendation was proposed by Councillor Fraser. This was seconded by Councillor Parker.

The motion to grant the application was taken to a vote  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47/24

To consider any item(s) referred by a previous meeting of the Planning Sub-Committee to this Committee for consideration and determination:

There are none.

There were none.

To consider the accompanying report by the Director of Planning & Strategic Transport:

RESOLVED to note the weekly Planning decisions as contained within the report.

Attached is the list of Delegated and Planning Committee/Sub Committee decisions taken between 15 July 2024 and 4 August 2024.