Agenda and minutes

In accordance with Procedure Rule 26 of Part 4.01 of the Council Procedure Rules in the Council’s Constitution, it will be proposed that Councillor Higgs be a substitute member for Councillor Kay for this meeting.

In accordance with Procedure Rule 26 of Part 4.01 of the Council Procedure Rules in the Council’s Constitution, the Chair proposed that Councillor Higgs be a substitute member for Councillor Kay for this meeting, and Councillor Amos seconded. It was approved.

Members will disclose any pecuniary and any other significant interests they may have in relation to the matters under consideration.

Councillor Belshaw declared a Non-Pecuniary Interest on Item E (22/00774/FULMAJ) as she was the ward councillor.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on Wednesday 05 July 2023.

The minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on Wednesday 05 July 2023 were confirmed as a correct record by those who were in attendance.

The Schedule of Appeals lodged and decided between 15 June 2023 – 15 July 2023, is attached.

The committee noted the Schedule of Appeals lodged and decided between 15 June 2023 and 15 July 2023. The Chair invited any Member requiring any further details or clarification on the appeal to contact the relevant case officer.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration highlighted that with regards to application 21/01126/FUL, the inspector’s decision was a learning point for officers and something they would reflect on.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration highlighted that with regards to application 22/00872/FUL, the inspector did not agree with the view of the committee on matters of sustainability, and arguments on need were not taken up.

Background Papers:

In preparing the reports on this agenda the following documents have been used:

1.            The Wyre Borough Local Plan (2011-2031) (incorporating partial update of 2022)

2.            Draft Revised Joint Lancashire Minerals and Waste Local Plan

3.            Joint Lancashire Minerals and Waste Local Plan

4.            Statements of Government Policy/guidance (NPPF, NPPG, Ministerial Statements etc.)

5.            Supplementary Planning Guidance and evidence base documents specifically referred to in the reports

6.            The application file (as per the number at the head of each report)

7.            The forms, plans, committee reports and decisions as appropriate for the historic applications specifically referred to in the reports

8.            Any additional information specifically referred to in each report.

These background documents are available on line, or for inspection by a written request to Planning Services, Civic Centre, Breck Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, FY6 7PU.

Reports of the Head of Planning Services on planning applications to be determined at this meeting:

Change of use from a dwellinghouse (C3) to a care home for 2 young persons in receipt of care (C2) with 2 carers overnight.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration explained that the government produced a new National Planning Policy Framework after the original agenda was published but confirmed that there were no consequential implications arising from the revised Framework for the officer reports and the decisions to be made by the committee. He clarified that all references to the National Planning Policy Framework in the agenda were to be read as references to the current National Planning Policy Framework (September 23).

The application was brought before members for consideration at the request of Councillor Blair.

A site visit occurred to enable members to understand the site context beyond the plans submitted and site photographs taken by the case officer.

The Planning Development Manager introduced the report. The application was for a change of use from residential dwelling (Use Class C3) to a children's home (Use Class C2) for up to two children with a maximum of 2 careers staying overnight on a rota basis. He highlighted that the only physical changes to the property would be internally.

Debbie Bradley spoke in objection to the application.

Councillor Catterall asked a question of the speaker.

Nicholas Cutting spoke in objection to the application.

Roy Edwards spoke in objection to the application.

Wyre Borough Councillor, Maureen Blair, spoke as the Warren ward representative.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration responded to the questions and concerns raised during the public speaking portion of the meeting. He explained that there had been a public consultation on the guidance document for children’s homes but guided the committee to give very limited weight to that as it was at consultation phase and had not been through the due process for consideration and adoption. He clarified that there was no proposed change to the access arrangements.

Councillor Higginson asked for clarification around the consultation document.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration explained that the consultation document is a guidance document and not a policy.

Councillor Rimmer asked the Head of Planning and Regeneration a question on the other applications in the area and the information available.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration explained that there were no policies that address the matter of concentration specifically.

Councillor Catterall proposed the recommendation to approve the application to the committee, and Councillor Preston seconded the proposal. It was resolved to approve the application as per the Officers recommendation subject to the conditions set out below.

