Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Planning Officer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Planning Officer.

The Service Manager Development and Estates spoke to the report which detailed the decision of the Planning Inspectorate in respect of a planning appeal against the refusal of planning permission for the construction of a 5 bedroom supported living unit and associated works at Maes Y Dderwen, Charles Street Tredegar.

The Service Manager noted the reasons provided by the Committee for refusal in relation to parking, suitability of location, loss of amenity space and not in the best interest of the community. 

The Service Manager advised that the Inspector had disagreed with these reasons for refusal and had felt that there was lack of evidence to support the reasons provided for refusal. The Inspector was satisfied that subject to the imposition of conditions the development was acceptable, allowedthe appeal and planning permission was granted for the development.

The Service Manager Development and Estates further outlined the Appeal Decision Notice and reiterated the reasons were rejected due to lack of evidence. The Service Manager appreciated that Members disagreed with the officer’s recommendations on occasions, however it was important that the necessary evidence was provided to support decisions made by Members.

The local Members were disappointed with the appeal decision and another Member advised that she had presented the Inspector with additional evidence on an issue in her Ward, however it was ignored.

The Service Manager stated that no local Members came forward to support the reasons for refusal, therefore the only evidence provided was the Minutes of the Meeting.

A Member suggested that going forward the Committee assist the officers in any way possible in order for reasons for refusal against an officer’s recommendation be presented. It was added that comments from the Police should also be sought in certain instances.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the appeal decision for planning application C/2020/0282 be noted.