Agenda and draft minutes

Police Inspector Garry Neil, Northumbria Police and 7 members of the public were also present.

The Chair advised members of the procedure which would be followed at the meeting.

Minutes of the meetings of the Tynedale Local Area Council, held on 13 July and 10 August 2021 respectively, as circulated, to be confirmed as a true record, and signed by the Chair.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the following meetings of Tynedale Local Area Council, as circulated, be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair:

a)      13 July 2021

b)      10 August 2021

Unless already entered in the Council’s Register of Members’ interests, members are required to disclose any personal interest (which includes any disclosable pecuniary interest) they may have in any of the items included on the agenda for the meeting in accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the Council on 4 July 2012, and are reminded that if they have any personal interests of a prejudicial nature (as defined under paragraph 17 of the Code Conduct) they must not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter and must leave the room. NB Any member needing clarification must contact Legal Services, on 01670 623324. Please refer to the guidance on disclosures at the rear of this agenda letter.

Councillor Riddle declared a personal and prejudicial interest in planning application 20/04216/FUL.

DETERMINATION OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS

To request the Committee to decide the planning applications attached to this report using the powers to delegate it.

Please note that printed letters of objection/support are no longer circulated with the agenda but are available on the Counci’s website at

http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Planning.aspx

DETERMINATION OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS

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.

Councillor Riddle, having previously disclosed an interest, left the room whilst the following application was considered.

Installation of 20KV Standard Distribution Sub Station and associated access  arrangements in conjunction with existing planning approvals (primarily 16/04680/OUT and 19/02033/REM), to allow removal of current poles and overhead power lines. 

Land North East of 8 Bridgeford View, Bellingham, Northumberland.

The Planning Officer introduced the application with the aid of a powerpoint presentation and reported the following:

·        An additional paragraph which had been omitted from the report, should be inserted after paragraph 7.11 to read:

'The impact on noise and amenity has been considered due to the proximity of the station next to existing and proposed dwellings.  Public protection have been consulted and have no objections to the proposed development and it is not considered that neighbouring amenity would be significantly impacted by the development in terms of light, outlook or noise in accordance with Tynedale Local Plan Policies GD2 and CS22 and the NPPF.'

Mr. P. Chard spoke on behalf of Mr. P. Bell in objection to the application.  He made the following comments:

·        The proposed access was in an unsafe location.  They believed that the visibility splay required by Highways could not be achieved, making the condition unenforceable.

·        There was no reference to any site visits having taken place by Highways only reference to a review of planning documents which were two dimensional.  Visibility needed to be considered in both the horizontal and vertical plane.

·        The proposed substation was situated significantly below the level of the carriageway so the access would inevitably be sloping, adversely affecting visibility.

·        There was a significant downward dip in the road (forming a crest) which compromised visibility of the proposed access from both directions.

·        The section of road was on a steep hill, requiring increased stopping distances, particularly in adverse weather and road conditions, and for HGV farm vehicles, wagons and quarry lorries for which this was the principal route to the A68.

·        If the proposed Visibility Splay was achievable, it would require removal of the one remaining tree, which it had been pledged to retain within the Tree Protection Plan, and the subject of planning conditions.

·        There were 2 other vehicular entrances in the immediate area as well as a new footpath to the recently enlarged development of holiday homes and a proposed new roadside footpath as part of this development.  These were potential distractions for drivers as well as the kink in the road and the steepness of the hill.

·        Speeding was a known issue on this section of road with evidence of vehicles having to take evasive action with tyre marks on kerbs and grass verges.  Cars and lorries mounted the pavement at that location.

·        In view of the aforementioned reasons, this location as a point of access had not been considered suitable by the Applicant at Outline stage.  If nothing had changed, they asked why it was now suitable.

·        The above issues had been highlighted by locals who were familiar with the road including members of Bellingham Parish Council who had also objected.

·        A much safer access had been proposed from within the development, with an internal street only 2.5 metres away from the proposed substation compound.  They queried why has this not been evaluated and selected as the safest option.  Safety issues should not be disregarded or be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

Councillor Riddle returned to the meeting.

Proposed garage conversion to holiday let with 1 bedroom, bathroom, living area and kitchen. 

Riding Dene House, Riding Dene, Mickley, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7BL.

The Planning Officer introduced the report with the aid of a powerpoint presentation and advised that there were no updates following publication of the report.