Conditions: -

1.       The development must be begun before the expiration of three years beginning with the date of this permission.

Reason: This condition is required to be imposed pursuant to Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2.       The development shall be carried out, except where modified by the conditions to this permission, in accordance with the Planning Application received by the Local Planning Authority on 24.05.2023 including the following plans/documents:

          -     Site Location plan

          -     Existing and Proposed Floor Plans. Drawing  ...  view the full minutes text for item PA.21

Change of use from dwelling (C3) to mother and babies or children's care home (C2), erection of detached timber activities room to the rear (following demolition of existing workshop) and widening of existing access.

The application was brought before members for consideration at the request of Councillor Collinson.

A site visit occurred to enable members to understand the site context beyond the plans submitted and site photographs taken by the case officer.

An update sheet was published on the council’s website, the information only having become available after the original agenda was published. The committee considered the update sheet, which contained additional consultee responses which were acknowledged by officers.

The Planning Development Manager introduced the report. The application was for a change of use from a dwelling (C3) to a mother and babies or children's care home (C2), erection of detached timber activities room to the rear (following demolition of existing workshop) and the widening of the existing access.

Wyre Borough Councillor for Garstang ward, Alice Collinson, spoke in objection to the application.

Councillor Catterall asked a question of the speaker.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration responded to the questions and concerns raised during the public speaking portion of the meeting. He clarified that the conditions imposed on this development were for two children or two mothers with their babies. He highlighted that there was no impact on the TPO but there were a few trees to be removed from the garden to widen the access. He explained that there were appropriate conditions for the repositioning of landscaping and the widening of the access.

Councillors raised the following questions/concerns over:

·         Parking spaces

·         Could it be used for four children under the age of 18

·         What area the mothers and babies were coming from

·         How it works for the children

The Planning Development Manager explained that the proposal included the provision for three off-street car parking spaces as well as one space for one car to temporarily stop. The Head of Planning and Regeneration clarified that the conditions were for two children or two mothers with their babies and had no control or information with regards to what area they were coming from. The Head of Planning and Regeneration confirmed that they had worked with the applicant to best understand the circumstances.

Councillor Amos proposed the recommendation to approve the application to the committee, and Councillor Livesey seconded the proposal. It was resolved to approve the application as per the Officers recommendation subject to the conditions set out below.

Conditions: -

1.        The development must be begun before the expiration of three years beginning with the date of this permission.

Reason: This condition is required to be imposed pursuant to Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2.        The development shall be carried out, except where modified by the conditions to this permission, in accordance with the Planning Application received by the Local Planning Authority on 11.05.2023 including the following plans/documents:

            -      Site Location Plan

            -      Proposed Plans and Elevations ref.1522/01

The development shall be retained hereafter in accordance with this detail.

Reason: For the avoidance of  ...  view the full minutes text for item PA.22

Change of use of agricultural livestock building to milk sales building and associated parking, use class E(b) (part retrospective).

The application was brought before members for consideration at the request of Councillor Lady Atkins due to the applications potential impact upon the countryside area.

A site visit occurred to enable members to understand the site context beyond the plans submitted and site photographs taken by the case officer.

An update sheet was published on the council’s website. The committee considered the update sheet, which contained an additional proposed condition (condition 9) on ancillary use.

The Planning Development Manager introduced the report. The application was for a change of use of an agricultural building to a milk sales building (Use Class E(b)) with associated changes including car parking. He highlighted that there were proposed internal and external changes.

Councillor Preston raised concerns over noise due to the long opening hours.

The Planning Development Manager said that the Environmental Health Officer had raised no objections subject to the conditions. He also highlighted that condition 6 restricts the deliveries or collections of goods to certain hours.

Councillor Preston asked if animal welfare had been taken into consideration.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration clarified that the application was for the retail use and that there were no animal welfare facilities within the red line of the application.

Councillor Fielding asked for clarification around the vending machines.

The Planning Development Manager explained how customers would use the vending machines.

Councillor Amos proposed the recommendation to approve the application to the committee, and Councillor Catterall seconded the proposal. It was resolved to approve the application as per the Officers recommendation, with the following additional condition (condition 9), subject to the conditions set out below.

Conditions: -

1.               The development must be begun before the expiration of three years beginning with the date of this permission.

          Reason: This condition is required to be imposed pursuant to Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2.       The development shall be carried out, except where modified by the conditions to this permission, in accordance with the Planning Application received by the Local Planning Authority on 16.05.2023 including the following plans/documents:

          -     Existing and proposed plans and elevations. Drawing Number Ml/jh/6214

          -     Site Location plan

          The development shall be retained hereafter in accordance with this detail.

          Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and so that the Local Planning Authority shall be satisfied as to the details.

3.       The development shall be carried out strictly using those materials specified on the application form unless other minor variations are submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority after the date of this permission and before implementation.

Reason: To safeguard the visual amenities of the locality and in accordance with Policy CDMP3 of the Wyre Local Plan (2011-31).

4.      The premises shall be used for milk sales building (Use class E(b)) only and for no other purpose (including any other purpose in Class [E] of the Schedule to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item PA.23

Residential development of 81 new dwellings with associated new estate roads and other supporting ancillary infrastructure and green space.

The application was brought before members for consideration as the application site fell within an allocated site in the Wyre Local Plan and was of strategic importance. Councillor Kay also requested for the application to go before members for consideration.

A site visit occurred to enable members to understand the site context beyond the plans submitted and site photographs taken by the case officer.

An update sheet was published on the council’s website, the information only having become available after the original agenda was published. The committee considered the update sheet, which contained additional consultee responses which were acknowledged by officers. The update sheet also contained a change to proposed condition 3.

The Planning Development Manager introduced the report. The application was for the erection of 81 residential dwellings. He highlighted that the site was identified on the proposals map to the Adopted Wyre Local Plan (2011-31) as being within the Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone (Policy SA4). The site was also designated for residential development on the Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone Masterplan, adopted in 2018, which sets out the principles of the future development of this area.

Bill Fulster, acting as the agent for the applicant, spoke in favour of the application.

Councillor Higginson asked a question of the speaker.

The Chair ended the public speaking portion of the meeting and opened up the members’ debate.

Councillor Higginson raised concerns for residents due to the state of the highways, the lack of amenities and flooding. He asked the Head of Planning and Regeneration if there had been a road safety survey conducted on Fleetwood Road North before the adoption of the Local Plan.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration clarified that highway matters were addressed in the officer report and that Lancashire County Council Highways had no objections to the application subject to conditions and contributions.

Councillor Higginson asked the Head of Planning and Regeneration for more clarification around any survey conducted on Fleetwood Road North.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration re-stated the local highway authority’s position on the application. He explained further that he did not have the information around a survey but clarified that all highway and transport matters, including highway safety, were taken into account in the production and adoption process of the Local Plan and the allocation of sites, of which this was one. He highlighted that in these circumstances, the issue of the survey was not material and not relevant.

Councillor Raynor expressed how affordable housing was desperately needed in the area and social housing was top priority.

Councillor Higginson proposed, seconded by Councillor Fielding, that the item be deferred subject to clarification regarding a survey on Fleetwood Road North prior to the adoption of the Local Plan. A vote was carried out and the motion was lost.

Councillor Amos proposed the recommendation to approve the application to the committee, and Councillor Preston seconded the proposal. It was resolved to approve the application as per the Officers recommendation, with amendments to condition 3,  ...  view the full minutes text for item PA.24

Erection of a building for the manufacture and distribution of lozenges containing main production area, warehouse, engineering and services area, an office block for staff, a link area containing staff canteen and staff facilities, the erection of a detached security lodge/gate house by the site entrance, the including the creation of a new access off Windward Avenue and associated drainage works including a pond, landscaping, car parking and ecological mitigation.

The application was brought before members for consideration as the application site fell within an allocated site in the Wyre Local Plan and was of strategic importance.

A site visit occurred to enable members to understand the site context beyond the plans submitted and site photographs taken by the case officer.

An update sheet was published on the council’s website, the information only having become available after the original agenda was published. The committee considered the update sheet, which contained additional consultee responses which were acknowledged by officers. The update sheet also contained amendments to conditions 14, 25, 26 and an additional condition (condition 28) on badgers following the badger survey.

The Senior Planning Officerintroduced the report. The application was for the erection of a large building for the manufacture and distribution of lozenges. She highlighted that the application site was an 8.1 hectare triangular parcel of vacant land which sat between Amounderness Way to the west, and the Fleetwood Marsh Nature Reserve and Biological Heritage Site to the east. A small part of the overall Biological Heritage Site extended into the south eastern part of the application site in a linear form. A strip of trees running outside the eastern boundary of the application site was identified as green infrastructure in the Adopted Local Plan and also sat within the Biological Heritage Site designation. Also the Wyre Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) lay some 650m to the east.

