Agenda and minutes

At this point in the meeting, Members are asked to declare:

·        any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests

·        any prejudicial interests or

·        any disclosable pecuniary interests

which they may have in respect of business on this agenda.

At this point in the meeting, Members were asked to declare any personal, prejudicial or pecuniary interests they may have in the business on the agenda. None were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 23^rd October 2014.

Resolved:           That the minutes of the Planning Committee held on 23^rd October 2014 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

It is at this point in the meeting that members of the public who have registered their wish to speak can do so. The deadline for registering is by 5pm on Wednesday 19^th November 2014. Members of the public can speak on specific planning applications or on other agenda items or matters within the remit of the committee.

To register please contact the Democracy Officer for the meeting, on the details at the foot of this agenda.

Filming or Recording Meetings

“Please note this meeting will be filmed and webcast and that includes any registered public speakers, who have given their permission.  This broadcast can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.

Residents are welcome to photograph, film or record Councillors and Officers at all meetings open to the press and public. This includes the use of social media reporting, i.e. tweeting.  Anyone wishing to film, record or take photos at any public meeting should contact the Democracy Officer (whose contact details are at the foot of this agenda) in advance of the meeting.

The Council’s protocol on Webcasting, Filming & Recording of Meetings ensures that these practices are carried out in a manner both respectful to the conduct of the meeting and all those present.  It can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/download/3130/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetings

It was reported that there had been no registrations to speak under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

Members then considered two reports of the Assistant Director (Development Services, Planning and Regeneration) relating to the following planning applications, which outlined the proposals and relevant planning considerations and set out the views of the consultees and officers.

A major full application for the erection of a wind turbine (maximum height to blade tip 78 metres) with associated access tracks, crane pad, sub-station building, underground cabling and temporary construction compound. [Derwent Ward] [Site Visit].

Consideration was given to a major full application for the erection of a wind turbine (maximum height blade to tip 78 metres) with associated access tracks, crane pad, sub station building, underground cabling and temporary construction compound.

Officers provided an update to the committee report as follows:

·        Paragraph 1.1 should read “....erection of a single 800 kw wind turbine with a maximum height of 78 metres to blade tip together with ancillary infrastructure”.

·        Nearby electricity pylons rise to  50m.

·        The Ministry of Defence (MOD) had now withdrawn its objection.

·        English Heritage had raised concerns in respect of the impact of the turbine upon their assets in the area, notably St Lois Farm.

·        The applicant was now seeking deferral to continue talks with English Heritage to remove that aspect of refusal from the recommendation, although Officers still considered that the Green Belt grounds for refusal would remain.

In response to questions from a Member about the MOD withdrawing its objection, Officers confirmed that the applicant had a agreed a number of measures with the MOD to prevent the turbine from appearing on radar screens.

Mrs McCallum, the applicant’s agent , made representations in support of the turbine. She raised concerns about the content of the committee report and advised that the MOD had mediated with the applicant and it seemed likely an agreement could also be reached with English Heritage. In relation to Very Special Circumstances in the Green Belt she referred to the recognised need  increase  renewable energy and lack of alternative sites, and  considered this constitutes Very Special Circumstances. She asked that Members defer the application to enable further work to continue.

Councillor Brooks spoke on behalf of Dunnington Parish Council to advise that the turbine would affect a number of residents in the Dunnington area, particularly on Hull Road, Intake Lane and Eastfield Lane. She raised concerns about the possible health impact of turbines and referred to studies undertaken by the Royal Society which suggested that exposure to low frequency sounds can cause ear problems. She stated that the whole of Dunnington would be affected if the low frequency noise was able to travel 10km.

Jill Edwards spoke on behalf of Kexby Parish Council. She raised concerns about the impact on the Green Belt and the detrimental impact on the character of nearby villages.

