Agenda and draft minutes

Venue: Meeting Space - Block 1, Floor 2 - County Hall. View directions

Contact: Lesley Little 

Note: Due to Covid restrictions only those who have registered and are actively participating will be allowed access to the meeting. Any member of the press or public may view the proceedings of this meeting live on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/NorthumberlandTV 

Items
No. Item

55.

PROCEDURE AT PLANNING MEETINGS pdf icon PDF 184 KB

Minutes:

J Foster, Vice-Chair (Planning) (in the Chair) outlined the procedure which would be followed at the meeting.

 

56.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Dickinson, and M Stoneman, Project Manager, National Highways.

 

57.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 362 KB

Minutes of the meetings of the Castle Morpeth Local Area Council held on Monday 13 September 2021 as circulated, to be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair. 

 

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings of the Castle Morpeth Local Area Council held on Monday 13 September 2021 as circulated, be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

 

58.

DETERMINATION OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS pdf icon PDF 182 KB

To request the committee to decide the planning applications attached to this report using the powers delegated to it.   

 

Please note that printed letters of objection/support are no longer circulated with the agenda but are available on the Council’s website at  http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Planning.aspx 

 

Minutes:

The report requested the Committee to decide the planning applications attached to the report using the powers delegated to it.  Members were reminded of the principles which should govern their consideration of the applications, the procedure for handling representations, the requirement of conditions and the need for justifiable reasons for the granting of permission or refusal of planning applications. 

 

The Chair confirmed that all Members had been able to view the site visit videos and there were no questions on these.

 

RESOLVED that the information be noted.

 

M Bulman, Solicitor left the meeting this point.

 

 

59.

20/03851/COU pdf icon PDF 325 KB

Change of use from field to construct a riding arena 22 metres x 40 metres for private use

Land North West of Hulwane, U6003 Ulgham to Ulgham Park Junction, Ulgham, Northumberland

 

Minutes:

Change of use from field to construct a riding arena 22 metres x 40 metres for private use

Land North West of Hulwane, U6003 Ulgham to Ulgham Park Junction, Ulgham, Northumberland

 

An introduction to the report was provided by W Laing, Planning Officer with the aid of a power point presentation.

 

D Moore addressed the Committee speaking in objection to the application.  Her comments included the following information:

 

·       There were still inaccuracies in the report e.g. the stables were located to the east not the north and there was no bridleway.

·       From the north end of the forest access track you could walk south and look down on undulating landscape with the relatively unobtrusive green roof of the stable block tucked away at the south east.  If you looked south west the topography of ridges and furrows would be broken by 880m2 of black rubber on view and to the west of the public footpath.

·       Recent approved arena applications all appeared within the curtilage of associated steadings unlike this one.

·       Policy C1 stated that development in the open countryside beyond settlement boundaries would not be permitted unless essential or allowed by alternative policies.  The alternative policies quoted had no relevance to this site.  The inset map 31 showed that the field formed part of a wildlife corridor which continued east towards Meadows Nature Reserve.

·       Env2(iii)(a)  stated that permission would be refused unless it could be demonstrated the benefits clearly outweighed the harm to the nature conservation value of the site.  2m excavation for drainage and rubber surface contravened this.

·       The field was less than 2 acres yet the arena would take up 12% of it.

·       This was not sustainable development as it did not contribute anything to the surrounding area or environment.

·       Rubber took at least 50 years to break down and leached pollutants into the soil, was toxic to flora and fauna and would be dragged into the surrounding wildlife environment.

·       Env3(i)(e) stated that the contribution of the landscape to Northumberland’s landscape would be recognised; and (iii) stated that ensuring that new development on the edge of the settlement should not harm the landscape character of the settlement edge and where possible it has a net positive impact; and (v) stated the potential impact of small scale development could have on the landscape in sensitive rural landscapes would be assessed.

·       This arena did not sit well in the surrounding topography and did not add anything to it or to the community who used the footpath. It would have a net negative cumulative impact on the landscape character.

