Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed Abi Kolawole, Property and Litigation Solicitor, to the meeting. It was noted that Ms Kolawole would act as the Legal Representative at some of the Committee’s future meetings.

To note the attendance at this meeting of any duly appointed Reserve Members.

RESOLVED:  To note the attendance at this meeting of the following duly appointed Reserve Member:-

RESOLVED: That, in accordance with Committee Procedure Rule 4.1, Councillors Myra Michael and N Shah, who are not Members of the Committee, be allowed to speak on applications 1/05 & 3/03 and 2/01 & 2/10 respectively.

To receive declarations of personal and prejudicial interests (if any) from Members of the Committee arising from the business to be transacted at this meeting.

RESOLVED:  To note the following declarations of interests arising from the business to be transacted at this meeting:

(i)          Agenda Item 6 – Petitions

In presenting the petition outlined at Minute 448, Councillor Mrs Kinnear declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the matter arising from the fact that the property in question was owned by the father of a fellow Councillor, Councillor Harriss.

(ii)          Planning Application 2/02 – 49 High Street, Harrow on the Hill (P/1449/03/CFU)

The Committee’s attention was drawn to the note on the main agenda which advised that Councillor Harriss, who was not present at the meeting, had given notice of an interest in the above application, in accordance with Paragraph 2.5 of the Protocol for Members and Reserve Members when Dealing with Planning Applications and Lobbying.

Councillors Marilyn Ashton, Mrs Bath, Kara, Knowles and Mrs Joyce Nickolay declared a prejudicial interest in the above application and accordingly left the room and took no part in the discussion or voting on this item.

(iii)          Planning Application 3/01 – 9 Buckingham Parade, the Broadway Stanmore (P/2279/03/CFU)

Councillor Bluston noted that it was proposed on the Addendum that consideration of the above application be deferred and advised that, should the Committee wish to discuss the application, he would need to declare an interest in it arising from the fact that he had visited the shop as a customer on a number of occasions. The Committee subsequently agreed to defer the application and it was not substantively discussed.

(a)  To consider whether any item included on the agenda should be considered with the press and public excluded because it contains confidential information as defined in the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985;

(b)  to receive the addendum sheets and to note any applications which are recommended for deferral or have been withdrawn from the agenda by the applicant.

RESOLVED: That  (1) in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, the following item/information be admitted to the agenda by reason of the special circumstances and grounds for urgency stated:

and;

(2)  all items be considered with the press and public present.

That it be agreed that, having been circulated, the Chair be given authority to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 5 November 2003 as a correct record of that meeting once they have been printed in the next Council Bound Minute Volume.

During discussion on the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 5 November 2003, it was pointed out that the Committee had not taken a formal vote on application 2/16 which had been considered at the meeting, but had instead agreed the decision by general consensus. It was therefore suggested that Minute 418 (iii), which concerned declarations of interest relating to that item, be amended to more accurately reflect this and that reference to voting be deleted. This was agreed.

It was further queried why Councillor N Shah’s comments in relation to the application had not been recorded and, with regard to Minute 419, it was queried whether the Committee had given Councillor N Shah permission to speak on agenda item 20.

In response to the latter query,the Chair advised that the minutes were a record of the decisions of the Committee and were not intended to be a verbatim record of the meeting. In relation to the query regarding Minute 419 the Chair pointed out that as the Committee had allowed Councillor N Shah to speak on agenda item 20, it was to be deduced that they had given him permission to speak and the minute was therefore accurate.

RESOLVED: That, having been circulated, the minutes of the meeting held on 5 November 2003 be agreed and signed as a correct record of that meeting subject to the following amendments:

Amend the last sentence of the fourth paragraph of Minute 418 (iii) to read “Accordingly she left the room and took no part in the discussion or decision-making on this item”

Amend the fifth paragraph of Minute 418 (iii) to read “ Councillors Marilyn Ashton, Billson, Kara and Mrs Joyce Nickolay remained and took part in the discussion and decision-making on this item”.