Councillor Brooks then spoke as Ward Councillor. She advised that the turbine would be a lot higher than the electricity pylons in the area and it would be highly visible from the from the A1079 which is a tourist route into the centre of York. She also queried the impact upon views of the Minster. She also argued that there were no site specific special circumstances and urged Members to refuse the application.

In answer to a number of questions, Planning Officers made the following points:

·        In relation to the impact of noise, the nearest property would be 630 metres away from the turbine and assessments undertaken in accordance with planning regulations indicated the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26a

A major full application for the construction of a material recovery facility and waste transfer station including associated weighbridge and office facilities, concrete hardstandings, car parking, visual and acoustic screens, access roads and lighting. [Rural West York] [Site Visit].

Consideration was given to an application by Yorwaste Ltd for the construction of a material recovery facility and waste transfer station including associated weighbridge and office facilities, concrete hardstandings, car parking, visual and acoustic screens, access roads and lighting.

Officers introduced the report and Members questioned a number of points as follows:

·        The reason for the difference in timings between the working hours and the site construction hours conditions. Officers confirmed that the timings were different to take into account that the site work takes place indoors and the construction work outdoors.

·        Whether any alternative sites had been considered. It was confirmed the applicant had looked for another site but had found none suitable within the York area.

·        The monitoring of noise and the repercussions if conditions are not adhered to. Officers confirmed that monthly reports are received and if there are problems, the Council’s planning enforcement team can investigate or the Environmental Protection Unit.

Mr Rollings, a local resident on behalf of Rufforth and Knapton Action Group, raised objections to the proposed expansion of the site and advised that the proposal was not just an extension but another large factory within the Green Belt. He referred to a commitment made to Rufforth Village at the time the original site was proposed which stated that no further buildings would be put on the site. He queried why Northminster Business Park had not been considered as a suitable site.

Steven Grieve had registered to speak on behalf of Yorwaste. He advised that Yorwaste had successfully managed the site for 30 years, but in recent times there had been a significant increase in the amount of recycling in the city which meant that new facilities were now required. He advised that since 2011, Yorwaste had consulted with Rufforth and Knapton Parish Council on 6 separate occasions on plans for the site. The site is considered the best location. The impact on the Green Belt would be mitigated by the landscaping. In relation to the traffic issues he advised that Yorwaste had been willing to support alterations on the highway to stop  vehicles turning into Rufforth but the Council’s highway officers had not considered it necessary. CCTV had however been installed at the entrance  to monitor the number of right turns from the site towards Rufforth, with the intention of raising the matter with Highways if there was evidence of right turns being made despite the signage and instruction from Yorwaste.

Colin Valentine had registered to speak on behalf of Rufforth and Knapton Parish Council. He queried whether Northminster Business Park had been considered and suggested the application be deferred to consider other sites.

Councillor Steward had registered to speak as Ward Member. He supported the views of the residents that opposed the development but acknowledged that it was a tough decision as there are no other suitable sites for such a facility. He stated that it was inappropriate development in the Green Belt for which no  Very  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

This report (presented to both Planning Committee and the Sub Committee) informs Members of the Council’s performance in relation to appeals determined by the Planning Inspectorate from 1 July to 30 September 2014, and provides a summary of the salient points from appeals determined in that period. A list of outstanding appeals to date of writing is also included.

Members received a report which informed them of the Council’s performance in relation to appeals determined by the Planning Inspectorate from 1^st July to 30^th September 2014 and provided a summary of the salient points from appeals determined in that period. The report also included a list of outstanding appeals to date.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

Reason:     To inform Members of the current position in relation to planning appeals against the Council’s decisions as determined by the Planning Inspectorate.

Following requests from two Members to change the time of the Site Visits for Planning Committee from 12.30pm to 10am, the Chair asked members to consider the request.

Following a vote it was:

Resolved:           That the Site Visits be moved to 10am on the Tuesday before the meeting as from December with a view that if it does not work they can be moved back to 12:30.

Reason:              To respond to requests from members of Planning Committee.