Meeting documents

1

APOLOGIES

Apology as noted above.

2

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Declarations of interest were received and recorded under the respective items.

3

MINUTES

Submitted and confirmed as a true record, the minutes of the meeting of the Planning and Orders Committee held on 29th July 2009 subject to the following amendment :-

6.4 - 20C251 - Alterations and extensions to Swn yr Afon, Ffordd y Traeth, Cemaes

The reason for refusal was given as the adverse impact the alterations would have on a Conservation Area.

The minutes of the Site Visits meeting held on 19th August 2009 were submitted and confirmed.

5

DEFERRED APPLICATIONS

No deferred applications included as part of the Agenda for the meeting.

6.1

12C393 - Outline application for the erection of a dwelling and garage together with the      construction of a new vehicular access on land opposite Garth Wen, Llanfaes

This application was submitted to the Planning and Orders Committee meeting held on 29th July   2009, when Members resolved to visit the site. The site visit subsequently took place on 19th         August 2009.

The Planning Control Manager reported that the single track county highway giving access to the site has poor horizontal and vertical alignment, resulting in restricted forward visibility.  There are also insufficient passing bays along the length of the road to enable the free flow of two way traffic, the additional traffic that would be generated by the proposal would exacerbate the current situation to the detriment of highway safety.  Also the removal of a hedgerow as part of the development would make the proposal more visible, adding to its detriment affect.

The Local Member, Councillor R.L. Owen reported that the road passing this site is been used by the 28 houses at Garth Wen estate.  The road was used during the last century to an important military camp; the old Denbighshire and Anglesey Yeomanry used to meet there aswell.    The applicant is willing to decrease the height of a hedge for added visibility to the proposed site.  He requested the Committee to approved the application.

Councillor Lewis Davies noted that the visibility is sub-standard, with not enough passing areas on the lane.  The widening of the lane would have a detrimental effect on a historical country road from the Priory in Penmon to Llanfaes; there is rare vegetation on this road.  He further noted that the Committee should be consistent with its decisions as two planning applications have been refused previously in this area.  Councillor Davies proposed that the Officer’s recommendation of refusal be supported.  Councillor W.J. Chorlton seconded the proposal of refusal.     

Councillor T.H. Jones noted that if a Section 106 agreement would be signed, with no further development be allowed on this land; he could support the application.

The voting was as follows :-

To accept the Officer’s report and to refuse the application :  Councillors W.J. Chorlton, Lewis Davies, Kenneth P. Hughes, H. W. Thomas, J.P. Williams

To approve the application contrary to the Officer’s recommendation : Councillors Barrie Durkin, Jim Evans, O. Glyn Jones, T.H. Jones, R.L. Owen

The application was refused on the casting vote of the Chairman.

It was RESOLVED to accept the Officer’s report and recommendation of refusal in respect of this application.

Councillor E.G. Davies asked it be noted that he abstained from voting on this application, as he was not present at the beginning of the deliberations of the application.

It was noted that the application had been withdrawn.

It was noted that the application had been withdrawn.

Councillor J.P. Williams noted that he had declared an interest in respect of the above application. He was a member of an organisation on the Island; around 20 years ago, and one of the objectors was the Secretary.  He noted that he has had no contact with the objector since then.  The Legal Service Manager noted that did not appear to be a close personal relatiionship to constitute a declaration of interest.

Councillor B. Durkin declared an interest in respect of this application.  He took part in the deliberations but abstained from voting.

This application was brought for determination by the Committee at the request of the

Local Member, Councillor Barrie Durkin. At the meeting of the Committee held on 29th July 2009

it had been resolved that the site be visited. That site visit took place on 19th August 2009.

The Planning Control Manager reported that the site is in close proximity to the property called Meillion.  The submitted plans show that the building will be between 2m and 2.8m higher than the hedge near the property.  The size and use of the proposed building will have a significant impact on the amenities of the occupiers of Meillion by virtue of the increase in activity and disturbance created by visitors to the building.  

The Local Member, Councillor B. Durkin noted that this is a well run tourist establishment. The proposal to demolish a redundant building, which is only used for storage.  He noted that he considered that the objections in the Officer’s report do not fit in with the requirements.  It says that ‘the building is excessive in size, scale and massing’; Councillor Durkin does not agree with this statement.  He considered that the roof of the proposed building will only be slightly higher than the hedge; and was of the opinion that the neighbouring property is quite elevated.  

He stressed that the tourist industry should be supported and considered that the application should be approved.

