Agenda and draft minutes

J Foster, Vice-Chair Planning (in the Chair) advised those present of the procedure to be followed at the meeting. 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Dickinson.

Minutes of the meeting of the Castle Morpeth Local Area Council held on Monday 10 October 2022, as circulated, to be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Castle Morpeth Local Area Council held on Monday 10 October 2022, as circulated, be confirmed as a true record and be signed by the Chair.

Unless already entered in the Council’s Register of Members’ interests, members are required where a matter arises at a meeting; 

1. Which directly relates to Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (‘DPI’) as set out in Appendix B, Table 1 of the Code of Conduct, to disclose the interest, not participate in any discussion or vote and not to remain in room. Where members have a DPI or if the matter concerns an executive function and is being considered by a Cabinet Member with a DPI they must notify the Monitoring Officer and arrange for somebody else to deal with the matter.

2. Which directly relates to the financial interest or well being of a Other Registrable Interest as set out in Appendix B, Table 2 of the Code of Conduct to disclose the interest and only speak on the matter if members of the public are also allowed to speak at the meeting but otherwise must not take part in any discussion  or vote on the matter and must not remain the room.

3. Which directly relates to their financial interest or well-being  (and is not  DPI) or the financial well being of a relative or close associate, to declare the interest and members may only speak on the matter if members of the public are also allowed to speak. Otherwise, the member must not take part in discussion or vote on the matter and must leave the room.

4. Which affects the financial well-being of the member, a relative or close associate or a body included under the Other Registrable Interests column in Table 2, to disclose the interest and apply the test set out at paragraph 9 of Appendix B before deciding whether they may remain in the meeting.

5. Where Members have or a Cabinet Member has an Other Registerable Interest or Non Registerable Interest in a matter being considered in exercise of their executive function, they must notify the Monitoring Officer and arrange for somebody else to deal with it. 

NB Any member needing clarification must contact monitoringofficer@northumberland.gov.uk.  Members are referred to the Code of Conduct which contains the matters above in full. Please refer to the guidance on disclosures at the rear of this agenda letter.

Councillor Murphy advised that as she was a Board Member of Advance Homes she would withdraw from the meeting for application 21/02551/FUL.

Councillor Murphy was speaking as the Ward Member on application 21/03841/FUL and would take no further part on that application.

Councillor Jones was speaking as the Ward Councillor on application 22/02904/FUL and would take no further part on that application.

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 not circulated with the agenda but are available on the Council’s website at  http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Planning.aspx

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.

RESOLVED that the information be noted.

Erection of covered terrace to provide additional seating area and associated car parking updates

Land West Of Paddock Hall, North Choppington, Northumberland

Erection of covered terrace to provide additional seating area and associated car parking updates

Land West Of Paddock Hall, North Choppington, Northumberland

A Ali, Planning Officer provided an introduction to the report with the aid of a power point presentation.

Councillor Murphy addressed the Committee speaking as the local Ward Councillor in support of the application.  Her comments included the following:-

·       The Choppington Ward in which the business sat was a few small villages and some outlying farms and cottages and along with neighbouring Stakeford sat alongside and in between larger towns which seemed to attract funding for which they were not eligible. They were the only Wards in Northumberland with no cycleways; not eligible for Borderlands funding; did not attract tourist funding and were not on the map for the reinvestment in rail travel in the South East of the County. The child poverty level in the Ward was 29.1% and the MP for the area recently produced a report on routes out of poverty for children and families in the area. Of the 15 recommendations made, 4 of them were linked to the importance and role of local businesses in developing the necessary economic infrastructure to enable residents to thrive; and 4 referenced community wealth, building apprenticeships, part time and flexible working being available in local communities. Tea in the Paddock was one of those essential businesses without which Choppington would be even more impoverished.

·       The importance of tourism as a future benefit to the area was highlighted and the need for businesses such as this to meet the needs of those visitors.  The area had a beautiful river, riverside walks, stunning woods and could have great links to the rest of the County if they had the necessary infrastructure. These issues had been raised with the Leader and she would keep fighting for them.

·       The Officer’s report suggested that the exception for approving this application on the grounds of tourism could not be met as there was currently no tourist businesses.  That was a circular argument and a real blow to any business wanting to develop tourism in Choppington. 

·       To develop and encourage tourism there was a need to develop, nurture and encourage the businesses which would make tourists want to come and this was the kind of business which was needed to kick start that process.  Without the courage of local business owners, who were prepared to take the financial risks and cope with the worry that went with putting your family finances on the line then she might as well forget about her long term vision for Choppington Woods as a tourist destination.  She would love to see NCC encourage tourism in non- traditional tourist areas rather than write them off as non-tourist areas.