To receive questions (if any) from local residents/organisations under the provisions of Committee Procedure Rule 18 (Part 4B of the Constitution).

RESOLVED: To note that there were no public questions to be received at this meeting under the provisions of Committee Procedure Rule 18 (Part 4B of the Constitution).

To receive petitions (if any) submitted by members of the public/Councillors.

RESOLVED: To note the receipt of the following petition which was referred to the relevant officer for consideration:

·            Petition objecting to the decision in respect of mobile phone masts erected at 102 High Street, Harrow on the Hill

Councillor Mrs Kinnear presented the above petition, signed by169 local residents, in the following terms:

“We, the undersigned, object to the Council’s decision to permit the erection of three third generation mobile phone masts at 102 High Street, Harrow on the Hill. We object on the grounds that:

1.       there was insufficient public consultation about this matter; and

2.       the Council appears to have paid little or no attention to the growing evidence that mobile phone masts could have negative effects on public health.

We ask the Council to reconsider its decision to permit the masts in question”.

(See also Minute 444).

To receive deputations (if any) under the provisions of Committee Procedure Rule 16 (Part 4B) of the Constitution.

RESOLVED: To note that there were no deputations to be received at this meeting under the provisions of Committee Procedure Rule 16 (Part 4B of the Constitution).

To receive references from Council and any other Committees or Panels (if any).

RESOLVED: To note that there were no references from Council or other Committees or Panels to be received at this meeting.

To confirm whether representations are to be received, under Committee Procedure Rule 17 (Part 4B of the Constitution), from objectors and applicants regarding planning applications on the agenda.

RESOLVED: That, in accordance with the provisions of Committee Procedure Rule 17 (Part 4B of the Constitution), representations be received in respect of items 1/05, 2/01 and 2/16 on the list of planning applications received.

Report of the Chief Planning Officer (circulated separately).

RESOLVED: That authority be given to the Chief Planning Officer to issue the decision notices in respect of the applications considered, as set out in the schedule attached to these minutes.

Supplemental Report of the Chief Planning Officer.

See item 3/03 on the schedule of decisions attached to these minutes.

Report of the Chief Planning Officer.

The Committee received a report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding a Tree Preservation Order proposed for the above site.

The report advised that, in order to achieve immediate protection and as a matter of expediency, an Area TPO had previously been made on site known as TPO 137, Altham Road (No. 1), Hatch End). In accordance with current policy, the site had then been re-surveyed to identify individual trees and groups of trees which were of high amenity value. The results of this survey were detailed and approval a new TPO to protect these trees was now sought. It was noted that the existing Order would remain in force until this new Order and two other new Orders had been confirmed.

RESOLVED: That the Borough Solicitor be authorised to:

(1)            make a new Tree Preservation Order(TPO) to be known as TPO 685, Albury Drive (No. 3), Hatch End pursuant to Sections 198 and 201 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, to protect those trees identified on the map and schedule attached to the officer report; and

(2)            revoke TPO 137, Altham Road (No. 1) Hatch End North Harrow on confirmation of the following:

·         TPO 679 Hallam Gardens (No. 2), Hatch End

·         TPO 684 Evelyn Drive (No. 1), Hatch End

·         TPO 685 Albury Drive (No. 3), Hatch End

[REASON: As set out above and in the officer report].

Report of the Chief Planning Officer.

The Committee received a report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding a Tree Preservation Order proposed for the above site.

The report advised that, in order to achieve immediate protection and as a matter of expediency, an Area TPO had previously been made on site known as TPO 137, Altham Road (No. 1), Hatch End). In accordance with current policy, the site had then been re-surveyed to identify individual trees and groups of trees which were of high amenity value. The results of this survey were detailed and approval a new TPO to protect these trees was now sought. It was noted that the existing Order would remain in force until this new Order and two other new Orders had been confirmed.

