The Strategic Planning Committee convened to discuss outstanding items, focusing primarily on application SCC/3854/2021 regarding Unit 22 Evercreech Junction. Councillors voted to approve the recommendations for the Evercreech Junction application, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement¹.

Unit 22 Evercreech Junction

The committee addressed application SCC/3854/2021, concerning Unit 22, Evercreech Junction, following a deferral due to an unresolved Section 106 agreement. The application sought to vary conditions related to approved plans, noise mitigation, and night-time noise limits for an anaerobic digestion plant.

The key points of contention revolved around revisions to the Section 106 agreement, specifically concerning the need for a right-turn lane, bus stop provisions, and public right of way surfacing.

Arguments and Decision

The initial proposal included a right-turn lane at the junction of the estate road and the A371, footpath surfacing, bus stops, a new footway, and landscape works. However, the applicant, BioConstruct, proposed to monitor the need for a right-turn lane over five years rather than providing it immediately. They also sought to remove the requirements for bus stops and a new footway, and to vary the requirement for Public Right of Way footpath surfacing.

The Highway Authority did not object to the removal of the bus stop obligation, or to the change to the obligation relating to the right hand turn lane, but maintained the need for a new footway.

Objectors, including Evercreech Parish Council, raised concerns about noise, dust, and lighting affecting residents. Ditcheat Parish Council argued for a comprehensive assessment of the right-hand turn lane, rather than piecemeal evaluations.

Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the recommendations, which included:

1. Granting planning permission subject to the conditions outlined in the February 2023 report.
2. Prior conclusion of a Section 106 Agreement to secure:
   • Annual traffic monitoring and reporting for five years to determine the need for a right-turn lane.
   • Retention and maintenance of landscaping implemented following the 2017 permission.
   • Provision of a footway alongside the A371.
   • A one-off improvement to Public Right of Way surfacing.
3. Delegating authority to the Service Manager, in agreement with the chair and vice-chair, to undertake any minor non-material editing necessary to the wording of the conditions.

The motion was carried by 5 votes to 4.

Public Path Order Policy

The committee were asked to consider a report on the consultation on amendments to the Rights of Way Diversion Policy. The Rights of Way Service Manager highlighted the background to the proposals, as detailed in the report and that in readiness for vesting day, one of the required actions is to have an updated diversion policy that is reflective of the unitary Council's powers along with accompanying guidance notes and application form. This is crucial to ensure that there is a clear policy and process available to any prospective applicant. The review of the policy also affords the opportunity to make some minor adjustments in light of the past 15 years' experience of applying the policy to a number of applications.

Councillor Tony Lock, Chair of the committee, summarised the debate. Councillor Simon Coles, seconded by another councillor, moved the recommendation and the Committee RESOLVED to support the proposed changes to the Diversion Policy and that the decision as to whether or not to adopt any amendments to the current policy will be made by the Lead Member for the Environment & Climate Change.

Somerset Statement of Community Involvement Consultation

The committee received a report by the Service Manager which provided a briefing about the consultation on the draft Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) for the new Somerset Council. The consultation runs between 1 February – 16 March 2023 and following public consultation, the intention is to then finalise the document to be formally adopted as soon as possible following vesting day. The draft SCI was set out in the Appendix to the report.

The SCI sets out how the Local Planning Authority will engage and consult with the community and stakeholders on planning matters – this covers both engagement on planning policy (e.g. Local Plans, Neighbourhood Plans) and determination of planning applications. The SCI therefore includes who will consult through the various stages of Local Plan preparation, and what consultation methods we be used. In relation to Development Management, it includes details of consultees and neighbours who will be notified of planning applications and expectations for developers and agents in terms of preapplication engagement.

The Committee NOTED:

1. The Briefing Report on the consultation on the draft Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) for the new Somerset Council and how they can respond.
2. That the final version of the SCI document will take into account comments received and will be considered by the Council's Executive for adoption.