Mr. A. Lamb, who lived next door to the proposed development, spoke in objection to the application.  He raised the following points:-

·         The western wall of the garage had 2 large windows which formed the boundary wall to his rear garden.  There had been very limited visible activity during the 5 years they had lived there.  He had only seen the gym used once and current activity, noise and disruption was minimal.

·         He and his wife worked from home and spent most of their free time in their home and garden due to his wife’s disability.

·         They disagreed with many of the issues raised in the residential amenity section of the officer’s report, particularly that there would not be any significant or unacceptable level of noise or activity that would affect their amenity.  Also, that the garage/gym was described as a residential building.

·         They expected that there would be a considerable increase in noise and activity from the proposals that would have a negative and an unacceptable impact on privacy noise and activity of their home, garden and working environment.  Any noise would be audible to them and activity visible at nights when lights were on inside, despite frosted glass.

·         Their rights to a private life and home would not be respected by the proposal and that their protections under the Huma Rights Act would be interfered with.

·         He personally would not object to the proposal if the two windows were removed and the garage wall rerendered, however this suggestion had been ignored.

·         Many other neighbours in the vicinity had also objected with very little support.

·         There would be an unavoidable increase in noise and activity from cars and people accessing the property which would have a negative effect on the amenity of people living close to the proposed site.

·         Parking proposals appeared unworkable with cars needing to be shuffled to allow visitors to the holiday let to enter and exit.  It was likely they would need to reverse out of the gates and turn around in the street.

·         Residents of the bungalows at the rear had objected as they felt their privacy and safety would be jeopardised by use of a gate in the hedge and they did not want movements by strangers so close to their home.

·         The proposal was almost solely to the financial benefit of the applicants and to the detriment of everyone who lived close by.  This was undemocratic and they could not understand why it had been recommended for approval in view of the opposition to it.

·         A suggestion that the development might in future be used as a ‘granny flat’ or as an independent living space for growing children would have a greater impact on their amenity if used as a permanent residence and were reassured regarding use of the building only as a holiday let.

·         Different  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

Proposed new build dwelling  

Land west of Tyne View Terrace, Well Bank, Corbridge, Northumberland 

The Planning Officer introduced the report with the aid of a powerpoint presentation and advised that the recommendation should read:

‘That Members GRANT planning permission, subject to recommended conditions and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement’.

Mr. B. Milburn, spoke in support of the application on behalf of the applicant.  He highlighted the following:-

·         The proposal was for a modestly contemporary two-bedroom property that would be a positive addition within the street scene following discussions by the applicant and officers over a significant number of months, particularly Highways and Building Conservation Officers.  It was respectful of the local area and provided a design solution to an area of mixed residential character within the Corbridge Conservation Area.

·         It would reflect the attractive construction methods of the conservation area and add to its character.  It aimed to provide a new, high quality build, combining the best in traditional building materials with modern building systems, such as sedum, to ensure the building would remain an attractive addition to the local area.

·         The applicant had worked with officers to overcome objections raised by neighbouring properties in Tyne View, above the site.

·         The plans have been amended to address highways concerns to include parking within the site and suitable visibility splays.  Officers had concluded that the proposal would not have an adverse impact on highway safety, subject to conditions.

·         Issues regarding the retaining party wall was a matter for Building Control and not a material consideration to be given any weight when determining the planning application.

·         Appearance of the sedum roof, like a grass lawn, would have a varied green colour as the moisture content fluctuated throughout the year.  The overall design approach with a flat roof, had the support of the Building Conservation Officer and Planning Officer and accepted as being high quality contemporary dwelling with a flat roof but with high quality, tradition materials meeting stringent policies of the development plan and the NPPF.

·         Corbridge Parish Council had objected on grounds of design which they had considered were not in keeping with the locality, vehicular access and impact on highway safety.  It was emphasised that the design had been derived from discussions with the Building Conservation Officer and Planning Officer.  Reconsultation following amendments to the scheme to address highways concerns had not resulted in any further comments.

·         There were no technical constraints to restrict the proposal coming forwards as it met and exceeded every technical and design requirement that had been raised.  Concerns regarding highways safety and visual amenity had been met and exceeded in consultation with officers who supported the proposal.

·         The property and how it sat within the site had been carefully designed, reflecting the best characteristics of the village, using natural stone and slate to ensure the property was reflective of the local vernacular.

·         The proposal could demonstrate that it would not cause harm or affect amenity of neighbouring properties and it was requested that it be approved, as set out in the report.