Steve Goodwin, acting as the agent, spoke in favour of the application.

Councillor Belshaw, Rimmer and Higginson asked questions of the speaker.

The Chair ended the public speaking portion of the meeting and opened up the members’ debate.

Councillor Higginson raised concerns over the potential impact on the Poulton to Fleetwood Railway.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration confirmed that discussions were taking place with the applicant, council, Network Rail and the bodies responsible for the Poulton to Fleetwood Railway.

Councillor Belshaw raised concerns over this application blocking the future of heavy rail entering Fleetwood.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration clarified that issues around the restoration of Poulton to Fleetwood Railway were covered in the officer’s report however the project had many stages to go through and it would be inappropriate to impact this planning decision for an unformed potential future project.

Councillor Fielding highlighted that Fleetwood needed some industry back.

Councillor Raynor said that Fleetwood could not lose Fisherman’s Friends but hoped that some agreement could be made over the railway.

Councillor Raynor proposed the recommendation to approve the application to the committee, and Councillor Amos seconded the proposal. It was resolved to approve the application as per the Officers recommendation, with amendments to conditions 14, 25, 26 and an additional condition (condition 28), subject to the conditions set out below and subject to conditions and a planning obligation to secure a financial contribution towards a Travel Plan. That the Head of Planning and Regeneration be authorised to issue the decision following the satisfactory completion  ...  view the full minutes text for item PA.25

Residential development for 184 no. dwellings with associated works (Phase 3).

The application was brought before members for consideration as the application site fell primarily within an allocated site in the Wyre Local Plan and was of strategic importance.

A site visit occurred to enable members to understand the site context beyond the plans submitted and site photographs taken by the case officer.

An update sheet was published on the council’s website, the information only having become available after the original agenda was published. The committee considered the update sheet, which contained additional consultee responses which were acknowledged by officers. The update sheet also contained an amendment to proposed condition 7.

The Planning Development Manager introduced the report. The application was for the erection of 184 dwellings with associated works this includes 55 (30%) affordable units. He highlighted that the site formed part of a housing allocation (SA1/2 Lambs Road/Raikes Road) in the Wyre Local Plan 2011-2031. The plans identified that 1.86ha of Green Infrastructure (GI) was to be provided on site including a children's locally equipped area of play (LEAP) within the central area of the site.

Gareth Salthouse, acting as the agent, spoke in favour of the application.

Councillor Catterall asked a question of the speaker.

The Chair ended the public speaking portion of the meeting and opened up the members’ debate.

Councillor Livesey raised his concerns for the residents.

Councillor Rimmer asked clarification around Lancashire County Council and the primary school.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration clarified where the education land was and explained that it was outside the application site.

Councillor Amos proposed the recommendation to approve the application to the committee, and Councillor Preston seconded the proposal. It was resolved to approve the application as per the Officers recommendation, with amendments to condition 7, subject to the conditions set out below and subject to a S106 legal agreement to secure on-site affordable housing (30%) and green infrastructure and financial contributions towards health care and travel planning. That the Head of Planning and Regeneration be authorised to issue the decision following the satisfactory completion of the S106 agreement.

Conditions: -

1.       The development must be begun before the expiration of three years beginning with the date of this permission.

Reason: This condition is required to be imposed pursuant to Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2.       The development shall be carried out, except where modified by the conditions to this permission, in accordance with the Planning Application received by the Local Planning Authority on 02.09.2022 including the following plans/documents:

          -     Location Plan: drawing ref: LP01

          -     Proposed Site Layout Plan drawing ref: 0003 R.

          -     Tree Survey Plan (Iain Tavendale Arboriculturalist)

          -     Tree Survey Report (Iain Tavendale Arboriculturalist)

          -     Green Infrastructure Plan drawing ref: 14-029-POS03

          -     Tracking Plan (Tetra Tech): 004-01 P02

          -     Tracking Plan (Tetra Tech): 004-02 P02

          House Types

          -     Candalwood (ref: CAN-2B643.P.H.01)

          -     Laburnum (ref: LAB.3B798.P.H.01)

          -     Laurel (ref: LAU.3B843.P.H.01)

          -     Acacia  ...  view the full minutes text for item PA.26