Decisions

To note progress with the preparation of Local Plan 2036.

1.            That Cabinet approves the key terms to be included in the tender of the waste collection contract as set out in this Report (and further detailed in Appendix 3 to the report) and notes the timetable for the tendering process.

2.            That Cabinet approves the proposed procurement route of Competitive Procedure with Negotiation and the tender evaluation based on 50% price, 50% quality scoring criteria and the use of the quality evaluation process set out in Exempt Appendix 4.

3.            That the arrangements for (i) priced options in respect of a food waste collection service and (ii) the mobilisation of the contract extension, be noted.

1.            That total expenditure of £725,000 required for the remaining three phases of repair works to the river bank at The Weirs, Winchester and as detailed in paragraph 2.2 be approved.

2.            That approval is delegated to the Corporate Head of Regulatory Services to carry out an open tender procurement process and to appoint a Contractor to carry out the repair works to the river bank at the Weirs Winchester.

3.            That it is agreed to vary Contract Procedure Rule 29.1 re Tender Evaluation which provides for a 60:40 ratio for cost and quality so that the quality requirement for this procurement is increased to 60% and cost reduced to 40%.

1.            That the Strategic Housing and Employment Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA) attached at Appendix 1 be agreed and published as part of the evidence base for the Local Plan 2036.

2.            That authority be granted to the Strategic Planning Manager, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for the Built Environment, to make any necessary edits and minor alterations prior to the publication of the SHELAA.

Item 16: Construction of a 40m x 20m  outdoor riding arena for both private and commercial use. Change of use of existing equine stables to private and commercial livery and turning out of horses and exercise of horses on land at Drakes Bottom

Drakes Bottom, Dirty Lane, Hambledon

Case number: 19/00594/FUL

During public participation, Paul Harper and Sue Goldsborough spoke in support of the application and answered Members’ questions thereon.

At the conclusion of debate, the Committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the Report. 

RESOLVED:

1.               That the decisions taken on the Planning Applications in relation to those applications inside and outside the area of the South Downs National Park be agreed as set out in the decision relating to each item, subject to the following:

              (i)         That in respect of item 8, permission be granted for the                       reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in                  the Report and the Update Sheet, subject to an additional                                condition that access be granted via the primary access route                only. The precise wording of conditions to be delegated to the            Development Manager, in consultation with the Chairman;

                        (ii)        That in respect of item 12,  permission be granted for the                    reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in                the Report and the Update Sheet, subject to an amendment to                 condition 3 to address internal and external lighting spillage and                 that condition 5 be updated to reflect Public Holidays and Bank               Holidays. The precise wording of conditions to be delegated to                     the Development Manager, in consultation with the Chairman;                         and

              (iii)       That in respect of item 14, permission be refused for the                     following reason: Contrary to Policy CP13 or South Downs                                    National Park Plan Policy SP5 (f) due to its architectural design,                    height and mass. The precise wording of conditions to be                           delegated to the Development Manager, in consultation with the                 Chairman.

Item 15: Erection of dwellinghouse with access onto Marlands Lane

Land between Alton Road and Marlands Lane, West Meon

Case number: SDNP/18/05415/FUL

During public participation, Aaron Smith (agent) spoke in support of the application and answered Members’ questions thereon.

During public participation, Councillor Lumby spoke on this item as Ward Member. 

In summary, Councillor Lumby raised the following points:

-       Urged the Committee to look at the principle of development and consider whether the proposal was a suitable form of development or not;

-       Considered that an appeal would be submitted if the application was refused;

-       The area is surrounded by Housing and the area to the north is an exception site;

-       The application site is a hidden eyesore of no benefit to the South Downs National Park and on balance, supported the development.

At the conclusion of debate, the Committee agreed to refuse permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the Report. 

Item 14: (Amended Plans) Removal/variation of condition 2 of approved planning permission. Application Reference Number: SDNP/18/00679/FUL

Abbots Worthy House, Martyr Worthy Road, Abbots Worthy

Case number: SDNP/19/01331/CND

The Development Manager referred Members to the Update Sheet which set out an amendment to the approved plans list; a change to the application address to read Abbots Worthy instead of Martyr Worthy; and confirmation that the application had been re-advertised with amended plans on 8^th May with no further representations received.

In addition, a verbal update was provided stating that the neighbour to the north at Well Cottage acknowledged the amendments to improve the dwelling. However, they still maintained their objection regarding the window size and detailing previously submitted. 