In response to questions from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

Provision of single storey modular classroom Corbridge Middle School, Cow Lane, Corbridge, Northumberland, NE45 5HY.

The Planning Officer introduced the report with the aid of a powerpoint presentation and advised that there were no updates following publication of the report.  The application had been referred to the committee as the land was in the ownership of the county council.

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

·         The Council was proposing to reuse an existing building already in the ownership of the Council and therefore a sustainable use.  The Education department were working with Planning regarding the sustainability of buildings going forward.

·         The application was for full or permanent planning permission although the modular building would have a limited lifespan of possibly 20 – 30 years.  It was replacing a dilapidated modular building which had reached the end of its life.

Councillor Homer proposed acceptance of the recommendation to approve the application, subject to the conditions contained in the officer’s report.  This was seconded by Councillor Hutchinson.

Upon being put to a vote the proposal was unanimously agreed.

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

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.

The report provided information on the progress of planning appeals.

In answer to a question regarding enforcement performance, the Solicitor agreed to forward the request for information to the Director of Planning.  She suggested that updates on particular issues could be sought from Planning Officers outside of meetings as it would be inappropriate for these to be discussed at committee.

RESOLVED that the information be noted.

Redevelopment of Queen Elizabeth High School: Update on proposed Highways works.

The report provides a review and update on the highways issues raised by Councillor Kennedy regarding this development.  This report sets out the background, context and matters arising with respect to highways works associated with the redevelopment at Queen Elizbeth High Schools along with discussion and options on the highways works under review.

The Local Area Council received a report which provided a review and update on the highways issues raised by Cllr Kennedy and in response to objections received in relation to the discharge of the planning condition for the highways works.

The Chair confirmed that Members had received and had an opportunity to read the updated copy of the report which had been circulated electronically to the Councillors prior to the meeting with a paper copy had also been made available before the meeting commenced.

Chris Mead, Highways Development Manager, stated that the report set out the background, context and matters arising with respect to highways works associated with the redevelopment at Queen Elizabeth High School along with discussion and options on the highways works under review.

He thought it relevant to highlight that the Highways Development Management team (HDM) had reviewed the Road Safety Audit stages 1 and 2 along with the submitted design when considering the discharge of condition for the highways works.  The review for the purpose of the discharge of the condition concluded there were insufficient grounds for the greater extent of waiting restrictions, on the basis of road safety, as there would not be a behavioural change, nor would the outcome of a collision change if one was to occur.  HDM therefore recommended that revised drawing reducing the scope of waiting restrictions but retaining all other features as submitted.

On the basis that revised plans are submitted the HDM response to the Discharge of Conditions application will be to recommend:

·        To implement the highways works as follows including waiting restrictions in accordance with Peter Brett Associates drawing 

·        All other highways work in accordance with ‘Final Design following Road Safety Audit Stage 2 drawing including:

-       Tactile paving crossing points

-       Improvements to controlled crossing points

-       Footway widening

-       New vehicle and pedestrian access points to school

-       Resurfacing of Whetstone Bridge Road

-       20mph zone extension

The work was to be delivered in accordance with the agreed programme at Appendix B.  and monitored with a travel plan expectation to promote any further parking restriction, if required.

Councillor Kennedy highlighted the following issues on behalf of residents’ groups:

·        The impact on local residents, given it was a densely populated area with lots of housing and parked cars, needed to be balanced against the needs of the school.  The school was larger, there would be more buses, children being dropped off and also students driving to school as well as pedestrian and cycling movements at the start and end of the school.

·        They had concerns regarding the use of 24/7 double yellow lines and waiting restrictions, although reduced in part, when the problems only arose 30 minutes before the start and after the end of the school day.

·        If West Thornbridge Road was deemed safe with the lifting of some of the waiting restrictions, could the same not be applied to the top of Tynedale Terrace, where double yellow lines were to remain.

·        Could early discussions be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

The meeting adjourned at 6.22 p.m. until 6.30 p.m.

Councillor Sharp left the meeting.

Inspector Garry Neill will be in attendance to give an overview and answer questions about policing and any community safety matters in the Tynedale area.

Inspector Garry Neil was in attendance to give an overview and answer questions about policing and community safety matters in the East and West Tynedale command areas which he was responsible for, as well as the Rural Crime team.  He reported that crime was low in Tynedale and it was a safe place to live.  Priorities which they concentrated on included:

·        Domestic abuse and safeguarding of high-risk domestic abuse victims at high risk of serious injury or murder and those at medium risk.