Councillor H.W. Thomas also noted that he does not agree with the reasons for refusal of the application by the Officers.  He noted that the report states ‘the application site is in close proximity to the property Meillion.  It will be positioned approximately 2m from that property’s boundary’; he considered that the property Meillion is a further 25 yards away from the proposed application site.  He stressed that consistency is required when dealing with application and stated that at a previous meeting Officer’s recommended approval of a dwelling in Benllech which was only a few yards away from a neighbouring property.  He considered that full support should be given to the tourist industry on the Island and strongly proposed that the application be approved.  Councillor R.L. Owen seconded the proposal.

It was RESOLVED to approve the application, contrary to the Officer’s recommendation.

The reasons for approving the application were :-

The size of the building is not considered excessive in size and mass

Overlooking is not an issue

Two storey building exist at present near the proposal

Upgrading a tourist facility

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the application was automatically deferred to the next meeting to allow Officers the opportunity to prepare a report on the reason for approving the application.

Councillors Barrie Durkin did not vote in respect of this item.

Councillor J.P. Williams did not take part in the discussion or voting in respect of this item.

7

ECONOMIC APPLICATIONS

No Affordable Housing applications submitted for determination by this Committee.

9

DEPARTURE APPLICATIONS

9.1

24C268B - Outline application for the erection of a dwelling together with the construction of a new access and installation of a new sewage treatment plant on land adjoining Gwelfor, Cerrigman

The Planning Control Manager reported that the application is a departure from the development plan but one which the local planning authority are minded to approve.

The application site is located in the countryside under the provision of the adopted Ynys Môn Local Plan (December 1996), and has thus been advertised as a departure from the development plan.  This is due to Cerrigman not being listed under the provisions of Policy 50 (Listed settlements) of this plan, which permits single dwellings within or on the edge of the listed villages and hamlets subject to the listed criteria being satisfied.  Cerrigman is included as a settlement under the provisions of Policy HP5 of the Ynys Môn Unitary Development Plan.  This policy permits single dwellings on infill and other acceptable sites subject to the listed criteria.  The application site is also located within the indicative frame.  In view of the advanced stage reached in the preparation of the Stopped Ynys Môn Unitary Development Plan, weight can be attributed to its provisions such as to outweigh the provisions of the development plan in this instance.  

Councillor W.J. Chorlton proposed that the application be approved.  Councillor J. Arwel Roberts seconded the proposal.

It was RESOLVED to accept the Officer’s report and recommendations to approve the application, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.

10.1

31C240A - Erection of a conservatory at Bryntirion Cottage, Lôn Pant, Llanfairpwll.

Mr. Richard Eames, Development Control Officer (Highways) declared an interest and left the meeting during the discussion on this item.

This application was submitted to the Committee as the agent is a close friend of one of the

Officers working within the Planning and Environment Services Department of the County Council.     The Monitoring Officer had seen the file and confirmed that the application was process in the usual manner and in accordance with paragraph 4.6.10.4 of the Constitution.

There is adequate space within the curtilage of Bryntirion Cottage to provide for the proposed conservatory without over developing the site.

Councillor W.J. Chorlton proposed that the application be approved.  Councillor E.G. Davies seconded the proposal.

It was RESOLVED to accept the Officer’s report and recommendations to approve the application, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.

10.2

34C597 - Extension to the existing conservatory, conversion of garage into utility,

living room-bedroom and alterations to the existing vehicular access at 2 Brig y Nant,

Llangefni.

This application was submitted to the Committee as the applicant is the husband of a County

Councillor. The Monitoring Officer had seen the file and confirmed that the application was processed in the usual manner and in accordance with paragraph 4.6.10.4 of the Constitution.

The work that is proposed would normally not require the benefit of planning permission, however a Permitted Development Restriction has been placed on the estate and hence the reason for the planning application.  The proposed works will not affect any other property by virtue of overlooking/overshadowing.  

Councillor W.J. Chorlton proposed that the application be approved.  Councillor T.H. Jones seconded the proposal.

It was RESOLVED to accept the Officer’s report and recommendations to approve the application, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.

10.3

36C296 - Full application for the erection of a dwelling and detached garage together

with the construction of a vehicular access on land near Ty’n Gamdda, Llangristiolus.

Mr. Steven Owen, Planning Officer declared an interest in respect of this application.

This application was submitted to the Committee as the applicant is a close friend of one of the

Officers working within the Planning Control Section of the County Council. The Monitoring Officer had seen the file and confirmed that the application was process in the usual manner and in          accordance with paragraph 4.6.10.4 of the Constitution.

It was noted that the application has been deferred to allow the applicant to serve notice on the neighbouring property due to the Highway Authority stipulating the requirement for a wider visibility splay to the proposed dwelling.

11.1

20C250A - Works to a tree in a Conservation Area at Thalassa, Ffordd y Traeth,

Cemaes

The application was brought for determination by the Committee at the request of the local member.

