DEBENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

 

Minutes of the planning meeting held on Monday 15th May 2006 at 7.30 p.m. at Dove Cottage

 

Present: Councillors Mrs H Huish (in the chair), Mr A Moreton, Mrs C Hellier, Mrs L Cockerton, Mrs I Day, Mr B Fisher, Mrs F Winrow-Giffin and the Clerk Miss N Rush. Twenty Four members of the public. Mr Duzgan and Mr Pemberton, applicants for No 4 High Street arrived at 7.45pm; one resident arrived at 7.55pm

 

1.

Apologies for absence. Apologies received from Cllrs Mr P Lorenzo, Mr M Morley, Mr R Walters and Mr C Grover. No apologies received from Cllr Skelton.

 

Cllr Huish requested that members allow the reordering of the agenda to allow Council to consider the views of the public present in respect of item4.2 in order to facilitate informed debate. All in agreement that standing orders be suspended before the Council discussed the applications.

 

2.

To receive declarations of interest relating to this agenda. No declarations were made in relation to the agenda.

 

 

3.

To approve Minutes of the Planning Meeting held 24th April 2006. Members were requested to check each page of the minutes for accuracy. Cllr Fisher proposed, seconded by Cllr Moreton, six in agreement, one abstention due to not being in attendance at the April meeting.

 

 

4.

Planning applications

 

 

4.2

0957/06 4 High Street, Debenham. Change of use from cafe/restaurant (A3) to cafe/restaurant (A3) AND hot food takeaway (A5).

 

 

 

The Chairman, Cllr Huish stated that there had been an alteration in the wording of the application for No 4 High Street and that the notification had been received via e-mail to allow the agenda to be posted correctly and within the legally set time of notice. Standing orders suspended at 7.35pm in line with the decision taken at the beginning of the meeting. Mrs Horseman stated that she had heard rumours that No 4 High Street would be turned into an Indian Takeaway. Cllr Huish stated that she understood from communications that the applicant wished to operate a Kebab Takeaway from the premises and that he already ran a Kebab Takeaway in Framlingham. Mrs Horseman continued that the proposal caused a great deal of concern as she lived in the adjoining property directly next door to the property and since losing her husband lived alone. The congregating of youths frequenting the Kebab Takeaway would make living in her house intolerable. Mr Sadler-Bridge stated that the Clio’s website was still operational and gave details of the menu available as well as the opening times which were totally contrary to the ones stated on the Planning Application. The opening times on the website were 9am to 4pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and 9am to 4.30pm Friday to Sunday. Mr Sadler-Bridge stated that he did not feel that the amount of trade in Debenham warranted these times being extended to 23.00 hours 7 days a week. Following a question, the meeting was informed that the application for an alcohol license was completely separate to planning. Cllr Huish informed those present that unfortunately due to latest legislation the Parish Council was no longer invited to act as consultees to Alcohol Licenses. Mr Sadler-Bridge also brought to  Council’s attention the damage caused to the public footpath by the chairs and tables. He further referred to  youngsters demonstrating bad behaviour and abuse already congregating in the bus shelter opposite the property in question. In his view  a takeaway would only aggravate the problem further and cause degeneration of the area. The number of residential properties far outweighed the number of commercial properties; therefore the resident’s views should be heard. Mr Harrier stated that there was no need for a takeaway as the business could be a eat in Kebab House. A takeaway would result in the loss of amenity to the local residents, an increase in antisocial behaviour and aggravate the already difficult parking problems. Following a question, Cllr Huish informed the meeting that parking was not considered to be a material planning consideration but that it could still be referenced in objections. Cllr Cockerton stated that the Highways department would have to be consulted about any establishment wishing to sell food as either a restaurant or a takeaway. Mr Pemberton, business partner of the applicant stated that the intention for the property was to keep the existing restaurant with a more varied menu to include pizzas and shish kebabs and that they did not want extended opening times. The closing time would be at 9pm. Mr Pemberton informed the meeting that they had a good track record with their other two businesses in Framlingham and Saxmundham and that they wished to attract families to the Debenham premises and did not want any trouble. Mr Pemberton said he would co-operate with any restriction that council wished to , as he did not want youngsters hanging around. Cllr Fisher asked how the sale of liquor would be supervised so that no under aged persons would be served. Mr Pembleton stated that there was no application for an off sales license, the sale of liquor would only be permitted to those sitting in the restaurant to dine. Mr Etheridge asked what arrangements were in place for waste management. The previous proprietor, the meeting was informed, due to the distinct lack of space stored their overflowing bins under the neighbour’s window, which was not only unacceptable but also attracted rats from the nearby river. Mr Pemberton stated that he was not familiar with the exterior of the building but would investigate further. The flat above the premises would no longer be used as a B&B and would be used as staff accommodation. The meeting was informed that Mr Pemberton was very keen to work together to reach an agreeable solution for all parties. The proposed opening times of the Debenham shop were reported as being 9am – 9pm as Mr Pembelton and his business partner Mr Duzgan did not want late opening in Debenham as they have in their other two shops. Cllr Huish informed those present that following consultation with Framlingham Town Council she had been informed that a heavily monitored restriction had been put in place for a trial period following the breach of opening hours. She further reported that their had been Police involvement because of antisocial behaviour in the vicinity of the premises. If such a monitoring period were introduced in Debenham, the monitoring would be carried out by MSDC, the Police and the Parish Council. It was concluded that the majority of the monitoring would fall directly to the Parish Council and its members. A trial period with restricted opening times, which would be reviewed, after a set period could be a possible solution. Mr Scott, asked if the applicants were unsuccessful with the takeaway application would they still take on the business? Mr Pemberton clearly stated that they would not proceed if the application for a takeaway were to fail. Mr Scott continued to ask what consideration had been given to the smells that would be generated. The meeting was informed that it was a condition that a suitable extraction and filtration system is installed before the premises were open for business. The chimney for which would have to come out of the roof at the rear of the property and would require planning permission. It was asked why the application for this had not already been submitted; the meeting was informed that it was not prudent to submit a second application until the result of the first application was known.  Mr Rutherford questioned why there had been no liaison with the community until this meeting when the letters received from MSDC had clearly stated that consultation with the local residence should take place. Mr Pemberton could not answer this as it had not been noted on the paperwork that he had received. Mrs Huish informed Mr Pemberton that pre-consultation was a nationally agreed part of the planning process and that notice letters stated that Mr Duzgan had been advised of this Mrs Monaghan  stated that there was a long history with youngsters frequenting Aspall Road and that the Police had been called on a number of occasions to deal with drunken behaviour. Unfortunately on a number of these occasions the youngsters had dispersed before the Police had arrived normally 1/2 hr to 1hr after the initial phone call. Cllr Huish asked whether there was any one present that wished to speak in favour of the proposal. No comments received. The public gallery was asked whether they had any further questions, no questions received apart from whether there was a demand for this type of business in Debenham. Mr Pemberton replied that every town and village had the demand. Cllr Huish stated that she had requested information via the local Police concerning the premises in Framlingham but unfortunately no information had been supplied. PC Gibbs was reported as being concerned about the proposal. A previous proprietor of Clio’s asked whether the Landlord had been approached, Mr Pemberton confirmed that a notice of intent had been served.

