Agenda and draft minutes

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

Contact: Heather Bowers 

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

28.

PROCEDURE AT PLANNING MEETINGS pdf icon PDF 120 KB

Minutes:

The Chair explained the procedure for planning committees as outlined in the report. 

29.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Councillors Bowman, Dunbar, Ferguson, Flux and Wilczek. 

 

The Chair conveyed his congratulations to Councillor Wilczek on the birth of her baby. 

 

30.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 231 KB

Minutes of the meeting of the Cramlington, Bedlington & Seaton Delaval Local Area Council held on 22 September as circulated, to be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.   

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Local Area Council held on Wednesday, 22 September 2021, as circulated, be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.  

 

A member queried whether members would receive a community safety update.  The Chair stated that the Police and Crime Commissioner would be attending the January meeting. 

 

31.

APPEALS UPDATE pdf icon PDF 189 KB

For Member’s 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:

The report provided information on the progress of planning appeals. 

 

RESOLVED that the information be noted. 

 

 

A short recess took place at 16:47 to allow planning officers to vacate the meeting. 

 

The meeting recommenced at 17:04. 

 

32.

DETERMINATION OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS pdf icon PDF 127 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 committee was requested 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. 

 

33.

20/03863/VARYCO pdf icon PDF 213 KB

Variation of conditions 2 (materials) and 3 (approved plans) pursuant to planning permission 18/00515/FUL in order to install a flat roof rather than a pitched roof 

41A Southward, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay, Northumberland 

NE26 4DQ.

Minutes:

Richard Laughton, Planning Officer reminded members that the planning application had previously been considered by the committee in July.   

 

To recap, the extension to 41a Southward had not been constructed in accordance with the approved plans and the application sought retrospective consent through a variation of condition for the development, as built. 

 

Members deferred the application until the November meeting to allow the applicants time to consider making changes to the built extension that would be acceptable on planning grounds. 

 

To date, the applicants had not been in contact with the planning department to discuss and no further plans had been submitted.  Therefore, the application had been brought back to committee with a recommendation for refusal. 

 

Mr Laughton continued to describe the application by presentation and plans on screen. 

 

Following the presentation, Mr Laughton explained that the recommendation was for refusal and informed the committee that the wording had been slightly amended to include the impact of the external staircase, to read:- 

 

Refusal Reason 1 

 

The two storey rear extension and proposed external staircase, by virtue of their siting, scale, mass and design do not respect or complement the style or character of the existing dwelling and constitute incongruous additions to the street scene, resulting in significant harm to the visual amenities of the locality.  This would be contrary to polices DC1 and DC28 of the Blyth Valley District Local Development Framework:  Development Control Policies Development Plan Document (2007), Policy ENV 2 of the Blyth Valley Core Strategy and the NPPF. 

 

Refusal Reason 2 

 

The two storey rear extension by virtue of its siting, scale, mass and height results in significant adverse impact on the amenities of the occupiers of the adjoining property at 39a Southward Avenue in terms of unacceptable loss of daylight/sunlight, visual outlook, structural proximity and an overbearing presence and the proposed external staircase would result in significant harm to the amenities of the occupiers of the neighbouring property at 41 Southward by virtue of increased overlooking of their rear elevation and rear garden.  This would be contrary to polices DC1 and DC28 of the Blyth Valley District Local Development Framework: Development Control Policies Development Plan Document (2007) and the NPPF. 

 

Mrs Burt, applicant, was in attendance and spoke in support of the application: 

 

  • Members would recall that the decision at the July meeting was to defer the application to allow changes to the extension. 
  • However, plans before the committee were those that were considered earlier this year.  Since that meeting, no further objection or comments had been submitted and no further objections since her parents-in-law who resided next door, had since relocated. 
  • She still believed the proposed extension would not result in any significant impact. 
  • They had consulted the neighbour next door who had not objected. 
  • Both properties enjoyed a good outlook with long day time and evening sunshine with the overshadowing effect being short lived. 
  • The extension was appropriate and constructed with matching materials 
  • Properties nearby had flat roof extensions and other properties nearby having  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

34.

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; 
  1. which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual; 
  1. relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person 
  1. relating to any labour relations matters/negotiations; 
  1. restricted to legal proceedings 
  1. about enforcement/enacting legal orders 
  1. 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 received

35.

PETITIONS pdf icon PDF 155 KB

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: Petition for fly-tipping in Seghill. 

 

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

 

Minutes:

This item was to: 

 

a) Receive any new petitions: 

 

No new petitions had been received. 