The Notice relates to a ‘crown lift’ of the tree in order to improve its form and remove branches interfering with the roof of the adjoining property.  The local planning authority has carried out an amenity evaluation of the tree and advised that it has notable amenity in this location, which must be balanced against its condition at the base.  The Notice is for works that will have no significant impact on either the form or health of the tree, and it is not considered expedient to place a Tree Preservation Order on the Tree.

The Local Member, Councillor W.T. Hughes noted that the tree is in a conservation area and he hoped that the ‘crown lift’ will be carried out in a proper manner.

Councillor B. Durkin noted that the condition of the base of the tree is poor; he suggested maybe that the tree might have to be removed.  He considered that the Conservation Officer and the Tree Surgeon be consulted in respect of this matter.

Councillor Lewis Davies noted that Sycamore Tree are not protected; when the tree grows the roots will penatrate the rock and expand; this could create a danger with the splitting of the rocks.

The Planning Control Manager reported that the application is for the lower branches of the tree to be shaped and the only reason why the application has been brought for determination by the Committee is that it is within a Conservation Area.

Councillor H.W. Thomas proposed the approve the application.  Councillor W.J. Chorlton seconded the proposal.

It was RESOLVED to accept the Officer’s report and recommendation to approve the application, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.

11.2

.......20C252A- Alterations and extensions to Ty Lawr, Ffordd y Traeth, Cemaes.

The application was brought for determination by the Committee at the request of the Local Member.

The current application was originally resubmitted with a shallower and lower designed roof than the two storey rear extension.  Following the receipt of objections from the Conservation Officer this was amended to the current proposal.  It was noted that when exercising planning powers in a conservation area, planning authorities must pay particular attention to the desirability of retaining or improving the character or appearance of that area.  The application site is in a prominent position in relation to the Harbour and within the Conservation Area.  The single storey extension at the rear of the property presently affords significant public views outwards from the public highway.  The loss of these public views from within this part of the Conservation Area would unacceptably harm the character and appearance of the area.  

The Local Member, Councillor W.T. Hughes noted that the report states that 9 letters of objection had been received in respect of this application; he noted that the original application attracted over 80 letters of objection and these still oppose this development.  He noted that strong objection to the application exist in the village of Cemaes as the area is unique and it is of utmost importance due to heritage and history of Cemaes.  

Councillor H.W. Thomas proposed that the application be refused.  Councillor W.J. Chorlton seconded the proposal.

It was RESOLVED to accept the Officer’s report and recommendation to refuse the application.

The application was reported to the Planning Committee as the application is on Council owned

land.

The yard will follow as near as possible the existing land contours and will have a bitumen tarmacadam finish.  A comprehensive drainage design is provided with this application to reduce any risk of flooding or significant increases in loading on the surface drainage system.  The proposed yard will measure 600 square metres.  The propose yard will not have an impact on any neighbouring properties and will comply with the Policies listed within the report.

Councillor E.G. Davies proposed that the application be approved.  Councillor O. Glyn Jones seconded the proposal.

It was RESOLVED to accept the Officer’s report and recommendation to approve the application, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.

11.4

34LPA914/CC/TPO - Reduction of 2 trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order at

the Dingle Nature Reserve, Llangefni.

The application was reported to the Planning Committee as the application is on Council owned

land.

The application is for the reduction of branches of 2 sycamore trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order at the Dingle, Llangefni.  The Planning Service has no objection to the proposed reduction of branches on 2 Sycamore trees on the grounds that the works will not have any adverse amenity impact on the Tree Preservation Order or any detrimental impact on the health of the trees.

Councillor W.J. Chorlton proposed that the application be approved.  Councillor O. Glyn Jones seconded the proposal.

It was RESOLVED to accept the Officer’s report and recommendations to approve the application, subject to conditions as outlined within the report.    

11.5

36LPA827A/CC - Erection of an agricultural shed for the housing of livestock at

Bodhenlli, Cerrigceinwen.

The application was brought to the Planning Committee as the application has been submitted

by the Property Section of the County Council.

It was noted that the design, siting and external appearance of the proposed agricultural building are considered to be acceptable in this location.

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to adhere to the timetable for introducing public speaking in the Planning and Orders Committee by the New Year.

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Continue to undertake an annual Planning Committee review of decisions.

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Continue with training for Members by way of Seminars etc., in line with the terms of the Planning Matters Procedure Rules as contained within the Constitution.

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Review planning appellation processes to improve the quality of decision-making.

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Relaunch the Local Development Plan (LDP) to reflect recent developments with Wylfa and moves to provide community leadership through the ‘Ynys Ynni/Energy Island’ vision.

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Use the existing central LDP budget to appoint an LDP Team Leader on a fixed term contract.

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Use funding associated with ‘Ynys Ynni/Energy Island’ to help fill evidence gaps in the LDP and achieve the LDP timetable.