·       The applicant’s agent was here to speak to speak on the technical aspects of the report which they disagreed with, however she was here to present what the business meant to that community.  Throughout the report it referred to a building,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

Full planning application for the construction of 75 dwellings with associated access and landscaping

Land At Hadston Industrial Estate, Hadston, Morpeth, Northumberland

NE65 9YG

Full planning application for the construction of 75 dwellings with associated access and landscaping

Land At Hadston Industrial Estate, Hadston, Morpeth, Northumberland

NE65 9YG

Councillor Wearmouth advised that although he had previously been on the Board of Advance Northumberland and whilst he was aware of the application  he had no financial interest, he had an open mind on the application and would take part in the decision.

J Murphy, Planning Area Manager provided an introduction to the report with the aid of a power point presentation.  Updates were provided as follows:-

·       The report stated that 17% affordable housing was to be provided however this had now been reduced to 10% in line with the NLP and therefore 8 units would be provided.  This had been confirmed as acceptable with the Affordable Housing Officer.

·       Condition 23 – remove “brought into use” and replace with “occupied”

·       Recommendation – remove “towards” from the end of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Provision: £99,000

A statement from Councillor Dickinson, Ward Member, was read out by the Senior Democratic Services Officer and included the following:-

·       His concern regarding the suitability of the site and requested that a site visit be undertaken. 

·       The site was a working industrial estate complete with recycling centre that often produced fumes.

·       The site had a number of garages that were extremely busy and a manufacturing site that was a UK wide supplier and which employed a lot of local people.  The factories and garages operated from early until late which was the nature of such a site.  The noise, fumes and traffic would be problematic not only during construction but for the people living on the housing estate thereafter.

·       There were also a collection of allotments situated to the rear of the site which were all taken, well used and had the smells, fumes and activity anyone would expect of an allotment site.

·       It was important that Members saw the location, the site operations and the surroundings prior to any decision being made.

N. Crowley addressed the Committee speaking in support of the application.  Her comments included the following:-

·       The applicant was seeking approval for 75 dwellings of mixed type on a site which was within the settlement boundary and was well connected to local services.

·       The principle of development on the site was acceptable.

·       The mix of house types to be provided would help to meet local needs.

·       8 Affordable units would be provided in line with policy requirements with a mix of shared ownership and discounted market value units including bungalows, 2 and 3 bedroomed properties.

·       The development would include open spaces, play provision and planting would be undertaken.

·       The S106 agreement would secure contributions to off-site open space  including maintenance for 5 years; affordable housing; SEND provision; coastal mitigation and healthcare.

·       Whilst the site was close to industrial uses it had been carefully designed to mitigate against any disturbance.

·       An additional noise survey had been carried out as requested by Public Protection, and they had no objection  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.

Change of use from garden room (C3 Use) to nail and beauty treatment room (Sui Generis) (retrospective)

16 Druridge Avenue, Hadston, Northumberland, NE65 9SJ

Change of use from garden room (C3 Use) to nail and beauty treatment room (Sui Generis) (retrospective)

16 Druridge Avenue, Hadston, Northumberland, NE65 9SJ

J Murphy, Planning Area Manager introduced the report to the Committee with the aid of a power point presentation. 

In relation to parking, it was stated that the applicant’s intention was to request customers to park around the corner from the property and to eventually block pave the front drive to provide additional parking but this could not be conditioned.  Monitoring of any complaints received about indiscriminate parking associated with the business would be undertaken and if necessary then discussions would be held with the applicant and possibly Highways.

Councillor Beynon proposed acceptance of the recommendation to approve the application in line with the report, which was seconded by Councillor Darwin. 

Concern was expressed regarding the potential for car parking issues in the future should any other residents decide to operate businesses from their properties and the possible expansion of this business.  Members were reminded that any applications needed to be ancillary to it being a residential property and this application was very small scale.  A point was put forward that should the business grow then they should look for alternative premises.

A vote was taken on the proposal to approve the application and it was unanimously

RESOLVED that the application be GRANTED for the reasons and with the conditions as outlined in the report.

Installation of concrete hardstandings and pathways to accommodate a

horse walker

La Luna Farm, Mill Lane, Heugh, Northumberland, NE18 0PS

Installation of concrete hardstandings and pathways to accommodate a

horse walker

La Luna Farm, Mill Lane, Heugh, Northumberland, NE18 0PS

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

H Horrocks addressed the Committee speaking in objection to the application.  His comments included the following:-

·       He was also speaking for a number of other concerned local residents within the locality of the application. 