 

b) Consider reports on petitions previously received: Petition for CCTV n Mill Lane, Seghill. 

 

John Robertson, Principal Officer, Environment Enforcement explained that a petition had been received requesting CCTV to be placed on Mill Lane, Seghill to prevent fly-tipping. 

 

It was estimated that, whilst 4 cameras could be placed at regular intervals along the lane at least 6 cameras would be required to cover all events with enough detail to be used as evidence if a prosecution was to be progressed and successful. 

 

The amount of equipment and resource required to maintain and supervise the deployment would incur additional costs from the budget.  The use and deployment of existing deployable cameras would also have a detrimental impact on other parts of the county. 

 

Seaton Valley Council had been asked to assist, but they had no budget for this type of activity. 

 

Incidents were reported to the area Neighbourhood Waste Teams and Environmental Enforcement Team who would investigate any illegal fly tipping.  If a particular area was targeted, consideration would be given to the placement of covert cameras.  In order to do this, NCC had to adhere to the RIPA Act 2000 (RIPA) to ensure that deployment was lawful and proportionate. 

 

A further option for consideration for Mill Lane itself could be having the area target hardened at a cheaper cost to prevent vehicular access with a gate or barrier allowing necessary traffic for farmland etc, but preventing its use as a short cut could become a rat run. 

 

At the time of the report, the Seghill area overall had 49 reports of fly-tipping, with Mill Lane itself having 19 fly tipping incidents so far this year. 

 

In response to a question regarding an existing fixed camera, Mr Robertson reported that it was hard to get evidence because of the length of the lane. 

 

Councillor Scott, as Ward Councillor stated that he would be happy to use his small scheme budget and was willing to have a conversation with Mr Robertson and his team out with the meeting. 

 

RESOLVED:- 

 

1)To continue with current methods of using deployable CTV equipment to investigate fly tipping events. 

 

2)Options to undertake target hardening of the location to prevent vehicles access be investigated. 

 

 

36.

YOUTH SERVICE PROVISION

To receive a presentation giving an overview of the Youth Services Provision within Cramlington, Bedlington and Seaton Valley. 

Minutes:

This item had been deferred to January’s meeting. 

37.

NORTHUMBERLAND COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

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

Minutes:

Paul Brooks, Head of Northumberland Communities Together was in attendance to give a presentation on the work of Northumberland Communities Together (NCT) which had been borne out of the pandemic to help and support people who needed it most.  (A copy of the presentation was enclosed with the signed minutes). 

 

He explained that the last 18 months had seen a number of challenges and the service was now a formal structure which came under Adult Services, and would support vulnerable people in our local communities, using the skills and assets in the community. 

 

The aim was to prevent residents becoming more vulnerable, addressing the social determinants of health which included access to healthcare, housing, transport, hunger, fuel and tackling inequalities.  The key role as a Local Authority was to work with partners and the voluntary community sector to deliver on behalf of the residents and to identify which individuals were struggling and sign post them to the most appropriate support. 

 

The team was split across front line operational delivery and programme and project delivery with collaboration with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Community Support Officer with a member of staff on secondment from the Northumberland Lottery to help facilitate the best use of some of the grant funding. 

 

The Council had been successful in a funding bid from North of Tyne Combined Authority to establish community hubs, the first of which had been developed in Cramlington.  The library had relocated and the hub was being used by many organisations in the community and was to be replicated in other localities.   

 

There had been a recent review of the VCS commission to support the VCS organisation to work together and provide services that communities needed. 

 

The response hub was open 7 days a week, between the hours of 9 am and 6 pm and could be contacted by telephone and email and out of hours emergency contact. 

 

Pop up activities had been held during lockdown which had enabled contact with vulnerable families, providing advice and assistance.  Events had been repeated on request and some communities were now running their own events. 

 

Statistical information included details of: 

 

  • Support provided including contacts to clinically extremely vulnerable residents including welfare visits, emergency food parcels, PPE and wellbeing parcels. 
  • The distribution of statutory aid. 
  • Community enrichment. 

 

The NCT model had been recognised nationally and was one of five local authorities chosen to develop future plans around the Holiday Activity and Food Programme. 

 

Anonymised case studies were provided of the intervention and assistance given to residents which had enabled them to maintain jobs and tenancies. 

 

A summary was provided of the priorities and focus over the winter months, particularly keeping warm and the types of assistance available.  Digital connectivity was crucial to enable participation and ensure residents weren’t restricted by their location.   