During public participation, Julia Howland and Rose Burns spoke in objection to the application and Tracy Payne (agent) spoke in support of the application and all answered Members’ questions thereon.

During public participation, Councillor Porter spoke on this item as Ward Member. 

In summary, Councillor Porter raised the following points:

-       Building well loved by residents which could be seen via the gated area.

-       The site had received a number of changes over the decades and changed in aspect with the seasons;

-       The most prominent window looked into the neighbouring property;

-       Need to be mindful of the use of materials in this historic building due to changes in its appearance and historic nature.

At the conclusion of debate, the Committee agreed to refuse permission for the following reason: Contrary to Policy CP13 or South Downs National Park Plan Policy SP5 (f) due to its architectural design, height and mass.

The precise wording of conditions to be delegated to the Development Manager, in consultation with the Chairman. 

Item 12: (AMENDED PLANS 05.02.2019) Demolition of existing depot        and construction of new modern steel framed 3 bay unit and            associated parking and planting

Front Depot, Lower Lane, Bishops Waltham

Case number: 19/00077/FUL

The Development Manager referred Members to the Update Sheet which set out details on the removal of Conditions 7 and 8, the amalgamation of Conditions 3 and 10 re: lighting and outlined in full the necessary amendments and re-numbering of the remaining Conditions.

In addition, a verbal update was provided stating that Condition 9 should read May 2019 and not April 2019

During public participation, Margaret Jefferies and Rosemary Easton spoke in objection to the application and Kevin Warren (Winchester City Council - applicant) spoke in support of the application and all answered Members’ questions thereon.

During public participation, Councillor Miller spoke on this item as Ward Member. 

In summary, Councillor Miller raised the following points:

-       Involved in the application from the start due to his former position as Portfolio Holder for Estates to make use of this Council asset;

-       The proposal offered a modern, new and improved use of the site with over 50 enquires already received regarding these units;

-       Removal of a tree on site due to safety grounds;

-       Urged the Committee to support the application.

            At the conclusion of debate, the Committee agreed to grant permission      for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in    the Report and the Update Sheet, subject to an amendment to          condition 3 to address internal and external lighting spillage and that         condition 5 be updated to reflect Public Holidays and Bank Holidays.   The precise wording of conditions to be delegated to the Development      Manager, in consultation with the            Chairman. 

Item 11: Retrospective Application for New Farm Access and Access          Track

Trackway Access, Humber Down Lane, Hunton, Sutton Scotney

Case number: 18/01917/FUL

The Planning Case Officer confirmed that the application had previously been deferred by the Committee for clarification over the pipeline and information on any safety implications which had now been obtained and satisfied.

During public participation, Andrew Klemz (agent) and Steve Jenkins (transport engineer) spoke in support of the application and answered Members’ questions thereon.

During public participation, Councillor Horrill spoke on this item as Ward Member. 

In summary, Councillor Horrill raised the following points:

-       Representing the concerns of residents;

-       Clarity was sought regarding the gas pipeline and how this had been impacted by the road which had not been adequately addressed;

-       Now known that the applicant had not undertaken any consultation;

-       Good news that remedial work had been undertaken which had been confirmed as satisfactory via the HSE (Health and Safety Executive);

-       Byway on site – completely changed. Track accessible via access on Weston Down Lane;

-       Damage to verges on single track lane;

-       If minded to approve, suggest this be subject to weight and width restriction of vehicles using Weston Down Lane as safety issues were further exacerbated by Heavy Goods Vehicles using the track. 

At the conclusion of debate, the Committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the Report.

Item 10:  Demolition of existing garage, store and utility room. Single storey extension to the front of the existing house. Alterations to the roof and fenestration of the existing house. New dwelling on the land to the rear

Homewell, 7 Bereweeke Road, Winchester

Case number: 18/02927/FUL

The Development Manager referred Members to the Update Sheet which set out clarification of the number of objections received and an amendment to paragraph 6 of the report that the laurel boundary hedge had been in situ for  a number of years and was well established. ’

During public participation, Alison Newton-Price and James Clay spoke in objection to the application and Jeremy Tyrell (agent) and Colin Dickens (applicant) spoke in support of the application and all answered Members’ questions thereon.

At the conclusion of debate, the Committee agreed to refuse permission for the reasons set out in the Report and the Update Sheet.