·        Monitoring of registered sex offenders and compliance with orders.

·        Repeat victims of crime (2 crimes within 3 months).

A significant amount of time was also spent on road safety, speeding and parking.  He advised that Community Speed Watch volunteers were recruited and vetted through the Northumbria Police website.  Concerns could also be reported through the Citizen & Policing Section of the website.  Police Community Support Officers also carried out speed watch duties leading to the issuing of letters to educate motorists.  Enforcement was carried by constables and sergeants.  The van was deployed to locations where they received complaints, accidents or data that speeding was a problem.  Any areas where Councillors were receiving reports of speeding issues could also be passed on.

Local issues included:

·        Drug related investigations were currently focused in Haltwhistle, Hexham and Prudhoe due to a common link between the towns.  Warrants had recently been exercised which had resulted in the recovery of a significant amount of Class A drugs.  They needed intelligence.

·        Antisocial behaviour.  Previously any report of a Covid breach had been logged under this category.  Levels had now reduced with the relaxation of restrictions.

·        Off road motorbikes in Slaley, Wark and Kielder.  Unfortunately, due to the distances involved, riders had dispersed by the time the police arrived.  Further work would be carried out during the winter months when the problem was more prevalent.

Key crime categories:

East Tynedale – 522 incidents violence against the person primarily without injury (harassment, stalking, public order offences).  A significant amount of these related to assaults on staff or other residents of care homes and at Ferndene Hospital.  87 burglary offences in last 12 months including shops, vacant properties, building sites as well as houses.  55 incidents of vehicle crime which included cars, quad bikes from farms and damage.

West Tynedale – incidents of violence against the person primarily without injury (harassment, stalking, public order offences) in institutions such as care homes, young people’s homes and Hexham Hospital.  55 burglary offences in last 12 months mainly in industrial estates at council depots and builders’ merchants whereas the incidents in dwellings was low.  53 incidents, damage, theft of TWOC.

The following issues were raised by Members:

·        Graffiti and damage to the surface at the Sele play park.  CCTV was to be checked by officers in Public Protection.  Inspector Neill stated that it was useful to know if a particular ‘tag’ had been used.

·        Information on registered sex offenders was not shared with anyone unless they needed to know for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

There were no questions from members of the public.

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 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. 

This item was to:

a) Receive any new petitions:

No new petitions had been received.

A report was expected to be presented to the meeting in November to consider an electronic petition on a right of way path closure in Wylam.

b) Consider reports on petitions previously received:

There were none to consider.

c) To consider updates on petitions previously considered:

There were none to consider.

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. 

Members received the following updates from the Area Managers from Neighbourhood Services and Technical Services:

Technical Services:

·        Highway Inspections were being carried out and were up to date in the Tynedale area with actionable defects being repaired within the specified timeframe.  The number of defects following the winter damage had reduced but extra resources were still in place.  A new hot box had been delivered which had a larger capacity.

·        The gully wagon was working along its route.

·        The hedge-to-hedge scheme which looked at all aspects was currently working at Donkley Wood.

·        Drainage repairs by the dedicated team had been operating recently in Longbyer and would be moving to Hexham, Moonfield and St Pauls.

·        A new Senior Construction Team Leader would be commencing in Tynedale in the near future and would lead on drainage schemes, local safety schemes and Members schemes.

·        17 of 28 Local Transport Plan schemes had been completed to date.

·        Footway repairs were being carried out with slurry sealing.

The following issues were discussed:

·        Resurfacing works would continue as long as weather conditions permitted.  It could not be carried out in very wet or snowy conditions or when salt had been applied to the road surface.  The best time to lay it was when it was cold and dry.  Slurry sealing activity would likely cease at the end of October.  Surface dressing had finished.

·        Additional gulley cleaners were required to meet demand.  Older vehicles were being replaced with larger capacity tankers and wider versatility with jetting equipment.  More background investigative work was needed to identify problems and make a case for additional funding, this would be carried out during the year to make a robust bid which was evidence based to achieve the standards that were required.

·        More consideration be given to the programme of works and spacing out road closures if there were a number planned in one location as it was problematic for visitors to find alternative routes.

