Councillors W Ashbridge (Northumberland County Councillor), H Bettison, A B Douglas, G M Elliot, W N Ferguson, C G Hallam-Baker, A Hughes, E I Hunter, J D Lockie, G E Miller, A H Murray, R J Patterson, L W Robson, J N Simpson, J E Smith, and J W Stephenson
193 APOLOGIES
An apology for absence was received on behalf of Councillor G P Horsburgh.
194 1. DECLARATION OF INTEREST 1
There were no declarations of interest.
195 2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF PLANNING COMMITTEE HELD ON 6TH JULY 2004 1
DECISION: To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of Planning Committee held on 6th July 2004.
196 3. DEVELOPMENT CONTROL 1
DECISION:
*** To make decisions on applications for planning permission as detailed in Appendix A to these Minutes.
[Notes to Applications:
04/B/0031 – Conservation Area Consent and 04/B/0089 – Full Planning Application – Demolition of toilet block and provision of car park, Toilet Block, Woolmarket, Berwick-upon-Tweed
i) Notes of the Debate
Some members expressed disappointment in the proposed use of the cleared site.
04/B/0172 – Listed Building Consent Application - Installation of two additional windows and internal staircase; conversion of basement to store and utility; altering a minor area of walling below access deck, small area of infill to deck; removal of railings, 20 Quay Walls, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1HB
i) Notes of the Debate
There was no substantial debate on this item.
04/B/0189 – Full Planning Application - Proposed front and rear single storey extension, 9 Station Cottages, Belford NE70 7DY
i) Verbal representations were made by
OBJECTOR
Richard Verrill, R.V. Architectural Services
ii) Notes of the Debate
Mr Verrill said that his clients were concerned about the proposed conservatory on what they consider to be the front of the house. There are no similar extensions in the terrace. They were also concerned that the proposed door in the east gable would overlook their garden and front room and asked that, if approved, the door be moved to the west gable.
Members raised questions about what constituted the front of the properties and about the consistency of design in the terrace. They agreed to a site visit to clarify these issues.
04/B/0290 – Full Planning Application - Erection of a conservatory (resubmission of pp ref: 03/B/1005), 22 Osborne Rd, Tweedmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2HS
i) Site Visit
The Standing Working Group concluded that although the property is well screened and is not overlooked by premises on the opposite side of the street, and that there are other extensions to premises on the street, the proposed extension would be considerably larger than the others and this would be detrimental to the character of the street.
ii) Notes of the Debate
Members were reminded that each planning application should be considered on its own merits within the context of its particular surroundings. Comparisons with other similar applications were not always helpful.
Some members were sympathetic with the applicant and felt that the site was suitably screened and that the street already had a diversity of style. Others referred to clear guidance on the siting of conservatories to the front of houses and were concerned not to set a precedent for the street.
The proposal to accept the recommendation to refuse the application was passed (10 members for, 5 against).
04/B/0312 – Full Planning Application - Erection of a conservatory, 2 Newtown Cottages, Budle Bay, Bamburgh, NE69 7AQ
i) Notes of the Debate
There was no substantial debate on this item.
04/B/0049 – Full Planning Application - Conversion and extension of existing buildings to provide public house, restaurant and 11 no. flats (3 flats already in existence), 55 Hide Hill, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1EQ
i) Verbal representations were made by
OBJECTOR
Philip Miller, Berwick Civic Society
ii) Notes of the Debate
Mr Miller said that he did not oppose the application in principle and that he welcomed the development of the site. However, he would like to have seen the retention of more of the C19th features of the original assembly room of the Salmon Inn.
The applicant, David Scott of Shawhead developments, said that it was not possible to retain the original room as it was the wrong size and shape and the wall was in poor condition. However, original stone would be retained and the building would have high design standards. He confirmed that he would be happy to work with other partners to ensure adequate CCTV coverage of the area and gave assurances that any disturbance to neighbours would be minimised. If approved, the development may begin in 6-8 months.
Many members welcomed the development and underlined the need for appropriate CCTV coverage.
The application was approved with the addition of a condition to ensure satisfactory provision of CCTV surveillance.