RESOLVED: That the Borough Solicitor be authorised to:

(1)            make a new Tree Preservation Order(TPO) to be known as TPO 684, Evelyn Drive (No. 1), Hatch End pursuant to Sections 198 and 201 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, to protect those trees identified on the map and schedule attached to the officer report; and

(2)            revoke TPO 137, Altham Road (No. 1) Hatch End North Harrow on confirmation of the following:

·         TPO 679 Hallam Gardens (No. 2), Hatch End

·         TPO 684 Evelyn Drive (No. 1), Hatch End

·         TPO 685 Albury Drive (No. 3), Hatch End

[REASON: As set out above and in the officer report].

Report of the Chief Planning Officer.

The Committee received a report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding a Tree Preservation Order proposed for the above site.

The report advised that, in order to achieve immediate protection and as a matter of expediency, an Area TPO had previously been made on site known as TPO 137, Altham Road (No. 1), Hatch End). In accordance with current policy, the site had then been re-surveyed to identify individual trees and groups of trees which were of high amenity value. The results of this survey were detailed and approval a new TPO to protect these trees was now sought. It was noted that the existing Order would remain in force until this new Order and two other new Orders had been confirmed.

RESOLVED: That the Borough Solicitor be authorised to:

(1)            make a new Tree Preservation Order(TPO) to be known as TPO 679, Hallam Gardens (No. 2), Hatch End pursuant to Sections 198 and 201 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, to protect those trees identified on the map and schedule attached to the officer report; and

(2)            revoke TPO 137, Altham Road (No. 1) Hatch End North Harrow on confirmation of the following:

·         TPO 679 Hallam Gradens (No. 2), Hatch End

·         TPO 684 Evelyn Drive (No. 1), Hatch End

·         TPO 685 Albury Drive (No. 3), Hatch End

[REASON: As set out above and in the officer report].

Report of the Chief Planning Officer.

The Committee received a report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding a Tree Preservation Order proposed for the above site.

The report advised that, in order to achieve immediate protection and as a matter of expediency, an Area TPO had previously been made on site known as TPO 299, Peterborough Road (No. 1), Harrow on the Hill. In accordance with current policy, the site had then been re-surveyed to identify individual trees and groups of trees which were of high amenity value. The results of this survey were detailed and approval a new TPO to protect these trees was now sought.

RESOLVED: That the Borough Solicitor be authorised to:

(1)            make a new Tree Preservation Order(TPO) to be known as TPO 674 Peterborough Road (No. 2), Harrow on the Hill pursuant to Sections 198 and 201 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, to protect those trees identified on the map and schedule attached to the officer report; and

(2)            revoke TPO 299, Peterborough Road (No 1), Harrow on the Hill on confirmation of the above.

[REASON: As set out above and in the officer report].

Report of the Chief Planning Officer.

The Committee received a report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding a Tree Preservation Order proposed for the above site.

The report advised that, in order to achieve immediate protection and as a matter of expediency, an Area TPO had previously been made on site known as TPO 193, Park View Road (No. 1), Pinner. In accordance with current policy, the site had then been re-surveyed to identify individual trees and groups of trees which were of high amenity value. The results of this survey were detailed and approval a new TPO to protect these trees was now sought.

RESOLVED: That the Borough Solicitor be authorised to:

(1)            make a new Tree Preservation Order(TPO) to be known as TPO 681, Park View Road (No. 2), Pinner pursuant to Sections 198 and 201 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, to protect those trees identified on the map and schedule attached to the officer report; and

(2)            revoke TPO 193, Park View Road (No. 1) Pinner on confirmation of the above.

[REASON: As set out above and in the officer report].

Report of the Chief Planning Officer.

The Committee received a report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding a Tree Preservation Order proposed for the above site.

The report advised that, in order to achieve immediate protection and as a matter of expediency, an Area TPO had previously been made on site known as TPO 117, Pinner Hill (No. 1), Pinner. In accordance with current policy, the site had then been re-surveyed to identify individual trees and groups of trees which were of high amenity value. The results of this survey were detailed and approval a new TPO to protect these trees was now sought.

