Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 25 February 2025 to follow.

The Chair advised that consideration of the minutes of 25 February 2025 will take place at a future meeting.

Guidance is available online to Councillors and co-opted members on making declarations of interest

Minute 268. 24/2576/FUL (Minor) OTTERY ST MARY.

Councillor Peter Faithfull, Affects Non-registerable Interest, Known to the Directors of Ottery Larder which occupies the former school but remained open minded in the consideration of this planning application.

Information on matters of urgency is available online

There were none.

To agree any items to be dealt with after the public (including press) have been excluded.

There is one item that officers recommend should be dealt with in this way.

There was one confidential item recorded at minute 273.

Update from the Development Manager

The Committee noted the Development Manager’s report which included three updates on the planning appeals that had been decided. 

Members were advised about two planning applications that had been allowed.  Planning application 23/2506/MFUL for the installation of solar array and associated infrastructure, access and landscaping had been allowed as the Inspector determined that the public benefits would outweigh the harm to the character and appearance of the area.  The second application 23/0571/MFUL for the former council offices at Knowle, Sidmouth had also been allowed as the Inspector determined that the proposal was well designed and would not be prominent in its surroundings.

Members were also advised about planning application 24/0640/FUL for the construction of manager’s accommodation and extension to Lily Farm Vineyard business premises that had been dismissed.

Following a reoccurring question about the total figure for costs awarded against the council, the Development Manager advised that this could be included in the annual appeals report that would be brought to Committee at a future meeting.

Former school, Yonder Street, Ottery St Mary.

Applicant:

Darren Mullin (Broadoak Services SW Ltd.)

Location

Former School, Yonder Street, Ottery St Mary.

Proposal:

Conversion of Old Boys School to three apartments and retention of community facilities.

RESOLVED:

Approved as per the officer recommendation but subject to the adoption of the Appropriate Assessment and the following amendments to the conditions:

·       Condition to require that a minimum of four parking spaces are provided on-site for the community use.

·       Condition 4 to be amended to include an earlier trigger point to agree details: ‘prior to installation or prior to the commencement of works to construct the mezzanine floor, whichever is the sooner’.

87 Sidford High Street, Sidford.

Applicant:

Mr Aldam.

Location:

87 Sidford High Street, Sidford, EX10 9SA.

Proposal:

Demolition of the existing dwelling and redevelopment of the site to provide four dwellings and a new vehicular access.

RESOLVED:

Approved as per officer recommendations but subject to the adoption of the Appropriate Assessment and the following amendments to the conditions:

·       Condition 9 (CEMP): Amend to include ‘no burning on site’ and to require that the receptor sites for the slow worms shall be as close to the site as is reasonably possible.

·       Condition to require provision of smart water butts providing 200 litre capacity per bedroom prior to occupation.

·       Condition requiring submission and approval of a sustainability statement prior to development continuing above slab level to demonstrate sustainable methods of construction which should consider the provision of solar panels.  Development to accord with the agreed details which shall have been provided prior to first occupation.

30 & 32 Queen Street, Seaton, EX12 2RB.

Applicant:

Kerri-Ann Betty.

Location:

30 and 32 Queen Street, Seaton, EX12 2RB.

Proposal:

Demolition of existing upvc conservatory and construction of single storey rear extension with roof terrace above.

RESOLVED:

Refused in accordance with the officer recommendation except that the reason for refusal (impact on conservation area) is to be omitted.

Land north east of Grange Close, Lympstone, EX8 5LD.

Applicant:

Mr I White.

Location:

Land north east of Grange Close, Lympstone, EX8 5LD.

Proposal:

Erection of two detached dwellings with integral double garages, to include associated hard and soft landscaping.

RESOLVED:

Approved as per officer recommendation but subject to the adoption of the Appropriate Assessment and the following amendments to the conditions:

·       Condition to require provision of smart water butts providing 200 litre capacity per bedroom prior to occupation.

·       Condition requiring the submission and approval of a sustainability statement prior to development continuing above slab level to demonstrate sustainability methods of construction which should consider the provision of solar panels.  Development to accord with the agreed details which shall have been provided prior to first occupation.

The Chair to move the following:

“That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public (including the Press) be excluded from the meeting as exempt information, of the description set out on the agenda, is likely to be disclosed and on balance the public interest is in discussing this item in private session (Part B)”

The Committee agreed that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public (including the press) be excluded from the meeting as exempt and private information (as set out against the Part B agenda item), is likely to be disclosed and on balance the public interest is in discussing the items in private session (Part B).

Devoncourt Hotel, 16 Douglas Avenue, Exmouth

Applicant:

Mr Azim Lalani.

Location:

Devoncourt Hotel, 16 Douglas Avenue, Exmouth.

Proposal:

Demolition of the existing Devoncourt building and outbuildings, construction of 51 open market and 15 affordable residential apartments and new 65 bed hotel with access via Maer Road car park, associated car parking and landscaping works.

The Development Manager updated the Committee on matters regarding the current appeal which is ongoing.