·       The applicant currently only had temporary planning permission for a chalet, however this development, with the laying of concrete, seemed very permanent.  It seemed presumptuous of the applicant that permanent status would be obtained for the chalet and thus the timing of this development seemed to be premature.

·       The proposed development was outside the nearest curtilage, in the middle of fields which were within the Green Belt and within an area of high landscape value and as such any applicant needed to consider the impact on the openness of the Green Belt.  Under planning law this was not just a case of whether it could be seen or blocks a view

·       This development appeared to be very visible from Mill Lane and some local people believed this proposal would negatively impact on the openness of the Green Belt.

·       No clear argument had been put forward by the applicant in the planning documents on why the proposed development met planning regulations. In the recent Stamfordham Parish Council minutes the applicant had stated that the development was for business use only, however in the Council’s technical submission it referred to recreational use.  Previous planning applications made in relation to La Luna were made on the basis of the planning was for business use.

·       The arguments put forward seemed to be confused and contradictory and the Committee needed to assess whether this development was just for the applicant’s hobby activity and if so then any future applications associated with La Luna should also be assessed on that basis.

·       The opinions of several horse owners, vets, the British Horse Society and leading equine companies had all confirmed that this equipment was not essential for owning and exercising a horse.

·       This appeared to be a retrospective application as at least 7 cement lorries had gone up the lane to La Luna and concrete was being laid where this development was planned.

·       He asked the Committee to take into consideration the history of retrospective planning matters related to this applicant and La Luna and that the applicant had shown a total disregard for the Council’s planning policies.

·       He requested that the Committee also assess the environmental impact of the development as he did not believe that a full independent review had been conducted that considered the proximity of the muck heap to a water source; impact on local wildlife including barn owls, newts and bats; and impact on the local spring.

·       The applicant had stated at the Parish Council meeting that she was protecting Green Belt however it was believed that the Green Belt  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

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. 

RESOLVED that the information be noted.

A short recess was held at this point to allow officers to join the meeting. 

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.

No questions had been submitted.

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;

(b)      Consider reports on petitions previously received: No reports to be considered.

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

(a) Receive New Petitions – Members were advised that an e-petition had received 129 signatures and qualified for a report to be prepared for this Committee.  The petition asked the Council to take action to repair streets on the Green and Margaret Street in Widdrington and install a one-way system along Margaret Street to improve traffic flow and safety.

(b) Petitions Previously Received – There were no reports.

(c) Updates on Petitions previously received – In connection with the petition for a speed reduction on the Northern Bypass St Georges roundabout to Northgate roundabout, Morpeth, Highways had advised that the intention was to include a scheme for a reduced speed limit in the draft Local Transport Plan (LTP) for 2023/24 which should hopefully provide some reassurance to residents.   The informal crossing arrangements were not flagged as hazardous in the Stage 3 Road Safety Audit as it was standard practice to use this arrangement on all our roundabouts built in the last 1-0 years before Local Transport Note 1/20 was published.  A Pedestrian Vehicle Survey had been carried out and the necessary criteria was not met for a light controlled crossing, however if the speed limit reduction was introduced then a signal controlled crossing could be considered in a future LTP programme.  Improved signs and markings at the existing crossing points would also be considered as part of the overall speed reduction scheme.

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.

M King, Highways Area Manager advised that in respect of reactive maintenance category 1 works were reported as up to date with routine inspections ongoing and on target. Reactive 3rd party requests remained higher than other areas and there had been a substantial reduction in the backlog of planned works.  Gully maintenance was nearing completion on the strategic routes and all drainage works had been identified and this year’s programme should be ready to go by the end of October 2022, this had been  delayed due to staffing resources.  The minor patching work had been completed and work for next year was being reviewed.  Details of schemes would be circulated to Members in the update report after the meeting.  Members were also advised that the Goosehill car park would be opening the following week.

Difficulties were still being encountered in recruitment of suitable staff with further interviews being held that week.  Final preparations for winter services were ongoing with grit bins being filled however teams were fully trained and routes had been confirmed. 

The report of the Neighbourhood Services Manager would be circulated to Members following the meeting.

The following issues were raised by Members:-

·       Damaged traffic island entering into Pegswood from Whorral Bank had not been repaired and residents were concerned that there would be a further accident as the temporary structure was not lit.  The adoption of the road should be progressed with Barratts.