Item 9:  Application Reference Number: 76/00179/OLD Date of Decision: 22/7/1976: Condition Number(s): 9: Condition(s) Removal: (Amended Description) Removal of Condition that requires parking be made available for residents of 15-23a Andover Road

Cromwell House, 15 Andover Road, Winchester

Case number: 19/00618/FUL

The Development Manager referred Members to the Update Sheet which set out a clarification that Condition 2 of the original permission has been retained as condition 1 within this recommendation. The other outdated/no longer relevant conditions have not been retained.

During public participation, Chris Hickey spoke in support of the application and answered Members’ questions thereon.

At the conclusion of debate, the Committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the Report and the Update Sheet.

Item 8:  Full planning application for the change of use of the existing B2 Industrial Unit to a flexible B1c/B2/B8 use.

Gravel Hill Farm, Gravel Hill, Shirrell Heath, Southampton

Case number: 19/00001/FUL

The Development Manager referred Members to the Update Sheet which set out in full an amendment to Condition 5 in respect of delivery hours.

During public participation, James Cain and Parish Councillor Jim Coleman (Shedfield Parish Council) spoke in objection to the application and Jim Beaven spoke in support of the application and all answered Members’ questions thereon.

During public participation, Councillor Bentote spoke on this item as Ward Member. 

In summary, Councillor Bentote raised the following points:

-       Existing heavy traffic issues;

-       Queried the volume of traffic movements per day

-       Restrictions in place on nearby Watsons diary

-       Urged the Committee to reject the application until restrictions were in place to make the change of use viable.

At the conclusion of debate, the Committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the Report and the Update Sheet, subject to an additional condition that access be granted via the primary access route only. The precise wording of conditions to be delegated to the Development Manager, in consultation with the Chairman. 

(Report PDC1130 refers)

During public participation, Councillor Porter spoke on this item as Ward Member.  In summary, Councillor Porter raised the following points:

-       Matter of principle – site on a large green in a significantly sized estate – section retained where the trees are;

-       Site put up for auction with residents having safeguarded the tree and its amenity value. The application for the confirmation of the TPO is supported.

            RESOLVED:

            That, having taken into consideration the representations      received, Tree Preservation Order 2242 be confirmed.

The Leader announced the allocation of Portfolio Holders as attached as Appendix A to the minutes.

As announced above, it was not proposed to re-establish the former Cabinet Committees for 2019/20.  Major decisions on housing would be considered by the Business and Housing Scrutiny Committee and then onto Cabinet.  With regard to the Local Plan, it was proposed that a task and finish group be established.

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillor Horrill expressed disappointment at this change of start time of future Cabinet meetings from 4.30pm as she believed it was less open and transparent and would prevent a number of people, including Councillors with jobs, from attending.  She also expressed concern at the decision at Council on 15 May to appoint a member of the administration as Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee as under the previous Constitution it was custom for the Audit Committee Chair to be held by a member of the opposition group.  She believed this was important to ensure proper governance.

As former Chair of the Audit Committee, Councillor Cutler stated that he had raised the question of chairmanship of the new Audit and Governance Committee a number of times during discussion of the new Constitution and the view had been taken that the role should be filled by best Councillor for the job, regardless of political group. 

Cabinet agreed to the following for the reasons outlined above.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the following appointments to Fora and other informal consultative groups be made for the 2019/20 Municipal Year:

(i)            East Hampshire and Winchester Joint Environmental Services Committee – Councillors Thompson, Murphy and Leader (Deputy: Porter)

(ii)          Strategic Asset Purchase Scheme Board

Leader and Portfolio Holders with responsibility for Finance; Estates; and Business (Councillors Thompson, Cutler, Learney and Weir)

(iii)         Treasury Investment Group

Portfolio Holder for Finance (Councillor Cutler) and Councillor Prince (from Cabinet).  Councillor Power (Chair of Audit & Governance Committee), Councillor Gottlieb (member of Audit & Governance Committee) and Councillor Miller (Shadow Portfolio Holder).

(iv)         Kings Barton Forum

Councillors: Prince, Learney, Rutter, Porter, Godfrey, Horrill, Cunningham and Griffiths (Deputies: Hutchison and Mather).

(v)          West of Waterlooville Forum –

Councillors: Clear, Cutler, Read and Brook (Deputies: Evans and Weston)

(vi)         North Whiteley Development Forum –

Councillors: Achwal, Bentote, Evans, Lumby, Gemmell and Miller (Deputies: Fern and Pearson)

2.         That the following bodies not be re-appointed for 2019/20:

(i)            Cabinet (Housing) Committee;

(ii)          Cabinet (Local Plan) Committee;

(iii)         Cabinet (Leisure Centre) Committee;

(iv)         Cabinet (Station Approach) Committee;

(v)          Cabinet (Central Winchester Regeneration) Committee;

(vi)         Cabinet (Traffic and Parking) Committee;

(vii)        River Park Area Informal Policy Group.

