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Development Control Committee - Wednesday, 29th May, 2024 2.00 pm

May 29, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting Watch video of meeting
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Summary

The meeting primarily focused on various planning applications and enforcement actions within Southend-on-Sea. Key topics included the approval of new housing developments, the conversion of existing properties, and enforcement actions against unauthorized changes.

Affordable Housing Development in Bradford Bury

The council discussed a proposal to build two affordable social housing units in Bradford Bury. The existing garages on the site are underutilized and unsuitable for modern cars. The new houses would provide much-needed affordable housing and improve local character. Despite objections from residents about parking stress, the council found the proposal acceptable and policy compliant. The motion to approve the development was deferred due to discrepancies about the usage of the existing garages.

Development on Lee Hill

A proposal to rebuild and refurbish a partially demolished terrace on Lee Hill was discussed. The new design aims to enhance the Lee Conservation Area and the setting of a nearby Grade 2 listed building. Concerns were raised about the impact on the listed building and the stability of the ground. The council decided to approve the development, subject to conditions addressing land stability.

HMO Conversion on Kilworth Avenue

The council reviewed a proposal to convert a six-bedroom HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) into an eight-bedroom HMO. Concerns were raised about overdevelopment and parking stress. The council approved the conversion, subject to conditions limiting occupancy and requiring landscaping improvements.

Enforcement Actions

Several enforcement actions were discussed, including:

  • Albion Road: Unauthorized rear extension causing loss of light and outlook for neighbors. The council authorized enforcement action with a three-month compliance period.
  • Manchester Drive: Unauthorized roof extensions causing harm to the character of the area and privacy issues. The council authorized enforcement action with a three-month compliance period.
  • Pavilion Drive: Unauthorized use of an outbuilding as a self-contained dwelling. The council authorized enforcement action with a three-month compliance period.
  • West Road: Unauthorized conversion of a shop to a dwelling, harming the primary shopping area. The council authorized enforcement action with a three-month compliance period.
  • Westcliff Park Drive: Unauthorized use of a dwelling as a circumcision clinic. The council authorized enforcement action with a one-month compliance period due to the sensitive nature of the case.

Overall, the council focused on balancing the need for new housing and community facilities with the preservation of local character and residential amenity.

Attendees

Councillor Fay Evans
Councillor Martin Berry
Profile image for Councillor Alan Dear
Councillor Alan Dear  Conservative Party •  Belfairs Ward
Councillor Matt Dent
Councillor Nigel Folkard
Councillor John Harland
Councillor Anne Jones
Kevin Waters
Charlotte Galforg
Patrick Keyes
Spyridon Mouratidis
Charlotte White
Martin Warren
Tim Row
Councillor Sam Allen
Profile image for Councillor Kevin Buck
Councillor Kevin Buck  Conservative Party •  Prittlewell Ward
Councillor Laurie Burton
Councillor Paul Collins
Profile image for Councillor David Garston
Councillor David Garston  Conservative Party •  Prittlewell Ward
Profile image for Councillor Stephen Habermel
Councillor Stephen Habermel  Conservative Party •  Chalkwell Ward
Councillor Stuart Allen
Councillor Stephen Aylen
Abbie Greenwood
Andrew Brown
Councillor Dave Poulton
Councillor Nick Ward
Councillor Maxine Sadza
Profile image for Councillor Richard Longstaff
Councillor Richard Longstaff  Green Party •  Leigh Ward
Councillor Jane Norman
Councillor Ron Woodley

Meeting Documents