 

NCT were now embedded within the Council as a service and officers were grateful for the support from community groups who had embraced partnership working and had established good relationships.  They welcomed opportunities to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

38.

WINTER SERVICES PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE pdf icon PDF 157 KB

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

Minutes:

The report which was an information item was to provide an overall update of the pre-season preparations ahead of the forthcoming winter services season. 

 

The following information was provided in response to member queries:- 

 

  • Front line salt was in place. 
  • There was a policy and scoring mechanism for grit bins based on locations.  An Inspector would visit the locations of Lanercost Park/Beech Avenue. 
  • Grit heaps tended to be in the rural areas. 

 

RESOLVED that the information be noted. 

 

39.

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:

Members received the following updates and explanation of the impact of Covid-19 on front line services from Tony Gribbin, Neighbourhood Services Area Manager:   

 

NEAT – Grounds Maintenance: 

 

Covid 

 

Staff in all sections continued to deliver high profile services despite the continued challenges of COVID.  Revised working practices and continued self-isolation conditions. 

 

Bereavement Services (SE) 

 

Thankfully cremation service numbers and burial number were as expected around this time of year. 

 

Grass Cutting 

 

Grass cutting has been completed for the season 

There had been some challenging period throughout the year with very wet the periods of very hot weather 

The team was currently on cut 10 in Bedlington, cut 18 in Seaton Valley and 12/13 in Cramlington, as some areas were too wet to complete the 13th cut in some areas 

 

Street Sweeping 

 

The team was working through their normal areas but have moved to leaf hot spots and members were thanked who had assisted in identifying accumulations 

As usual, any areas of attention should be brought to the team 

 

Winter Works 

 

The programme has commenced and would continue until March 2022. 

 

Waste Service: 

 

Residual, recycling and garden waste collection services were all operating well 

 

The collections rounds and resources were currently be reviewed in the south east due to the current housing developments. 

 

Glass recycling facilities continued to be well used and  additional collections were being targeted in those areas showing high usage.  The trial area in this LAC are was Bedlington.  The trial had been extended for an additional 12 months to capture more data to ensure the data captured so far had  not been distorted by COVID/lockdown and the new Environment Bill Legislation was also being consulted on.  Also, it was expected that Central Government would provide burden funding so it did not directly cos NCC council tax payers. 

 

Demand for bulky waste collections remained high and a temporary crew had been deployed to address the increased demand.  This would be reviewed post Christmas. 

 

Domestic waste tonnages remained higher than pre-lockdown, operation adjustments had been made in an effort to cope with the demand, but the situation remained a significant challenge for the service. 

 

There would be a change of collection days over the Christmas period. 

 

Members asked a number of questions including:- 

 

  • Service delivery and climate change - how was that being reflected in policies in the Cramlington area? 
  • Grass cutting in certain areas. 
  • Residents and motorists had complained about the height of the weeds at Broadoaks roundabout, which blocked their view.  A scheme had been intimated to get rid of the weeds and had anything been done about it?  
  • The removal of weeds in Bedlington 
  • Where were the pilot projects for glass collection ? 
  • Was the hedge and bush cutting in the programme? 
  • A bottle bin had been requested to the Community Centre in Bedlington but nothing had been received. 
  • Leaf clearance on cycleways and estates 
  • Problems with gully cleaning and leaves 
  • When will the overgrown weeds at the islands at roundabouts, Barns Park  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

40.

LOCAL AREA COUNCIL WORK PROGRAMME pdf icon PDF 144 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:

A list of agreed items for future Local Area Council meetings was circulated.  (A copy is enclosed with the minutes.) 

 

Members were invited to email any requests to the Chair and / or Democratic Services Officer between meetings. 

 

RESOLVED that the work programme be noted. 

 

 

41.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 22 December 2021 (Planning only). 

Minutes:

The next meeting would be held on Wednesday 22 December 2021.  (Planning only). 

 

 

42.

URGENT BUSINESS

Minutes:

A report was requested from Highways regarding ongoing road safety across the county, specifically in relation to Crowhall Lane, which was a blackspot area.  The Chair agreed with the request. 

 

The transfer of the Sporting Club to the local academy school.  The Chair reported that a number of issues had been discussed with the school, whilst it was very informative he was very surprised as it had not been discussed with members.  He had requested that a representative from Active attend the meeting, but no one was able to attend. 

 

The Chair relayed information he had received from the Sporting Club. 

 

RESOLVED that a report be requested from Highways regarding road safety across the county, specifically ongoing road safety at Crowhall Lane, Cramlington.