Standing Orders Resumed 8.15pm. Four letters of objection were read to the meeting. Council asked the applicant whether the shops in Saxmundham and Framlingham had licenses to sell alcohol. Members were informed that the shop in Framlingham does not have a license due to the close proximity of two public houses. A Councillor pointed out that No 4 High Street already had a license and had done so for many years. & that there is a need to keep the High Street alive with the inclusion of a food outlet, as long as the waste management was dealt with by MSDC, the assurance of no off sales and that careful monitoring took place. It was suggested that as people were purchasing alcohol in the pubs and elsewhere, the provision of takeaway food to soak up the excesses could be a good thing. There was concern over the loss of custom to other businesses. The applicants were asked whether the other two shops had gaming machines, the response to this was that that they did but due to the lack of room in the Debenham premises there would be no machine installed. One Councillor raised the question that he doubted that there would be enough room to include all as intended, 20 cover restaurant, Takeaway, Kitchen and secure bar for the sale of alcohol. It was noted that the village appraisal had concluded that there was a need for an Indian or Chinese takeaway but that a subsequent application had been rejected because of the unsuitability of the premises. Council stated that there was not enough information supplied with the application on waste management.  The procedures to deal with litter and antisocial behaviour were not explained. The opening hours on the application permitted the business to close at 11pm if the proprietor desired, if the business closed at 9pm as the meeting had been informed it would still take until 10pm for loiterers to disperse from the area. Permitting the closing time of 11pm would only aggravate the problem and would mean that it would be midnight before the area and associated noise had been cleared. It was concluded that the takeaway was the greatest concern and that the Restaurant / Café shop was more appropriate to the area and gave more control over the amount of noise and nuisance suffered by the immediate residents. It was noted that the other takeaway in the village, the fish and chip shop, only opened until 8pm and that if there was a need for a takeaway in Debenham then the existing one would be open longer and more regularly. Standing Orders Suspended 8.30pm. Mr Pemberton stated that, due to the lack of space, donor kebabs would not be sold, only shish kebabs and pizzas would be offered on the takeaway menu. The Clerk informed the meeting that although the applicant had stated that there had been no change on the application to the existing opening times that there had in fact been a change. The times had changed from 7.30am to 11.30pm to 8am to 11pm 7 days a week. Mr Sadler-Bridge stated that on numerous times during the meeting the applicant had stated that the closing time would be no later then 9pm, if the applicant were honourable then surely the application would have been altered to reflect the 9pm closing. Mr Pemberton responded by stating that the opening hours of the amended application remained the same as original application, a copy of which was available for all concerned parties to see. Mr Pemberton continued to re-confirm that he was more then happy for the Parish Council to recommend a restriction on the opening times. Cllr Huish informed those present that the amended application was identical to the original apart from the change of description to include condition A5 permitting the sale of takeaway food.  The extraction and filtration system was reported as being a matter for Environmental Health with the Parish Council becoming involved if it involved a structural change. Standing Orders Resumed 8.35pm. Cllr Huish summarised the objections raised; Loss of amenity due to proposed increased opening hours; Loss of amenity due to introduction of a takeaway and associated litter / noise; concern over direct impact of extraction system on to properties at the rear; Lack of external space for the storage and disposal of waste; possibility of increased tendency for customers to loiter in vicinity of premises & increased antisocial behaviour; Parking in area already a problem; Increased traffic movements at night; premises too small for Restaurant, Kitchen, Takeaway and secure licensed area. Council agreed that they were all mindful of the need to encourage commercial facilities in the village; however the type proposed was not appropriate in a village or in a conservation area. It was proposed by Cllr Moreton, seconded by Cllr Hellier, seven in agreement, one against that refusal is recommended on the grounds previously stated for the takeaway element of the application, the restaurant was deemed as an excellent idea. Cllr Huish proposed that if MSDC were minded to ignore the Parish Council’s recommendation and, ultimately, the wishes of the parishioners of Debenham, the Parish Council should insist that a restriction on the closing times of any takeaway to 8pm should be put in place for review after six months. This was agreed by all. It was agreed that the proposals would be strongly worded to ensure that the views of the village were heard.           

