Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Hough and Mahon.

Members and Officers are requested to give notice of any personal or prejudicial interest and the nature of that interest, relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the relevant Code of Conduct.

The following declarations of interest were received:

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the inclusion of Councillor Sumner’s apology for the 16:30 meeting, the Minutes of the meetings held on 9 February 2011 be confirmed as a correct record.

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Development Director recommending that the above application for the Change of Use of land to use for War Games activities, including the retention of game structures and access from Lifeboat Road, Formby be approved for the reasons stated or referred to in the report.

RESOLVED:

That the consideration of the application be deferred to enable the site to be inspected by the Visiting Panel.

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Development Director recommending that the above application for the erection of a detached two storey dwellinghouse at the rear of the premises fronting Walton Street, Southport be approved for the reasons stated or referred to in the report.

RESOLVED:

That the consideration of the application be deferred to enable the site to be inspected by the Visiting Panel.

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Development Director recommending that the above application for the change of use from Retail (A1) to Bookmakers (A2) including minor external works be approved for the reasons stated or referred to in the report.

Prior to consideration of the application, the Committee received a petition from Councillor M.Dowd on behalf of objectors to the application and a response from Mr.Hilton on behalf of the applicant.

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation be approved and the application be granted for the reasons stated and subject to the conditions referred to within the report.

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Development Director recommending that the above application for the conversion of a former Primary School to post 16 SEN centre including a two storey extension to the North East elevation, a single storey extension plus canopy to the South West elevation and layout of parking and landscaping be approved for the reasons stated or referred to in the report.

Prior to consideration of the application, the Committee received a petition from Mrs.Greaves-Smith on behalf of objectors to the application and a response from Mrs.Dalziel the applicant.

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation be approved and the application be granted for the reasons stated and subject to the conditions referred to within the report.

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Development Director recommending that the above application (S/2010/1671) for the conversion of former school building to form 27 self-contained apartments including internal and external restoration and alteration, erection of 16 detached two storey dwellings, new and revised access from Lancaster Road, parking, landscaping and public open space be refused for the reasons stated or referred to in the report.

The Committee also considered the report of the Planning and Economic Development Director recommending that the above application (S/2010/1672) for listed building consent for the conversion, restoration and alteration of the former school building to create 27 apartments and demolition of the modern extensions be approved for the reasons stated or referred to in the report.

Prior to consideration of the application, the Committee received a petition from Ms.Foggin on behalf of objectors to the application.

RESOLVED: That

(1)      the recommendation for application No. S/2010/1671 be approved and the application be refused for the reasons stated within the report; and

(2)      the recommendation for application No. S/2010/1672 be approved and the Planning and Economic Development Director be authorised to grant the listed building consent with any necessary conditions following further discussion.

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Development Director recommending that the above application for the demolition of the existing car showroom, vehicle workshops and residential dwelling and erection of replacement building providing showroom, service reception and ancillary office uses, together with improved external vehicle display and car parking provision be approved for the reasons stated or referred to in the report.

Prior to consideration of the application, the Committee received a petition from Mr.Hayes on behalf of objectors to the application and a response from Mr.Walton on behalf of the applicant.

Councillor Porter, as Ward Councillor, made representations against the proposed development.

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation be not agreed and the application be refused for the following reasons: The proposed development would be contrary to UDP policies CS3, H10, EDT8, AD2 and DQ1 as it would detract from local amenity and highway safety by reason of attracting additional activity to the site whilst failing to provide appropriate service arrangements. The Provision of a loading and unloading bay on the public highway would interfere with the free flow of vehicular traffic along Liverpool Road in both directions and which would also lead to conditions which would be detrimental to highway safety, in terms of pedestrians and wheelchair users, particularly at a time when servicing is taking place.

RESOLVED:

That he following applications be approved, subject to:-

(a)      the conditions (if any) and for the reasons stated or referred to in the Planning and Economic Development Director’s report and/or Late Representations; and

(b)      the applicants entering into any legal agreements indicated in the report or Late Representations:

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Development Director recommending that the above application for the erection of a retail foodstore including the layout of car parking spaces and landscaping; and outline planning permission for the erection of four units, (three retail and one unit for business and/or storage and distribution) including the layout of car parking spaces and landscaping be delegated to the Planning and Economic Development Director to grant planning permission subject to the completion of a S106 agreement that the three non-food retail units will not be occupied until the employment unit is built and available for occupation.

RESOLVED:

That the Planning and Economic Development Director be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the completion of a S106 agreement that the three non-food retail units will not be occupied until the employment unit is built and available for occupation.

Report of the Planning and Economic Development Director

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Development Director that sought levy fees for pre-applications within the Planning Portfolio.

RESOLVED: That

(1)      the proposed level of charges for consultation purposes, as detailed within the report, be approved; and

(2)      the Cabinet be requested to approve the proposed level of charges for consultation purposes.

Report of the Planning and Economic Development Director

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Development Director that advised of the final findings of a key study to review the Regional Spatial Strategy Housing Figure for Sefton, which would inform the evidence base for the Local Development Framework and specifically the Options Stage of the emerging Core Strategy.

RESOLVED: That

(1)      the key findings of the study to review the Regional Spatial Strategy Housing Figure for Sefton and the sub-district split, as detailed within the report be noted; and  

(2)      the Cabinet be requested to endorse the key findings of the study to review the Regional Spatial Strategy Housing Figure for Sefton, the sub-district split and confirm that they be used as part of the housing evidence base to inform the Core Strategy Options Consultation which will start in May 2011.

Report of the Planning and Economic Development Director

Further to Minute No.101 of the meeting held on 10 November 2010, the Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Development Director that provided a formal response to the comments received following the consultation period. The report went on to say that no changes were recommended to the existing Policy Note as a consequence of the consultation. 

Attached as an annexe to the report was a copy of the Policy Note presented to the Committee on 10 November, 2010.

RESOLVED:

That the Lowering Transport Emissions – Policy Note report be noted.

Report of the Planning and Economic Development Director

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Development Director that sought authority to carry out works in default in respect of non compliance with a notice under the terms of Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to the following property within the Linacre One HMRI area: 99-101 Linacre Road, Litherland.

RESOLVED:

That the Planning and Economic Development Director be authorised to execute the works required by the Section 215 notices in respect of the property at 99-101 Linacre Road, Litherland, pursuant to Section 219 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, subject to the necessary funding being provided by Neighbourhood Initiative Funding.

Report of the Planning and Economic Development Director

The Committee considered the report of the Planning and Economic Development Director on the result of the undermentioned appeals and progress on appeals lodged with the Planning Inspectorate.

RESOLVED:

That the report on the results of the appeals and progress on appeals lodged with the Planning Inspectorate be noted.

The Chair referred to Jim Alford, Assistant Director Planning Department, and his forthcoming retirement from the Council. Jim has been an outstanding Officer with immense amount of professional knowledge and experience. He was never reluctant to express his considered view to gently guide and assist the Committee to its own decision. He will be greatly missed not only in his professional capacity but also as a friend of the Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the thanks of the Committee be extended to Mr.Alford for the work he has undertaken for the Council and the Borough and best wishes be extended for him in the coming years.

The Chair referred to Dave Poley, Environmental Department, and his forthcoming retirement from the Council. Dave’s departure will be a sad loss to the Council. His input, largely behind the scenes, and steady hand of guidance has made invaluable contribution to the Committee’s decisions and the residents of Sefton.

RESOLVED:

That the thanks and appreciation of the Committee be extended to Mr.Poley for his contribution to the work of Council and the Borough and best wishes be extended for his future success.

Report of the Planning and Economic Development Director