·        Road closures which overran had caused problems with the time limitations for HGV drivers and access for school transport,  It was confirmed that the latter would be escorted through road closures.  An explanation was provided for a number of problems experienced recently which included late delivery of material and unseasonably warm temperatures which had prevented material from hardening.  Officers were liaising with the external contractor and the Monitoring, Compliance and Enforcement Officer.

·        Road markings and ‘SLOW’ and safety features such as rumble strips had not been replaced when areas had been resurfaced.  Recent schemes would be reviewed.  Details of locations would be checked with Councillors.

·        The extent of utility works in some areas was having a significant impact on road surfaces.  A request for notification to Councillors would be passed to Street Works.  Reference was made to ‘one.network’.

·        Durability of some road markings was questioned such as 20 mph road markings which were lasting less than 12 months.  These would be referred to the Highways Inspector.

Councillors Homer and Kennedy left the meeting.

Neighbourhood Services:

·        Grass cutting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

The report provides an update on the progress with the delivery of the approved Local Transport Plan programme 2021/22.

The Service Director – Local Services gave an update on progress with the delivery of the approved Local Transport Plan for 2021/22.  He reported that:

·        The actual LTP programme for 2021/22 had increased from the anticipated draft of £19 million to £25.6 million following confirmation from the Department for Transport of actual funding allocated to NCC which had enabled schemes to be extended as well as including reserve schemes within the programme.

·        Additional capital investment of £15 million had been approved by the Council to improve U and C roads, footways and cycleways with a £5 million allocation in the current year.

·        The complex programme included maintenance work, resurfacing and safety schemes as well as significant structural projects including bridge maintenance and repairs and geotechnical investigations for a landslip, which would likely result in a scheme the following year.

·        Work was progressing to enable the provision of a quarterly update report on LTP schemes to Members in the future.

The Local Area Council were provided with an update on schemes in the Tyndale area, some of which had been covered in the Local Services Update earlier in the meeting.  Progress on the LTP Programme included:

·        Integrated Transport: 16 of 57 schemes completed including implementation of 20 mph speed limits near schools and 8 works orders issued on other schemes.  31 schemes were at various stages of design including a further 6 20 mph school schemes.

·        Maintenance: 27 of 47 projects completed including 12 surface dressing schemes, 2 micro surfacing schemes and 13 structural Maintenance and resurfacing schemes completed.

·        U and C Road network improvements.  Works orders had been issued on a number of schemes with 3 further projects at the design stage.  6 schemes were to be programmed of which 3 were pending due to legal issues on way leave agreements to gain access.  1 micro surfacing had been deferred until next year due to being out of the weather window.

Notification had been sent to Town and Parish Councils and County Councillors regarding submission of priorities for 2022/23 by 8 October 2021 deadline.  These would be assessed, ranked and prioritised.  The results would be presented to a workshop to seek Members’ views on priorities.  Discussions would be held with the Portfolio Holder on the draft programme which would be presented to Local Area Councils in February 2022 before being finalised as part of the budget setting process in March 2022.

Councillor Riddle, the Portfolio Holder for Local Services, confirmed that although the introduction of 20 mph speed limits, was a 5-year programme, the remaining schemes would be completed during the current year, where this was possible.  The process was involved and had resulted in some delays during negotiations, review of traffic measures and consultations on schemes.  A member stressed the importance of ensuring that crossings on busy roads needed to be within 20mph section to enable children to walk to school and therefore it had been necessary to extend the 20 mph beyond the frontage of schools.  Clarification would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

To make appointments to outside body organisations within the Local Area Council’s remit.  The following volunteers have been received:

Haltwhistle Partnership Limited – vacancy

Prudhoe Community Partnership – A Scott

Rede Tyne & Coquet Sports Centre – J R Riddle

Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership Board – H Waddell

Members considered a list of appointments to outside bodies for 2021/22.

RESOLVED that the following list of appointments be confirmed:

Haltwhistle Partnership Limited - Vacancy

Prudhoe Community Partnership – A Scott

Rede Tyne & Coquet Sports Centre – JR Riddle

Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership Board – H Waddell

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).

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.

Items to be referred to the LAC Chairs Briefing for consideration for inclusion in the work programme:

·        Ambulance Service

The Democratic Services Officer reported that the Police and Crime Commissioner had agreed to attend the meeting in May 2022.

RESOLVED that the work programme be noted.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 12 October 2021 at 4:00 pm.

The next meeting would be held on Tuesday 12 October 2021 at 4.00 p.m.