Agenda and minutes

In respect of planning application TWC/2022/0629, Councillor G Cook advised that he was a member of Wellington Town Council but had not been involved in any discussions on this application.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.

RESOLVED – that the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 16 November 2022 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

None.

None.

Please note that the order in which applications are heard may be changed at the meeting.  If Members have queries about any of the applications, they are requested to raise them with the relevant Planning Officer prior to the Committee meeting.

Members had received a schedule of planning applications to be determined by the Committee and fully considered each report.

This application sought retrospective consent for the creation of an earth bund to eastern boundary, erection of fencing, creation of a new access road, siting of 2no. shipping containers and temporary siting for three years of 1no. static caravan and 1no. touring caravan in relation to the established equestrian business, erection of decking adjacent to static caravan and installation of a sewage treatment plant at Rushmoor Stud, Rushmoor Lane, Bratton, Telford, Shropshire, TF5 0DA

Councillor J Seymour, Ward Member, had requested that the application be determined by the Planning Committee.

Councillor A Eade read out a statement on behalf of Councillor J Seymour who was unable to attend the meeting which referred to the principal of the application and the wish to build a five bedroomed property on the site.  She raised concerns regarding the business impracticalities and its viability, the limited grazing land which she felt was insufficient, the land was rented and was liable to flooding.   The structures had appeared without planning permission and challenged whether patio doors, a balcony and kitchen were a necessity and whether 24 hour care was a requirement outside of the foaling season.  It was further felt that the holiday let could be made available for staff during this time. The application went against policy HO10 and it asked that the application be refused.

Mr Graham Moss, Applicant’s Agent, spoke in favour of the application and explained that the objections were the same as had previously been raised on an earlier application.  He felt the facts were not correct in that there had never been a refusal for a dwelling.  Despite the Applicant not following a conventional and logical approach to the planning application he asked Members to approve the application in order for the business to continue to be a success

The Area Team Planning Manager (West) informed Members that the previous three year temporary consent for the caravans had expired in October 2021.  An application for a further three years had been received and it was imperative for the foaling season which would take place between January and May.  Due to the nature of the business a worker would be on site 24 hours a day in order to monitor any changes with the health and behaviour of the horses.   Officers were satisfied that due to the location of static and touring caravans and their temporary nature there would be no detrimental impact to the character or appearance of street scene.  The miscellaneous works were of an acceptable scale and design were minor in scale and did not affect neighbouring properties.  Shipping containers were not normally a permanent feature but as they would be well screened by mature boundary treatments and only seen at limited vantage points they were considered acceptable with the condition that they be painted green in order for them to further blend in.  The Drainage Engineers had raised no objections in relation to the drainage on the site.  In relation to the ongoing land owner dispute, this  ...  view the full minutes text for item PC331

This application was for the erection of 67no. affordable dwellings together with associated access, roads, parking, landscaping and public open space on the site of 1-10 Glebe Flats, Glebe Street/1-32 Nelson Court/1-55 (odds) St John Street/1-18 York Flats, 2-28 (evens) & 34-88 (evens), High Street, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire.

The Application was before Planning Committee as the Council owned a part of the site and it was a major scheme of development.

The Area Team Planning Manager (West) informed Members that this application sought full planning permission on land located at Glebe Street and High Street, Wellington.  There had been prior approval for the demolition of the 14 blocks of flats.

Mr S Thompson, Applicant, spoke in favour of the application which had been six years in making was part of the investment plan into Wellington.  It was the second part of the project, the first being the site at New College which had recently been approved.  The schemes would supply 143 new homes across the two sites and it was felt would make a real difference to the area.  Key to the viability of the application was LEP funding which had been secured and Homes England would back the application due to the support of CEOs of both Wrekin Housing Group and Telford & Wrekin Council.  The scheme had involved extensive discussions in relation to protecting the vernacular and feel of area and it protected its character and appearance.  Although there would be the removal of 130 housing units, there were no longer fit for purpose and they would be replaced with 67 good quality affordable homes which would benefit the local community.  The application identified social values and would bring forward apprenticeship and work placement opportunities.

The Area Team Planning Manager (West) informed Members that the previous dwellings did not meet NDSS standards or accessibility standards, had very little amenity space and no designated parking.  The proposal brought forward a mix of dwellings, apartments and bungalows and the scheme would provide 100% affordable housing.   All proposed dwellings met NDSS standards and 19 dwellings met the M42 accessibility standards for some 9 ground floor apartments and 10 bungalows.  In relation to parking standards the application provided 14 spaces above the local plan standards.  Some solar panels would be provided within the development.  The site was located opposite the Wellington Conservation Area and it had met many of the conservation requirements, although it had not been able to omit fascia boards on the properties.  It was felt on balance that the regeneration of the site would improve the character and appearance of the area and no technical objections had been received.  Members were asked to approve the application.

During the debate some Members welcomed the site but asked if there was any S106 money available for crossing points across Glebe Street and if there were going to be any ev charging points within the site.  Other Members felt it was a shame there would be a net loss in housing and asked why  ...  view the full minutes text for item PC332