Democracy in Crawley

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Agenda and minutes

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Contact: Email: Democratic.Services@crawley.gov.uk 

Items
No. Item

1.

Disclosures of Interest

In accordance with the Council's Code of Conduct, Councillors are reminded that it is a requirement to declare interests where appropriate.

 

Minutes:

The following disclosures of interests were made:

 

Councillor

Item and Minute

Type and Nature of Disclosure

 

Councillor Irvine

 

 

 

CR/2020/0216/RG3 – Milton Mount, Milton Mount Avenue, Pound Hill, Crawley

(Minute 8)

Personal Interest – Portfolio Holder for Housing.

 

 

 

Councillor Purdy

CR/2020/0024/FUL – Longley House, East Park, Southgate, Crawley

(Minute 6)

Personal Interest – employed by UK Power Networks (a consultee on the application that did not provide a response).

 

Councillor P Smith

CR/2020/0142/FULDownsman Bowls Club, Ifield Avenue, West Green, Crawley

(Minute 7)

Personal Interest – member of the Crawley Labour Supporters Club (based at a nearby building that shares a car park with the application site).

 

 

 

2.

Lobbying Declarations

The Planning Code of Conduct requires that Councillors who have been lobbied, received correspondence or been approached by an interested party regarding any planning matter should declare this at the meeting which discusses the matter. Councillors should declare if they have been lobbied at this point in the meeting.

 

Minutes:

The following lobbying declarations were made by Councillors:- 

 

Councillors A Belben, Irvine, Jaggard, Mwagale, Purdy, Rana, Sharma, and P Smith had been lobbied regarding application CR/2020/0024/FUL.

 

Councillor A Belben had been lobbied regarding application CR/2020/0216/RG3.

 

3.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 220 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Planning Committee held on 29 September 2020.

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 29 September 2020 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

 

4.

Planning Application CR/2019/0902/TPO - Amenity Land to the Front of 79/81/83 Worth Road, Pound Hill, Crawley pdf icon PDF 462 KB

To consider report PES/356aof the Head of Economy and Planning.

 

RECOMMENDATION to CONSENT.

Minutes:

The Committee considered report PES/356a of the Head of Economy and Planning which proposed as follows:

 

Oak - reduce height and crown radius by 2.5m to appropriate growth points (amended description).

 

Councillors A Belben, Jaggard, and Purdy declared they had visited the site.

 

The Principal Planning Officer (MR) provided a verbal summation of the application.  The Committee heard that the tree was infected with a fungal decay pathogen, but was nevertheless in good condition with an estimated 20 to 40 years of remaining life.  The tree was considered to be of high amenity value and therefore the application sought reduction of the crown rather than removal of the tree.

 

The Committee then considered the application.

 

A recorded vote was then taken on the recommendation in accordance with the Council’s Virtual Committee Procedure Rules.  The names of the Councillors voting for and against the recommendation to permit, along with any abstentions, were recorded as follows:

 

For the recommendation to consent:

Councillors A Belben, Irvine, Jaggard, Mwagale, Purdy, Rana, Sharma and P Smith (8).

 

Against the recommendation to consent:

None:

 

Abstentions:

None.

 

RESOLVED

 

Consent subject to conditions set out in report PES/356a.

 

 

5.

Planning Application CR/2019/0903/TPO - Amenity Land to the Front of 81/83 Worth Road, Pound Hill, Crawley pdf icon PDF 431 KB

To consider report PES/356bof the Head of Economy and Planning.

 

RECOMMENDATION to CONSENT.

Minutes:

The Committee considered report PES/356b of the Head of Economy and Planning which proposed as follows:

 

Oak – sectional felling/restricted fell.

 

Councillors A Belben, Jaggard, and Purdy declared they had visited the site.

 

The Principal Planning Officer (MR) provided a verbal summation of the application.  The Committee heard that the tree was of declining health and was estimated to have a low life expectancy.  Reduction of the canopy was deemed an ineffective solution and would not improve the low amenity value of the tree; consent was therefore sought for it to be felled.

 

The Committee then considered the application.

 

A recorded vote was then taken on the recommendation in accordance with the Council’s Virtual Committee Procedure Rules.  The names of the Councillors voting for and against the recommendation to permit, along with any abstentions, were recorded as follows:

 

For the recommendation to consent:

Councillors A Belben, Irvine, Jaggard, Mwagale, Purdy, Rana, Sharma and P Smith (8).

 

Against the recommendation to consent:

None:

 

Abstentions:

None.

 

RESOLVED

 

Consent subject to conditions set out in report PES/356b.

 

 

6.

Planning Application CR/2020/0024/FUL - Longley House, East Park, Southgate, Crawley pdf icon PDF 742 KB

To consider report PES/356cof the Head of Economy and Planning.

 

RECOMMENDATION to PERMIT.