RESOLVED: That the Borough Solicitor be authorised to:

(1)            make a new Tree Preservation Order(TPO) to be known as TPO 686, Southacre Way (No. 1), Pinner pursuant to Sections 198 and 201 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, to protect those trees identified on the map and schedule attached to the officer report; and

(2)            revoke TPO 117, Pinner Hill (No. 1) Pinner on confirmation of the above.

[REASON: As set out above and in the officer report].

Report of the Chief Planning Officer.

The Committee received a report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding a Tree Preservation Order proposed for the above site.

The report advised that, in order to achieve immediate protection and as a matter of expediency, an Area TPO had previously been made on site known as TPO 197, Tudor Road (No. 1),Wealdstone. In accordance with current policy, the site had then been re-surveyed to identify individual trees and groups of trees which were of high amenity value. The results of this survey were detailed and approval a new TPO to protect these trees was now sought.

RESOLVED: That the Borough Solicitor be authorised to:

(1)            make a new Tree Preservation Order(TPO) to be known as TPO 677, Tudor Road (No. 2), Wealdstone pursuant to Sections 198 and 201 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, to protect those trees identified on the map and schedule attached to the officer report; and

(2)            revoke TPO 197, Tudor Road (No. 1) Wealdstone on confirmation of the above.

[REASON: As set out above and in the officer report].

Report of the Chief Planning Officer.

The Committee received a report of the Chief Planning Officer which provided the Planning Services end of year statement for 2002/03 and a commentary on the statement. In particular the report examined performance against key indicators and targets, the knock-on implications for the Planning Delivery Grant for 2004/05, and the implications regarding the ‘name and shaming’ of the Council as a ‘planning standards authority’. The report also reviewed workload trends and the implications in all service areas of increasing numbers of applications, legislative changes and regional/sub-regional working.

During the discussion which followed, a Member voiced concern that the way in which the  Government assessed and funded Planning Services was inadequate and resulted in the contradictory situation that more funding was needed to improve the planning service but   funding would not be forthcoming unless services were improved.

Members also noted that levels of staffing had remained virtually static, despite the increased pressures noted above, and wished to pay tribute to the planning staff’s dedication and hard work in the face of such difficult circumstances.

RESOLVED: That the above report and the potential implications for meeting strategic targets and for the Planning Delivery Grant be noted.

[REASON: As set out in the officer report].

Report of the Chief Planning Officer.

FOR INFORMATION  

The Committee received a report of the Chief Planning Officer which listed those appeals being dealt with, those awaiting decision, and those in respect of which decisions had been made.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

FOR INFORMATION

The Committee received a report of the Chief Planning Officer which listed those enforcement notices awaiting compliance.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

(if any).

RESOLVED: To note that there were no telecommunications applications which required consideration.

(if any).

RESOLVED: To note that there were no demolition applications which required consideration.

(which the Chair has decided is urgent and cannot otherwise be dealt with).

RESOLVED: That the action set out below be agreed:

(i)          Seating of Members of Council who were not Members of the Development Control Committee at Development Control Committee meetings

During discussion regarding the seating of Members of Council who were not Members of the Development Control Committee at Development Control Committee meetings, the Chair requested that officers write to all Members to remind them of the requirement for Members of Council who were not Members of the Development Control Committee to sit at the special table reserved for them at meetings of the Development Control Committee, in accordance with the Protocol for Members and Reserve Members when Dealing with Planning Applications and Lobbying.

(ii)          Site Visits to 7 Charlton Road, Harrow, 34 & 36 Shooters Avenue, Harrow and Hillmorton, 11 Orley Farm Road, Harrow

Following discussion it was agreed that Member Site Visits to the above properties would take place on Saturday 10^th January 2004. It was agreed that a mini-bus to transport Members to the sites would depart from the Civic Centre at 10.00 am.

In accordance with the provisions of Committee Procedure Rule 14 (Part 4B of the Constitution) it was

RESOLVED: At (1) 10.00 pm to continue until 10.15 pm;

(2) 10.15 pm to continue until 10.30 pm; and

(3) 10.30 pm to continue until 10.35 pm.