·       STP7(b) safeguarded the countryside from encroachment and this application created piecemeal development by it being situated away from the existing stables.  This could also be later infilled by other developments which was against STP4(vii) and could set a precedent.

·       Policy STP8(i)(a) that development in the Green Belt would not be supported unless very special circumstances outweighed the potential harm to the Green Belt and other harm  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

60.

21/01703/FUL pdf icon PDF 252 KB

Retrospective works to dwelling including removal of car port and garage, alterations to roof, windows and door openings and construction of outbuilding

Greenfield House, Hepscott, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 6LH

 

 

Minutes:

Retrospective works to dwelling including removal of car port and garage, alterations to roof, windows and door openings and construction of outbuilding.

Greenfield House, Hepscott, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 6LH

 

An introduction was provided to the report by R Soulsby, Planning Officer with the aid of a power point presentation. 

 

Councillor P Ashmore, Chair of Hepscott Parish Council addressed the Committee speaking in objection to the application.  His comments included the following information:

 

·       He wished to address the one remaining issue in respect of this application, the issue of village and neighbour amenity and in particular ecological amenity.  It was a material planning consideration and was referred to in condition 3.

·       It was dreadful what this application and the aftermath had done to the green wildlife corridor of the Hepscott Burn, which was supposed to be protected by the Morpeth Neighbourhood Plan. This once lovely, wooded site occupied 1.2 acres in the centre of the wildlife corridor. The removal of more 25 mature trees, the bird habitat and the destruction of the bat colony had seriously diminished the village’s amenity.

·       Some of this lost amenity could be regained through Condition 3  and the mitigation of the destruction of the bat colony when the roof was removed which the applicant was fully aware was a criminal act. 

·       The wording of Condition 3 was outlined, however it was considered that this would not happen as:

1.     The overwhelming evidence was that the putting up of the bird and bat boxes had still not happened 15 months after the outline permission was granted.

2.    The applicant had been reported to the police in 2020 for his destruction of the bat boxes by Northumberland County Council and nothing had happened since.

3.    The police did not appear to see it as a priority.

4.    A pre-commencement planning condition was placed on the outline planning application – condition 9 “no development should take place unless in accordance with the mitigation measures detailed in the ecological report.  Development had started but still no mitigation measures.

5.    In June 2021 NCC’s own ecology department said that due to the loss of the bat roost which was seen as a significant impact the requirement for further details on mitigation should not be left to a planning condition.

·       It should be ensured that mitigation measures should be pre-commencement and carried out before any further work on site began. 

·       This Committee could not restore the bat roost or bring felled trees back to life but it could help restore some amenity to the village and the wildlife corridor by changing the wording of condition 3 to ensure that the mitigation measures were carried out before any further work was started.  This would be the only way it could be ensured that the work was carried out.  With this amendment Hepscott Parish Council would not oppose the application.

 

H. Wafer, Agent on behalf of the applicant addressed the Committee speaking in support of the application.  Her comments included the following:-

 

·       The application  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

61.

21/01426/FUL pdf icon PDF 358 KB

Change of use of land and the siting of a repurposed train carriage to provide 2no holiday let properties

Land South of Ivangill, Station Road, Stannington, Northumberland

 

Minutes:

Change of use of land and the siting of a repurposed train carriage to provide 2no holiday let properties.

 

R Soulsby, Planning Officer provided an introduction to the report with the aid of a power point presentation.  He advised that a further condition was proposed to be included to any permission granted as follows:

 

“The development hereby approved shall solely be used for the purposes of holiday let accommodation and shall not be used for any other purpose unless written approval from the local planning authority advises otherwise.

Reason: To protect the amenity of neighbouring residents in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework.”

 

In response to questions from Members the following information was provided:-

 

·       The site remained on Green Belt any development would not remove that status.