·       Concerns regarding Ash die back within the County and in particular the effect this could have on the road and power networks.  Members were advised that this issue had been raised with G Gavin and S Wardle following the previous meeting and a further reminder would be sent.

·       Lane lines were required approaching roundabout at junction with A69 in Throckley.  A further reminder would be provided to N Snowdon.

·       Lights being covered by overgrown trees in Darras Hall Estate and possibility of working with the Town Council to get a team in to encourage residents to have these trimmed. Members were advised that letters could be sent giving advice however if there was an obstruction then these could be subject to legal notices requiring work to be undertaken. 

·       Consultation on Pegasus crossing in Ponteland and if found not to be required it was questioned whether this would negate the necessity for the speed to be reduced to 40 mph.  It was thought this was part of a scheme for a shared surface for pedestrians/cyclists/horse but this would be checked with the Design Team.

·       The fallen chevrons at the roundabout at Dobbies Garden Centre would be removed, but it was not known when a permanent repair would be carried out.

·       Outage of street lights on Stakeford Lane would be looked at.

·       Safety works which had been expected to start on the A196 the previous week had not materialised and this.  This would be discussed with the construction team.

M King was thanked for his attendance at the meeting and his team for their work.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

The report provides an update for members of the service provision for residents who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, in Northumberland providing an outline of the key data and the services available for people sleeping rough.

The report provided information for Members on the service provision for residents who were homeless or at risk of homelessness in Northumberland and provided an outline of the key data and services available for people rough sleeping.  J Stewart, Strategic Housing Manager and V Flint, Homelessness and Housing Options Manager were in attendance to provide an introduction to the report and answer questions from Members.  In relation to concerns regarding begging and rough sleeping in Morpeth, Members were advised that work was ongoing with the Police in relation to begging in Morpeth and clarified that the people involved were not rough sleeping.

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

·       The loss of private rented accommodation was a major contributor to the increase in homelessness within Northumberland with a number of properties being converted to holiday lets.

·       The Government white paper placed a lot of responsibility of landlords to bring their properties up to decent homes standard and therefore an accreditation scheme had recently been launched by the Council which supported landlords to remain in the private sector rented market and it was hoped that this would help to retain good landlords. 

·       In relation to homelessness caused by domestic violence and removing perpetrators of domestic violence from a property and allowing the victims and children to remain in their homes it was stated that often the team were only made aware of the situation when crisis point had been reached and the victims had already left the property. 

Members thanked the Officers for their attendance and presenting the interesting report which highlighted the prevention work undertaken and identified the priorities for tackling homelessness within the Council’s draft Homelessness Strategy which would shortly be presented to Cabinet for approval and adoption.

RESOLVED that the information be noted.

To receive a presentation on the Rural Business Growth Service.

I Hewitt, Programme Manager for the Rural Business Growth Service was in attendance to provide a presentation on the service advising that there was  £7.9 million of investment part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, and the North of Tyne Combined Authority.  This was Delivered by Advance Northumberland on behalf of Northumberland County Council and they worked with micro, small and medium sized enterprises located in the rural areas of Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside. 

The aim of the service was to grow the economy in the North of the Tyne area creating growth and jobs by providing a single point of contact and access to one-to-one specialist advice, to help businesses secure funding and financial support.  The rural definition used by the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) included Ashington and Newbiggin but did not include Bedlington, Cramlington or Blyth. 

Grants were available for eligible businesses with clear growth potential that required direct capital investment to grow, expand productive capacity or diversify into new markets or products and would create a minimum of one full time job.  The type of business eligible were food and drink production; manufacturing; Knowledge intensive businesses; culture, creative and tourism

(excluding retail and accommodation); energy products and services; and environmental products and services.  There were currently 500 businesses registered and workshops promoting the service across the area were continuing to be undertaken.

This particular funding stream would cease in 2023 but it would support the development of enterprise hubs or business parks if these were creating jobs.   Different funding streams were also available for areas or organisations not able to access the Rural Growth Fund and assistance could be provided through Advance or J Rose’s team to find support mechanisms should they be required.

Members thanked I Hewitt for his attendance at the meeting and for his interesting presentation.

RESOLVED that the information be noted.

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).

The Chair advised that the work programme was for information and should Members wish to ask for any items to be added to the agenda, then they contact either himself or Democratic Services.

RESOLVED that the information be noted.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, 12 December 2022 and will be Planning only.

The meeting of the Local Area Council (Planning only) was scheduled for 4.00 pm on Monday 12 December 2022.