Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 02 October 2024 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a true record.

An update sheet was not issued for tonight’s meeting.

Councillor Emily Wood made a Declaration of Predetermination with regard to the agenda item titled '57 Newland Street West, Lincoln'.

She had predetermined her view on this planning application. She left the room during the consideration of this item and took no part in the discussion or vote on the matter to be determined.

In the interest of transparency, Councillor Rebecca Longbottom, requested it be noted in relation to Agenda Item No 4, Works to 5 x Mature Lime Trees in Castle Ward - she had met with the Arboricultural Officers and Councillor Donald Nannestad to discuss the proposed works, however, not in a personal capacity and there was no conflict of interest.

Dave Walker, Arboricultural Officer:

1. advised Planning Committee that the main purpose of his report provided reasons for proposed works to trees predominantly in the City Council's ownership, although it may include other trees at times where special circumstances applied and officers thought it was both helpful and were able to do so

2. sought consent to progress the works identified, as detailed at Appendix A of his report

3. highlighted that the list did not represent all the work undertaken to Council trees, it represented all the instances where a tree was in City Council ownership and identified for removal, or where a tree enjoyed some element of protection under planning legislation, and thus formal consent was required

4. explained that ward councillors had been notified of the proposed works.

Members asked:

Question: Had mitigation measures being discussed with Anglian Water Authority to reduce the loss of the five lime trees in Castle Ward progressed any further?

Officer Response: The Arboricultural Officer was still in discussions with Anglian Water Authority. Suggestions were being made for installation of a modular planting system, or use of root barriers. The trees required replacement as a large percentage of the roots would be severed during utility works, resulting in the likelihood of the trees becoming unstable in the future which was the main concern.

An interpretation board would also be erected at the site.

RESOLVED that the tree works set out in the schedule published within the report be approved.

(Councillor Wood left the room during the discussion of this item having declared a personal and prejudicial interest in respect of the planning application to be considered. She took no part in the discussion or vote on the matter to be determined)

The Planning Team Leader:

1. referred to the application premises, a two-storey mid-terrace property with an existing offshoot to the rear, located at 57 Newland Street West, on the north side of the road

2. advised that planning permission was sought for the erection of a single storey, rear extension off the existing off-shoot and widening to the existing off-shoot at the rear of the dwelling

3. highlighted that the property was currently in use as C3 and C4 flexible use which was granted under application number 2024/0371/C4

4. stated that the application had been called into Planning Committee by Councillors

5. provided the relevant site history to the application property as detailed within the officer’s report

6. provided details of the policies pertaining to the application, as follows:

7. provided details of the issues to be assessed in relation to the planning application, as follows:

8. outlined the responses made to the consultation exercise

9. concluded that the proposal could be recommended for approval and would not have a significant detrimental impact on the residential and visual amenity of neighbouring properties in accordance with policies S53 and S13 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework

Councillor Lucinda Preston addressed Planning Committee in relation to the proposed planning application in her capacity as Ward Advocate, covering the following main points:

·       She wished to object against this planning application in the strongest possible terms, yet another in the West End from the same landlord as before.

·       She spoke on behalf of local residents and the community.

·       The proposals would result in loss of amenity to the local community

·       The planning application may seem like a small extension, however, it would have a long-term impact on the local community and their mental health.

·       There would be very little open space for the residents of the property to enjoy the sunshine/plants and flowers, which was clearly not a concern to the landlord looking at the current poor state of the property.

·       The proposed planning application was contrary to the spirit of Article 4 regulations which were instigated to provide a balance in the community.

·       With the loss of outdoor space proposed, the property was unlikely to return to a family home.

·       More and more homes in the West End were being purchased to be extended by this landlord.

·       Environmental issues were at stake; the backyard offered potential for green space, pot plants, flora and fauna.

·       Should this planning application be granted, it would result in more open space being squeezed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

(Councillor Wood rejoined her seat for the remainder of the meeting.)

The Assistant Director of Planning:

1. referred to the application premises at 391-392 High Street, Lincoln, as two-storey and located within the St Peter at Gowts Conservation Area

2. advised that planning permission was sought for the replacement of 4 windows and two doors to the rear of the property, planning permission was required as it was in commercial use

3. highlighted that the application was brought before Planning Committee as it was in council ownership and was therefore a regulation 3 application

4. provided details of the policies pertaining to the application, as follows:

5. provided details of the issues to be assessed in relation to the planning application, which were visual amenity and character and appearance of the Conservation Area

6. outlined the responses made to the consultation exercise

7. concluded that the proposal would relate well to the site and context and would preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area, in accordance with Central Lincolnshire Local Plan Policies S53 and S57.

Members requested clarification as to:

·       Whether the glazed windows would be replaced with triple glazed units.

·       Why replacement windows were always coloured white.

The Assistant Director of Planning advised as follows:

·       The windows were currently single glazed timber units and would be replaced with double glazed units of increased efficiency.

·       White PVC had been chosen as it matched what was already there and was at the rear elevation. This was not always the preferred choice, each application was considered on its own merits.

RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

Standard Conditions

01)     The development must be begun not later than the expiration of three years beginning with the date of this permission.

Reason: As required by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

02)     With the exception of the detailed matters referred to by the conditions of this consent, the development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the submitted drawings.

The works shall be carried out in accordance with the details shown on the approved plans and in any other approved documents forming part of the application.

Reason: To ensure the development proceeds in accordance with the approved plans.