·       Highways had been consulted and they had not stated that the development would impact on the highway and its current speed limit of 40 mph.

·       It would a decision for Members to take on whether they considered that visual amenity had been harmed, however the railway carriage was not readily visible from the highway and was only visible once within the curtilage of the site itself.

·       Additional details could be requested in respect of any proposed accessible access to the development or a ramped access could be conditioned.

·       No changes had been proposed to the external appearance of the railway carriage however a condition could be added regarding the external appearance.

·       The proposal complied both with the principle of development and also the Castle Morpeth Neighbourhood Plan in that it supported tourism and was also acceptable within the Green Belt.  Members however might consider that the visual amenity outweighed those principles, however taking account the setting of the area, on Station Road and adjacent to the railway Officers considered there was some connectivity.  Conditions could be used to ensure that if it was not used then it should be removed and to control the colour and appearance.

 

Councillor Towns proposed acceptance of the recommendation with the conditions as outlined in the report and with the additional condition as outlined above and with additional conditions related to:

 

(1)  the external appearance and maintenance of the railway carriage.

(2)  a robust condition regarding landscaping and that the carriageway should not be visible from the road or other residential properties.

(3)  its removal and the land to be restored to its former green space if the railway carriage ceases to be used for holiday accommodation for a period of 12 months or more.

(4)  additional information to be provided in relation to suitable accessible access to the railway carriage.

 

With the precise wording of the conditions to be delegated to the Director of Planning.

 

Clarification was sought on the external appearance, in that it was to be maintained in the existing colour or whether it was required to be painted a different colour.   Councillor Towns stated that he was proposing that the colour remain as existing and the condition would be more to ensure that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

62.

APPEALS UPDATE pdf icon PDF 326 KB

For Members’ information to report the progress of planning appeals.  This is a monthly report and relates to appeals throughout all 5 Local Area Council Planning Committee areas and covers appeals of Strategic Planning Committee.

 

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the information be noted.

 

A short break was held at this point and Councillor Sanderson left.  The meeting reconvened at 5.45 pm with Councillor J Beynon, in the Chair.

 

63.

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

To reply to any questions received from members of the public which have been submitted in writing in advance of the meeting. Questions can be asked about issues for which the Council has a responsibility. (Public question times take place on a bimonthly basis at Local Area Council meetings: in January, March, May, July, September and November each year.)

 

As agreed by the County Council in February 2012, the management of local public question times is at the discretion of the chair of the committee.

 

Please note however that a question may possibly be rejected if it requires the disclosure of any categories of confidential or exempt information, namely information:

  1. relating to any individual;
  2. which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual;
  3. relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person
  4. relating to any labour relations matters/negotiations;
  5. restricted to legal proceedings
  6. about enforcement/enacting legal orders
  7. relating to the prevention, investigation of prosecution of crime.

And/or:

?      is defamatory, frivolous or offensive;

?      it is substantially the same as a question which has been put at a meeting of this or another County Council committee in the past six months;

?      the request repeats an identical or very similar question from the same person;

?      the cost of providing an answer is disproportionate;

?      it is being separately addressed through the Council's complaints process;

?      it is not about a matter for which the Council has a responsibility or which affects the county;

?      it relates to planning, licensing and/or other regulatory applications

?      it is a question that town/parish councils would normally be expected to raise through other channels.

 

If the Chair is of the opinion that a question is one which for whatever reason, cannot properly be asked in an area meeting, he/she will disallow it and inform the resident of his/her decision.

 

Copies of any written answers (without individuals' personal contact details) will be provided for members after the meeting and also be publicly available.

 

Democratic Services will confirm the status of the progress on any previously requested written answers and follow up any related actions requested by the Local Area Council.

 

Minutes:

No questions had been submitted.

 

64.