Minutes:

The Committee considered report PES/356c of the Head of Economy and Planning which proposed as follows:

 

Demolition of Longley House (offices) & erection of building ranging between 4 to 9 storeys to provide 121 x residential units (class C3) with associated sub-station, car/cycle parking, tree works, public realm improvements and landscaping.

 

Councillors A Belben, Irvine, Jaggard, Mwagale, Purdy, Sharma, and P Smith declared they had visited the site.

 

The Principal Planning Officer (VC) provided a verbal summation of the application and updated the Committee regarding amendments to the application conditions.  The new proposed conditions were therefore as follows:

 

1.     The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of 3 years from the date of thispermission.

REASON: To comply with Section 91 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990.

 

2.     The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out other than in accordance with the approved plans as listed below save as varied by the conditionshereafter:

(Drawing numbers to be added)

REASON: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

 

3.     No works above ground level shall be carried out unless and until a schedule of materials and finishes, together with samples of such materials and finishes to be used for external walls, roofs, balconies and glazing of the proposed buildinghave been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be carried out in strict accordance with the agreed details.

REASON: To enable the Local Planning Authority to control the development in detail in the interests of amenity by endeavouring to achieve a building of visual quality in accordance with Policy CH3 of the Crawley Borough Local Plan 2015-2030.

 

4.     No development shall take place, including any works of demolition, until a Construction Management Plan has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Thereafter the approved Plan shall be implemented and adhered to throughout the entire construction period. The Plan shall provide details as appropriate but not necessarily be restricted to the followingmatters:-

·       the anticipated number, frequency and types of vehicles used duringconstruction,

·       the method of access and routing of vehicles duringconstruction,

·       details of the area(s) subject to constructionactivity,

·       details of cranes and other tall construction equipment (including details of obstaclelighting)

·       the parking of vehicles by site operatives andvisitors,

·       the loading and unloading of plant, materials andwaste,

·       the height and areas for the storage of plant, equipment and materials used in construction of thedevelopment,

·       details of temporary lighting

·       the erection and maintenance of securityhoarding,

·       the provision of wheel washing facilities and other works required to mitigate the impact of construction upon the public highway  (includingthe provision of temporary Traffic RegulationOrders),

·       details of public engagement both prior to and during constructionworks.

·       details of a dust and smoke managementplan

·       control and disposal of putrescible waste to prevent attraction ofbirds

·       site restoration

·       protection and mitigation measures for wildlife andhabitat

REASON: In the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.

Planning Application CR/2020/0142/FUL - Downsman Bowls Club, Ifield Avenue, West Green, Crawley pdf icon PDF 333 KB

To consider report PES/356dof the Head of Economy and Planning.

 

RECOMMENDATION to PERMIT.

Minutes:

The Committee considered report PES/356d of the Head of Economy and Planning which proposed as follows:

 

Erection of a conservatory onto the clubhouse, re-positioning of the disabled access ramp to the eastern elevation & the addition of new external changing room facilities.

 

The Principal Planning Officer (MR) provided a verbal summation of the application.  The Committee heard that the buildings proposed by the plan would be one storey in height and were considered to complement the style of the existing building.  It was explained that a condition was attached to the application to allow the Local Planning Authority to assess the condition of the changing rooms after 10 years, due to the possibility of deterioration of the condition of the materials used for the structures.

 

In line with the Council’s Virtual Committee Procedure Rules, one statement submitted by members of the public in regard to the application was read to the Committee.

 

The statement from the applicant (Downsman Bowls Club) highlighted matters including:

·       The existing space was insufficient for the equipment needed for competitions and inter-club matches; the proposed conservatory would provide more space for club activities.

·       Expansion of the clubhouse would increase the capacity to accommodate many more players and guests, improving the social aspect of the club.

·       The proposed changing rooms would also be used for equipment storage.

 

The Committee then considered the application.

 

A recorded vote was then taken on the recommendation in accordance with the Council’s Virtual Committee Procedure Rules.  The names of the Councillors voting for and against the recommendation to permit, along with any abstentions, were recorded as follows:

 

For the recommendation to permit:

Councillors A Belben, Irvine, Jaggard, Mwagale, Purdy, Rana, Sharma and P Smith (8).

 

Against the recommendation to permit:

None:

 

Abstentions:

None.

 

RESOLVED

 

Permit subject to conditions set out in report PES/356d.

 

8.

Planning Application CR/2020/0216/RG3 - Milton Mount, Milton Mount Avenue, Pound Hill, Crawley pdf icon PDF 426 KB

To consider report PES/356eof the Head of Economy and Planning.

 

RECOMMENDATION to PERMIT.

Minutes:

The Committee considered report PES/356e of the Head of Economy and Planning which proposed as follows:

 

Erection of single storey building with flat roof to house water pumps and two vertical pipework risers.

 

Councillors A Belben, Jaggard, and Mwagale declared they had visited the site.

