The meeting covered several topics, with the most significant being the planning application for the development at Middle Lane, Hyungra. The application was approved despite objections from local residents and the parish council.

Planning Application EPF 17-18/18: Land at Middle Lane, Hyungra

The main topic of discussion was the planning application for the erection of seven three-bedroom houses at the junction of Mill Lane and Millfield. The site is allocated within the local plan for residential development and was recommended for approval, subject to conditions and a legal agreement. The application faced objections from the parish council and local residents, primarily concerning the protection of two TPO (Tree Preservation Order) trees, one of which was disputed to be a veteran tree.

Key Points Discussed:

• Tree Preservation: There was a significant debate over the status of a field maple tree (T9) and an oak tree (T8). The council's tree officers determined that the field maple is not a veteran tree, despite opposing opinions from a resident's tree expert.
• Access and Parking: The proposed development includes new vehicle access from Millfield and the relocation of a disabled parking bay. Concerns were raised about the loss of on-street parking and the adequacy of the proposed parking spaces.
• Sewage and Drainage: Issues were raised about the capacity of the local sewers, with some residents noting that previous developments had to provide cesspits. The council's drainage officer supported the proposal, subject to conditions.
• Section 106 Contributions: The parish council requested that Section 106 contributions be used for additional parking and amenities for children and young people within the parish.

Decision:

The committee approved the application with conditions and a legal agreement. They also agreed to explore the possibility of using Section 106 contributions for additional parking.

Other Business

• Apologies for Absence: Apologies were received from Councillor Gemma McIvor and Councillor Ian Hadley.
• Declaration of Interest: A member declared a non-pecuniary interest in the Uplands Road property and recused themselves from that part of the meeting.
• Minutes of the Last Meeting: Councillor John Whitehouse raised concerns about the accuracy of the minutes from the last meeting, noting that they did not distinguish between what was discussed and what was agreed.
• Site Visits: No new site visits were requested.

Additional Planning Application: Tootill Property

A secondary planning application was discussed for a property in Tootill, involving changes to the front and a rear extension. The application faced objections from a neighbor and the parish council. The committee approved the application with a condition to ensure no windows would be added on the side elevation facing the neighboring property.

Conclusion

The meeting concluded with the approval of the planning applications discussed, subject to various conditions and legal agreements. The committee also addressed concerns raised by local residents and the parish council, particularly regarding tree preservation, parking, and sewage capacity.