PETITIONS

This item is to:

 

(a)      Receive any new petitions: to receive any new petitions. The lead petitioner is  entitled to briefly introduce their petition by providing a statement in writing, and a response to any petitions received will then be organised for a future meeting;

 

An e-petition has been opened titled “Community campaign to amend the use of Military Road B6318”, as this petition spans more than one Local Area Council area then should it reach the required number of signatures a report will be prepared for the Petitions Committee. 

        

(b)      Consider reports on petitions previously received: no reports are due to be considered at this meeting;

 

(c)      Receive any updates on petitions for which a report was previously   considered: any updates will be verbally reported at the meeting.

 

Minutes:

It was noted that an e-petition had been opened titled “Community campaign to amend the use of Military Road B6318”.  Members were advised that as the petition spanned more than one Local Area Council area then should it reach the number of signatures required a report would be prepared for the Petitions Committee in due course.

 

65.

LOCAL SERVICES ISSUES

To receive a verbal update from the Area Managers from Technical Services and Neighbourhood Services in attendance about any key recent, ongoing and/or future planned Local Services work for the attention of members of the Local Area Council, who will also then have the opportunity to raise issues with the Area Managers.

 

The Area Managers have principal responsibility for highway services and environmental services, such as refuse collection, street cleansing and grounds maintenance, within the geographic boundaries of the Local Area Council.

 

Minutes:

The Chair advised that any questions on the Winter Services report should be asked during this section.

 

Neighbourhood Services

 

S Wardle, Neighbourhood Services Division Manager provided an update as follows:

 

·       Grass cutting had had some challenging periods with the warm wet weather however the season ended at the standard that was expected.  Routes were now under review.

·       Street sweeping work was now being carried out on leaf hotspots and Members were asked to report any issues.

·       The winter works programme was underway with core works to be carried out before moving on to the prioritised lists. Members were asked to report any issues.

·       Waste collection and recycling were working well.  There had been some pressure in relation to garden waste and the annual review would be undertaken shortly after the last collections at the end of the month.  Income from garden, household and recycling all exceeded targets. 

·       The NEAT teams would be attending all war memorials to respectfully bring them to their best for the remembrance day services.

·       Northumberland gained 11 green flag awards for their parks with success once again for Carlisle Park in Morpeth.

 

Presentation rates and yield exceeded expectations for the glass trial and a decision was awaited on extending the trial for a further year which would also include a further 1,000 properties to allow for more understanding and await the outcome of the Environment Bill which would inform what would happen going forward. 

 

Officers were thanked for their prompt response to issues raised by Members over the previous period.

 

Highways

 

M King, Highway Delivery Area Manager was in attendance to provide an update as follows:-

 

·       Covid practices were still in operation with no reported cases within the Castle Morpeth area team to date. 

·       The Highways Maintenance Engineer post had been filled by Lee Dundas and the Highways Inspector post by Eddy Mutton.

·       Routine maintenance inspections were ongoing with a backlog due to the level of third party requests which were being received which impacted on the ability to undertake routine inspections.  Investigations were ongoing into the high number of third party requests within the Castle Morpeth area.

·       The routine gully maintenance programme was continuing with an overview of the routes and inspection frequency being undertaken.

 

A complete list of works undertaken in the Castle Morpeth area would be circulated to Members after the meeting.

 

Councillor Dodd highlighted an issue with traffic emerging from the Walton beside the Morpeth Golf Club and queuing traffic and questioned anything could be done to improve the situation.  This would be forwarded to the Highway Safety Team.  Councillor Jones requested that Great Whittingham Village be included on a winter gritting route as whilst it was not a bus route it was a school bus route.

 

Officers were thanked for their work over the previous period.

66.

DUALLING OF THE A1 - UPDATE BY HIGHWAYS ENGLAND

Representatives of Highways England will be in attendance to provide an update on the progress of the Dualling of the A1 between Morpeth and Ellingham.