Cabinet noted that a list of nominations received had been distributed to Members present at the meeting.

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillor Horrill queried the proposal to appoint Councillor Porter to the Citizens Advice Winchester District as she believed it was been agreed between the group leaders that Councillor Griffiths would remain as the representative. 

The Leader responded that the proposed nomination had been made following discussions with the organisation.

During public participation, Ian Tait raised the following points:

·         The Carroll Centre Board of Trustees – he was a member of the Board in his own capacity;

·         St John’s Winchester Charity – he understood that the Charity intended to extend his appointment as nominated trustee for a year and were reviewing their arrangements for the future;

·         Winchester Housing Trust – he was appointed as a Director in his own capacity, not on behalf of the Council;

The Leader agreed that these points be investigated further before any appointments to these three organisations were made and the appointments therefore be deferred to a future meeting.

Cabinet agreed to the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the Report.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the following appointments to external bodies be made for the 2019/20 Municipal Year (unless stated otherwise):

(a)      Citizens Advice Winchester District – Councillor Porter (Observer) (until May 2022)

(b)      Hampshire Alliance for Rural Affordable Housing (HARAH) – Portfolio Holders with responsibility for Housing and Planning (Councillors Learney and Porter)

(c)      Hampshire & Isle of Wight Association of Local Authorities (HIOWA) – Leader and Deputy Leader (Councillors Thompson and Cutler)

(d)      Hampshire County Council Annual Meeting with Parish & District Councils regarding public transport issues – Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Transport (Councillor Murphy)

(e)      Hampshire Homechoice Board – Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Housing (Councillor Learney)

(f)       Hampshire Rural Forum – Portfolio Holder with responsibility for the Economy (Councillor Weir)

(g)      Intergr8 CIC at Unit 12 – Portfolio Holder with responsibility for the Economy (Councillor Weir)

(h)      Live Theatre Winchester Trust Ltd – Councillor Achwal (Observer) (until May 2022)

(i)        Local Government Association – Leader and Deputy Leader (Councillors Thompson and Cutler)

(j)        Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) Joint Committee – Leader and Deputy Leader (Councillors Thompson and Cutler)

(k)      Police and Crime Panel (until May 2021, confirmed annually) – Councillor Griffiths (Councillor Clear)

(l)        Portsmouth Water Customer Forum – Councillor Brook (until May 2022)

(m)     Project Integra Management Board – Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Waste (Councillor Murphy)

(n)      South Downs National Park Authority – Councillor Evans (until May 2023)

(o)      South East Employers – Chair of Audit & Governance Committee (Councillor Power)

(p)      South East Employers – Councillors’ Local Democracy & Accountability Network – Councillors Gottlieb & Power

(q)      South East England Councils (SEEC) – Leader and Deputy Leader (Councillors Thompson and Cutler)

(r)       Southampton International Airport Consultative Committee – Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Transport (Councillor Murphy) plus Councillor Bronk (Councillors Achwal & Clear)

(s)      Streetreach – Councillor Learney (until May 2022)

(t)        Tourism South East – Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Tourism (Councillor Weir)

(u)      Trinity Winchester – Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Housing (Councillor Learney) plus Councillors Scott & Weir

(v)      WinACC – Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Environment (Councillor Murphy)

(w)     Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) – Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Economy (Councillor Weir)

(x)      Winchester Churches Night Shelter – Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Housing (Councillor Learney)

(y)      Winchester District Board of the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) – Councillor Pearson (until May 2022)

(z)      Winchester Excavations Committee – Councillor Clear (until May 2022)

(aa)   Winchester Road Safety Council Committee – Councillor Hutchison

(bb)   Winchester Sports Stadium Management Committee – Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Sport (Councillor Prince) and Councillor Laming

2.         That representatives be reminded of their responsibilities whilst representing the Council on an external organisation, as summarised in Paragraphs 11.8 – 11.11 of the report and in the Guidance regarding serving on Outside Bodies.

3.         That the following appointments be deferred for consideration at a future Cabinet meeting:

(a)  The Carroll Centre Board of Trustees;

(b)  Hampshire Cultural Trust;

(c)  St John’s Winchester Charity.