 

 

 

 

8.42pm Twenty five members of the public left the meeting.

Meeting adjourned for 10 minutes

 

 

 

 

Council were requested to bring item 4.3 forward. All in agreement.

 

 

 

 

4.3

0096/06The Old Cooperage, 12 Aspall Road, Debenham. 1) Installation of Sky mini dish. 2) Installation of Velux conservation roof light. The applicants were in attendance and informed the members that the proposed location of the sky dish was at the rear of the property, not visible from the road and positioned on a pole that was not attached to the building. (A requirement of the planning Department) A Councillor asked at what height the dish would be. Following a site visit by a sky engineer the applicants had been informed that it would be not more than 6ft from the ground. Council was informed that the proposed conservation window was an exact duplicate of that already installed and was not overlooking any neighbours. The owner of the neighbouring property, Peartree Cottage had been consulted and had not objected. Cllr Winrow-Giffin proposed, seconded by Cllr Moreton agree by all that approval be recommended for the application subject to their being no objection from neighbours.  

 

 

 

 

4.1

0538/06 Willow Cottage, Bellwell lane, Debenham. Retention of two bay car port with pitched roof. Cllr Huish read to the meeting the letter of objection which had been received. Council noted that that actual structure that had been built was very different to the plan that had been approved. Council objected to the construction of the building without the necessary planning consents having been obtained. & that MSDC had not carried out the relevant inspections and monitoring during construction in spite of being alerted by a local resident. It was agreed that although the application stated that it was for the retention of the building it was in fact a retrospective application. The gradient of the roof of the actual build is at a 45 degree & has an unauthorised room in the roof space; the walls are constructed of breeze blocks and the building had been turned through 90 degrees of the approved position. The approved planning application (submitted by the same applicant) was for a building with a roof gradient of 30 degrees with a condition that the external walls should be covered in black shiplap. The council noted that the approval was given for a low level cart lodge, and not for what had been built. The meeting was informed that Building Control was unaware of the construction and was seeking clarification from the planning department. Cllr Cockerton proposed, seconded by Cllr Moreton agreed by all that the building be altered to comply with the original application and planning condition by lowering the roof level and  installing black shiplap on the exterior walls. 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

Applications received since publication of agenda. No applications received.

 

was

6.

Hoppit Woodland Management Plan. Council was informed that the management plan was currently being totally redrafted.

 

 

7.

Suspension of standing orders: for ten minutes: to allow members of the public to speak. Standing orders suspended 9.29pm No comments received. Standing orders resumed 9.29pm

 

 

8.

To agree on final recommendations for submission to MSDC Planning

Department. All recommendations to be submitted as agreed under the item numbers. The submission in respect of 4 High Street to be brought to the main PC meeting on the 18th May 2006 for ratification of the precise wording because of the controversial nature of the application.

 

 

9.

MSDC notifications received:

 

 

 

 

9.1

0592/06 10 Moores Close, Debenham. Proposed first floor extension. PP Granted. Noted by Council

 

 

 

 

10.

Date of next planning meeting Monday 12th June 2006

 

Cllr Huish thanked those present for their patience and contributions. The meeting was also informed that the applicants of No 4 High Street had expressed their thanks for the unbiased way the meeting had been conducted and had also stated that they were happy with the outcome.

 

Meeting Closed 9.30pm