 

Minutes:

S Cully, Community Relations Manager and P Sheils, Community Relations Officer at Costain Jacobs Partnership were in attendance to provide a presentation to the Committee on the progress of the dualling of the A1.  Apologies had been received from M Stoneman, Project Manager,  National Highways.  The Committee were advised of the works which would be needed to be undertaken over both the Morpeth to Felton and Alnwick to Ellingham phases.  The application for the Development Consent Order had been submitted in July 2020 and had been subject to a public examination between January to July 2021.  A decision was expected from the Secretary of State in January 2022 with works hoping to commence in the summer of 2022 and the road to be open to traffic in 2024/25.  Work would be carried out in order that the scheme would be able to progress as soon as a decision was forthcoming. It was confirmed that as much compensatory woodland as possible would be planted to replace that lost during the construction of the road.

 

The Chair thanked Mr Culley and Ms Sheils for their attendance and update. A copy of the power point presentation would be filed with the signed minutes.

 

A short recess was taken at this point.

 

67.

NORTHUMBERLAND COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

To receive a presentation on the work of Northumberland Communities Together.

 

Minutes:

M Taylor, Executive Director Wellbeing – Adult Services, and E Richardson, Senior Manager Specialist Services - Poverty Lead, were in attendance to provide a presentation on the work of Northumberland Communities Together.  A copy of the power point presentation would be filed with the signed minutes.

 

Members were advised that Northumberland Communities Together (NCT), which had been formed in order to provide support to residents and communities at the beginning of the Pandemic had become an inclusive community and multi-disciplinary team approach which responded to specific and emerging needs.  NCT supported working together and by working in and with communities could make a difference where and how it was needed. 

 

NCT aimed to prevent residents of all ages becoming more vulnerable, addressing the social determinants of health which included access to healthcare, housing, transport, hunger, fuel etc and ensuring that help was available to those that needed assistance in whatever form it was required.

 

The team was split across front line operational delivery and programme and project delivery with details provided of the different roles and the type of work undertaken by each team.  A number of events had been arranged which helped with community engagement and enrichment, with over 70 young leaders coming forward within various organisations within the County and 36 summer camps took place for over 1800 children. 

 

The Council had been successful in a bid for funding from North of Tyne  Combined Authority to establish community hubs, the first of which had been developed in Cramlington as there had been a Council owned building available to use. It was stressed that Hubs were not Council run, and engagement with local communities would assist in developing Hubs in other areas. 

 

Statistical information was provided in relation to statutory covid support including the direct support and welfare visits to clinically extremely vulnerable residents and distribution of emergency food parcels; distribution of statutory aid including the emergency assistance fund, winter support grants and others.  Members would be contacted shortly regarding the distribution of the Household Support Fund which had just been received.

 

Anonymised case studies were given which provided information on the interventions and assistance provided which had helped residents maintain jobs and tenancies. Information was also provided on the focus and priorities over the forthcoming winter period.

 

In relation to concern from Members on the sufficiency of being able to respond to the extra demand that was anticipated over the winter period, Members were assured that due to an increase in funding, the establishment had been increased and Community Champions appointed. There were good teams in place in order to ensure that early intervention could be provided.  Many of the staff involved had already been employed by the Council and had been pulled together as a Team with additional resources being agreed by Cabinet.  Funding had gone out to the Communities as they were able to make it go much further and provide more targeting spending.  There had been a huge community response and change for the good  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

68.

WINTER SERVICES PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE pdf icon PDF 219 KB

The report provides an overall update of the pre-season preparations ahead of the forthcoming winter services season.

 

Minutes:

The report provided an overall update of the pre-season preparations ahead of the forthcoming winter services season.

 

RESOLVED that the contents of the report be noted.

 

69.

LOCAL AREA COUNCIL WORK PROGRAMME pdf icon PDF 198 KB

To note the latest version of agreed items for future Local Area Council meetings (any suggestions for new agenda items will require confirmation by the Business Chair after the meeting) 

 

Minutes:

The work programme was attached and the Chair asked that should anyone have any items they would like to raise they should contact him. 

 

RESOLVED that the information be noted.