Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 28th October 2019 at 7pm in the Council Chamber, The Old Courthouse, Jaycroft Road, Burnham-on-Sea.
Present: Cllr Andy Brewer (Chairman), Cllrs Peter Clayton, Nick Tolley, Louise Parkin, Bill Hancock, Sue Harvey, with Lorna Williams (Deputy Clerk) in attendance.
5 members of the public were present, Sue Barber as Ward Councillor and 1 member of the press were in attendance.
Public Participation
A resident spoke regarding application 11/19/097, 8-8A High St. stating that this application had been discussed at the previous planning meeting before residents had been notified. This time delay had not given residents the opportunity to speak. There were also several matters of concern regarding fire escape and access.
A resident also representing the neighbours of Sunny Lawn spoke regarding application 11/19/097 stating how disappointed and upset the neighbours had been to learn that the Town Council had considered and passed this application before they had received their notification letters from Sedgemoor District Council. On this new application the residents had many objections including the smoking area, the fire escape, over-bearing, lack of privacy.
The Chairman responded explaining that the Town Council does not ‘pass’ applications, the council is consulted only. The council is notified of applications and is not made aware when residents are notified as the whole process is managed by Sedgemoor District Council as the Planning Authority. This application was dealt with in good faith and the previous objections considered.
The Chairman was aware that a ward councillor would be collating residents’ responses and would take them to the Development Control Committee meeting. The chairman also encouraged residents to make direct representations to Sedgemoor District Council.
59/19/PC Apologies for non-attendance
CllrRich Gardiner-White
Cllr Helen Groves was not present
60/19/PC Declarations of Interest in items on this agenda & dispensations granted
There were none.
61/19/PC Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Planning Committee held on 9th October 2019 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record
62/19/PC Planning Applications
There were no Planning Applications to consider
63/19/PC To consider Sedgemoor District Council’s scrutiny topic on Infrastructure Delivery, and to consider either a written response or a representative to attend and give evidence at the meeting in Bridgwater House at 2.30pm on Monday 11th November.
There was considerable discussion that gave rise to many questions. Members wanted to know how they could ensure the monies can be spent in the communities, how it was monitored, was there varying timeframes who decided where and what it was spent on and how effectively the agreements were being implemented.
Clarification of local examples of S106’s is if a development was at risk of flooding then S106 would be used for flood defence schemes. Asda had included an environmental element to safeguard the Lakeside Ponds. Tesco expansion, monies spend on the High Street to mitigate the expansion. There would nearly always be a contribution element to Education.
Members agreed that they don’t have enough knowledge or expertise to attend and participate in the meeting on 11th November.
The Clerk was asked to write to Development Control to request six monthly update reports on how S106 agreements are progressing.
64/19/PC To consider the Consultation on Possible Introduction of Parking Restrictions on Dunstan Road & Kingsway Road
Members considered the impact this parking scheme would have on the surrounding area. They recognised that this was not going to solve parking in Burnham as many roads have similar problems. There wasn’t any evidence that by introducing a residents parking permit scheme it would have a negative impact on surrounding roads. County Parking Services would be responsible for enforcement of the scheme and this would be funded by the residents participating in the scheme.
Members voted 4 in favour of supporting the residents’ decision with 2 abstentions.
65/19/PC Correspondence from the Clerk
Members considered a petition letter from the residents of Allandale Court, Rectory Road, requesting Town Council support for double yellow lines at the entrance to the driveway. It was agreed to support the residents request for double yellow lines. There were other road traffic safety concerns on Rectory Road and the Clerk was asked to request a site visit by County Highways.
The Clerk asked members to let her know on which date they would be attending the annual planning training that was to be held on Tuesday 19th and Thursday 28th November between 6pm and 9pm at the Council Offices in Bridgwater.
66/19/PC Date of the next meeting
Members noted that the next meeting of this committee meeting would be held on Wednesday 20th November 2019 at 7pm The Old Courthouse, Jaycroft Road, Burnham-on-Sea.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 20:10