February 2019

Minutes of a meeting of the Planning, Lighting & Roads Committee held in Bracebridge Heath Community Library on 18th February 2019 at 19:00

Present Cllrs Mrs Humphrey, Kilcoyne, Mrs Manders (Chairman), Mrs Walker
In attendance Mrs S Knowles, Clerk to Council 
1 member of the public was present

1. To consider apologies for absence and note the reason where appropriate – 

• It was proposed, seconded and Resolved: That apologies for absence be accepted from Cllr Clements.
• It was proposed, seconded and Resolved: That apologies for absence be accepted from Cllr Mrs Trought.

2. To receive members’ declarations of disclosable pecuniary, non-disclosable pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in relation to any agenda item – Nil

3. Minutes of the meeting held on 21st January 2019 - It was proposed, seconded and Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 21st January 2019 be approved and signed as a true record by the Chairman.

4. To consider planning applications:

• 19/0088/HOUS– 6 Canwick Avenue– No comments or objections.
• 19/0153/HOUS – 19 Ridgeview Road – No comments or objections
• 19/0193/TPO - 48 Worcester Close – The committee were happy to support the comments and advice of the tree officer.
• 19/0048/FUL – 58 London Road – It was proposed, seconded and Resolved: That comments be submitted to North Kesteven District Council (NKDC) in relation to this application.

Council note that there is a possibility that the land proposed for development is contaminated due to the infill of a former reservoir at the site and request that a survey is completed to ascertain the presence of any contaminants. Council also have concerns about the access arrangements to the site. The existing single dwelling has a shared driveway with 56 London Road but these access arrangements do not automatically apply to any other dwellings erected on the site. Council requests that the legal arrangements of shared access are determined prior to any development taking place.

Council note that there is a narrow entrance to the site via the shared driveway which may pose problems of safety for the neighbours at 56 London Road. Issues of highway safety have also been considered regarding the entrance and exit to the site. Concerns have been raised about this access point in relation to the adjacent entrance for Cross O Cliff Court and the bus stop on London Road which may reduce visibility when exiting the site. Council requests that a site visit is carried out to ensure that the access on to the main road (London Road, A15) is suitably safe. 

Council request that the hedge around the perimeter of the site be retained to protect the historic and visual environment. Council support the comments of the Tree Officer regarding the trees in the vicinity.

It is noted that the proposed new garage on the plot amounts to approximately 4m in height which seems excessive. Council requests that a condition is applied to restrict the use of the garage as a separate dwelling in the future. It is also observed that there is no facility or space for the storage of wheelie bins at the properties. 

Should the authority be minded to approve this application, Council requests that the conditions applied to the development undertaken at 56 London Road are mirrored for this application.

• 19/0018/RESM – Canwick Avenue and Westminster Drive - It was proposed, seconded and Resolved: That comments be submitted to NKDC in respect of this application.

Parish Council supports the layout of the development, particularly the mix of housing types including affordable homes throughout the site. The variation in the proposed style of houses is good although it is noted that there are no single storey or properties designed specifically for elderly or disabled residents. Council note that the offroad parking provision is good and in proportion with the size and type of properties.

The application does not detail the appearance or finishing materials of the properties. Council requests that the development should be in keeping with neighbouring developments and suggests that a feature wall or feature brickwork be included as an aspect of the properties. This is a characteristic of much of the existing housing in Bracebridge Heath. It is also noted that bin storage and arrangements for the collection of domestic waste (while, and if, the road remains unadopted) have not been identified on the plans.

Council feel that the planting and landscaping scheme should include some more longer term ‘feature’ trees in addition to the short-lived tree varieties included in the application. In particular, this would help to identify and maintain a boundary for the site. The original hedgerows, currently on the land have been in place for up to 200 years and consideration should be given to retaining this vegetation. Council also note that play parks and recreation space have not been included within the application and request that details of this space be submitted for consideration.

Council have concerns that the footpath on the outer eastern edge that was included in the outline application is no longer included. The footpath would help to identify and maintain a boundary and supports good pedestrian access throughout the development. Council requests that further information is submitted about the type and style of boundary on the eastern edge of the development as it is not clearly identifiable on the plans.

5. To receive a report on planning decisions received – The report was accepted.

6. To consider highways and roads – It was requested that the Clerk contact Lincolnshire County Council Highways in relation to the reconstruction of St John’s Road.

7. To receive a report on street lighting faults and repairs – Verbal report given. It was agreed that costs be obtained for replacement LED lighting.

8. Items for the agenda of the next committee meeting - Nil

There being no further business the meeting closed at 19:41
Signed _________________________ Chairman 18th March 2019