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Area Planning Sub-Committee East - Wednesday 13th March 2024 7.00 pm

March 13, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting
AI Generated

Summary

The council meeting focused on several planning applications, with debates centering on environmental concerns, community impact, and development suitability. Decisions were made on four key applications, each involving detailed discussions about the balance between development needs and preserving local character and safety.

  1. 34 Crores Road Development: The committee decided to refer the application to the District Development Committee after a tie in votes. Arguments for the development highlighted potential housing benefits, while opponents cited overdevelopment and loss of neighborhood character. The decision to escalate reflects the council's caution in balancing development with community impact.

  2. 101 Thornhill Front Extension: The application was rejected due to concerns about its impact on the street scene and neighboring properties. Supporters argued the extension was minor and in line with local precedents, but opposition, including from the parish council, felt it would disrupt the visual harmony and access issues between properties.

  3. New Haven, Blackhorse Lane Development: Approved with conditions, including modifications to permitted development rights concerning hard standings and gates. Proponents cited the design's respect for existing architectural styles and adequate parking, while critics worried about overdevelopment and its impact on the village's character.

  4. Horns Farm, Mount Road Commercial Conversion: Decision deferred to a future meeting pending further traffic and safety data. The proposal to convert agricultural buildings for commercial use had support for boosting local employment but faced strong opposition due to potential traffic increases and road safety concerns.

Surprisingly, the meeting also included detailed discussions on environmental impacts, specifically concerning bat habitats, which influenced decision-making processes and conditions.

Attendees

Profile image for Councillor Ian Hadley
Councillor Ian Hadley  Conservative Party •  Rural East
Councillor Heather Brady
Profile image for Councillor Clive Amos
Councillor Clive Amos  Liberal Democrats •  Theydon Bois with Passingford
Profile image for Councillor Raymond Balcombe
Councillor Raymond Balcombe  Contracts Delivery Portfolio Holder •  Conservative Party •  Rural East
Profile image for Councillor Nigel Bedford
Councillor Nigel Bedford  Deputy Leader & Housing & HGGT Portfolio Holder •  Conservative Party •  North Weald Bassett
Councillor Peter Bolton
Profile image for Councillor Les Burrows
Councillor Les Burrows  Chairman of Council •  Conservative Party •  North Weald Bassett
Profile image for Councillor Paul Keska
Councillor Paul Keska  Technical Services Portfolio Holder •  Conservative Party •  Ongar
Profile image for Councillor Craig McCann
Councillor Craig McCann  Conservative Party •  Chigwell with Lambourne
Councillor Cherry McCredie
Profile image for Councillor Jaymey McIvor
Councillor Jaymey McIvor  Independent •  Ongar
Profile image for Councillor Richard Morgan
Councillor Richard Morgan  Conservative Party •  Rural East
Councillor Lesley Paine
Councillor John Philip
Profile image for Councillor Razia Sharif
Councillor Razia Sharif  Liberal Democrats •  Epping West and Rural
Councillor Basil Vaz
Profile image for Councillor Holly Whitbread
Councillor Holly Whitbread  Finance & Economic Development Portfolio Holder •  Conservative Party •  Epping West and Rural
Profile image for Councillor Janet Whitehouse
Councillor Janet Whitehouse  Liberal Democrats •  Epping East
Profile image for Councillor Jon Whitehouse
Councillor Jon Whitehouse  Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group •  Liberal Democrats •  Epping East
James Rogers
Natalie Cole
Therese Larsen
Laura Kirman
Kelly Sweeney