Agenda and minutes

You are welcome to use Welsh at the meeting a minimum notice period of 3 working days is required should you wish to do so.  A simultaneous translation will be provided if requested.

It was noted that no requests had been received for the simultaneous translation service.

To receive.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor B. Willis.

To consider any declarations of interest and dispensations made.

The following declaration of interest was made:-

Councillor L. Winnett

Item No. 4 – Planning Applications Report - C/2020/0168

RhesYr Ysgol 1 - 7 Cwmcelyn Road Blaina NP13 3LT

Retention of one detached and six semi-detached 2 storey houses (not constructed in accordance with planning approval C/2014/0257)

To consider the report of the Team Manager Development Management.

Consideration was given to the following:-

C/2021/0160

Shop Row, Blaina, Abertillery, NP13 3DH

Two Pairs of Semi Detached Dwellings

and Replacement Accesses

The Planning Officer outlined the application which related to 4 dwellings and replacement accesses at Shop Row, Blaina. An overview of the application was provided with the assistance of photographs and diagrams.

The Planning Officer advised that the site fell within Flood Zone C2 as defined by the Development Advice Maps (DAM) which underpins national planning policy Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk and provided the Committee with an explanation as detailed in fig 8 of the report. It was added that both TAN 15 and the subsequent Welsh Government letter to Chief Planning Officers regarding Planning Policy on Flood Risk and Industry Changes provided strict advice on residential development which was classed as a highly vulnerable development in a C2 zone flood plain. The Planning Officer noted that NRW have advised that the application should be refused on planning policy grounds unless there are overriding reasons why planning permission should be granted. The Planning Officer fully acknowledged the argument outlined in the supporting statement that the latest NRW maps identified the site as not being at risk of flooding. However, it was stated that these maps had not yet been nationally adopted for planning purposes.

The Planning Officer thereupon noted the recommendation that the application be refused on flooding grounds. However, if the Committee was minded to set aside the policy objection and support the application contrary to Tan 15 and local plan polices, it was requested that further technical advice be sought from NRW on the suitability on the submitted flood consequence assessment before the application was determined to ensure the Local Authority could be satisfied that any potential flooding could be managed. Also any additional appropriate conditions be added in terms of ecology and highways as noted in the report.

At the invitation of the Chair, Mr. R Pryce, Agent in support of the application addressed the Committee. Mr. Pryce advised that careful consideration had been given to the flood risk of the proposed development and confirmed that he was fully satisfied. The dwellings would be an extension to the homes already in the area and be of similar plot sizes of those in the vicinity. Mr. Pryce added that the garden and home design was acceptable to the officer and highways had no objections.

The development would continue the existing footpath access to the frontage and the design would minimise the carbon footprint of the houses with structures that minimise heat loss. The development would also include low carbon heating systems, solar PVs and electric charging pumps for electric vehicles.

Mr. Pryce noted that the development was acceptable in all respects besides the policy based flood risk objections, however, thought had been given to the strong material planning considerations in this instance. Mr. Pryce referred to the detail contained in the report in respect of planning granted to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider the report of the Planning Officer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Manager – Development & Estates.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the information contained therein be noted.

To consider the report of the Service Manager Development and Estates.

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Manager – Development & Estates.

The Service Manager Development and Estates spoke to the report and advised that a request had been made to local Members to put forward the case in relation to Charles Street, Tredegar, however no response had been received. Therefore, it was confirmed that the Local Authority would not contest the appeal and a copy of the relevant report and minutes had been forwarded for information.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the information contained therein be noted.

To consider the report of the Senior Business Support Officer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Senior Business Support Officer.

A Member raised concerns in relation to the ongoing planning permission at Marine Street, Cwm. A Ward Member asked if officers could refuse further planning permission or ensure the owner takes forward the appropriate works on the site. The site was in a very poor state of repair and it was a local eyesore.

It was confirmed that the application had already been approved for the period of 5 years and the Team Manager Development advised that a site visit had been undertaken and the state of the land did not warrant a 215 Notice being serviced, however the Team Manager suggested discussions with the owner to request that the land was developed although no timescale could be placed on this request.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the information contained therein be noted.

Having regard to the views expressed by the Proper Officer regarding the public interest test, that on balance the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information and that the report should be exempt.

RESOLVED that the public be excluded whilst this item of business is transacted as it is likely there would be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 12, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Manager Development & Estates.

RESOLVED that the report which contained information relating to a particular individual be accepted and the information contained therein be noted.