 

The Principal Planning Officer (MR) provided a verbal summation of the application and updated the Committee that minor clerical amendments to the reasons for issuing the decision (NPPF statement) would need to be made.  The Committee heard that the proposed pump house structure was of a small scale relative to the block of flats and was therefore not considered to have a harmful impact on its surroundings.  Details of the proposed piping system were set out.  The minor impact on visual amenity was deemed acceptable when considered on balance with the important infrastructure improvements the piping would provide.

 

In line with the Council’s Virtual Committee Procedure Rules, one statement submitted by members of the public in regard to the application was read to the Committee.

 

The statement from supporters (ward Councillors T Belben, Burrett, and McCarthy for Pound Hill North and Forge Wood) highlighted matters including:

·       The considerable length of time that residents of Milton Mount had experienced water pressure issues, particularly those on the upper floors.

·       Negotiations with Southern Water, which had caused delays to the process.  The construction of the pump house (as proposed) was now considered to be the only viable solution to the water pressure issues.

·       Hope that the granting of permission for this application would be a catalyst for the completion of other improvement works at the site.

 

The Committee then considered the application.  The Planning Officer responded to a query regarding the details of the piping, which would be 110mm in diameter.  It was noted that it was not possible to construct the piping inside the building and external piping was therefore the sole option.

 

A recorded vote was then taken on the recommendation (including the amendments to the reasons for issuing the decision) in accordance with the Council’s Virtual Committee Procedure Rules.  The names of the Councillors voting for and against the recommendation to permit, along with any abstentions, were recorded as follows:

 

For the recommendation to permit:

Councillors A Belben, Irvine, Jaggard, Mwagale, Purdy, Rana, Sharma and P Smith (8).

 

Against the recommendation to permit:

None:

 

Abstentions:

None.

 

RESOLVED

 

Permit subject to conditions set out in report PES/356e and the amendments to the reasons for issuing the decision.

 

9.

Planning Application CR/2020/0326/TPO - Footpath Adjacent to Southern Boundary of Seymour Primary School and to North of Pelham Court Business Centre, Broadfield, Crawley pdf icon PDF 297 KB

To consider report PES/356fof the Head of Economy and Planning.

 

RECOMMENDATION to CONSENT.

Minutes:

The Committee considered report PES/356f of the Head of Economy and Planning which proposed as follows:

 

Oak x 20, hawthorn x 2, hazel x 15, holly x 3, rowan x 3, beech x 6, birch x 23, goat willow x 1, willow x 2, hornbeam x 1, lime x 3. Thin undergrowth to allow detailed inspection of trees. Mixed broadleaves – crown lift to 2m from ground level to clear footpath. Coppice – hazel.

 

The Principal Planning Officer (VC) provided a verbal summation of the application, which sought consent for various works to the trees surrounding the footpath in order to improve access.

 

The Committee then considered the application.  It was noted that the trees were currently overgrown and that clearing the path would be safer for residents and for pupils accessing the nearby school.

 

A recorded vote was then taken on the recommendation in accordance with the Council’s Virtual Committee Procedure Rules.  The names of the Councillors voting for and against the recommendation to permit, along with any abstentions, were recorded as follows:

 

For the recommendation to consent:

Councillors A Belben, Irvine, Jaggard, Mwagale, Purdy, Rana, Sharma and P Smith (8).

 

Against the recommendation to consent:

None:

 

Abstentions:

None.

 

RESOLVED

 

Permit subject to conditions set out in report PES/356f.

 

10.

Planning Application CR/2020/0327/TPO - Footpath Along Eastern Boundary of Seymour Primary School and West of Buckingham Court, Broadfield, Crawley pdf icon PDF 311 KB

To consider report PES/356gof the Head of Economy and Planning.

 

RECOMMENDATION to CONSENT.

Minutes:

The Committee considered report PES/356g of the Head of Economy and Planning which proposed as follows:

 

Oak, hazel, birch, hawthorn & cherry - remove leaning trees over footpath & thin undergrowth to allow detailed inspection of trees. Mixed broadleaves - crown lift to 2m from ground level to clear footpath. Coppice – hazel.

 

The Principal Planning Officer (VC) provided a verbal summation of the application, which sought consent for various works to the trees surrounding the footpath, including the removal of three trees obstructing the path.

 

The Committee then considered the application.

 

A recorded vote was then taken on the recommendation in accordance with the Council’s Virtual Committee Procedure Rules.  The names of the Councillors voting for and against the recommendation to permit, along with any abstentions, were recorded as follows:

 

For the recommendation to consent:

Councillors A Belben, Irvine, Jaggard, Mwagale, Purdy, Rana, Sharma and P Smith (8).

 

Against the recommendation to consent:

None:

 

Abstentions:

None.

 

RESOLVED

 

Permit subject to conditions set out in report PES/356g.