Agenda and minutes

To receive an apologies for absence.

Apologies forabsence werereceived fromCouncillors S Gill,N Singh, and Younis.

Members to declare any interests in matters to be discussed at the meeting.

There wereno declarationsof interestmade.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 10 May 2023 as a correct record.

Resolvedthatthe minutesof themeeting heldon 10 May 2023 are approved as a correct record.

Proposed demolition of existing pub and construction of 3 storey detached building consisting 20 No. self contained apartments with parking to rear.

Councillors Millar, Chidley, Kaur, Pall, Tromans, and Webb indicated theyattended thesite ofthe planningapplication ona site visit.

Further to Minute No. 36/23 (10 May 2023) the Development Planning and Building Consultancy Manager reported that the proposal was a departure from the Local Development Plan and thereforeif the Committee was minded togrant planning permission the Council would be asked to grant an exception to the Local DevelopmentPlan beforethe applicationcould proceed.It wasalso noted that the application would be subject to a Section 106 Agreement to secure affordable housing and the applicant had agreed to provide 25% affordable housing.

Therewas noobjector presentto addressthe Committee.

The Applicant’sAgent waspresent andaddressed theCommittee with the following points:-

·      theproposal relatedto thedemolition ofa derelictsite;

·      thecurrent derelictproperty wasan eyesoreon alandmark site;

·      theproposal wasfor athree-story apartmentdevelopment;

·      therewas aprevious applicationwas fora retailspace onthe ground floor, however, the application now was for 100% apartments;

·      therewould bea totalof 20units witha mixtureof oneand two bed apartments;

·      therewould be100% parkingprovision locatedbehind the development;

·      thedevelopment wouldprovide amenityspaces forresidents and much required local housing.

TheHighway NetworkDevelopment andRoad SafetyManager addressed the Committee with the following points:-

·      thedevelopment wouldprovide oneparking spaceper apartment plus additional visitor parking;

·      useof thebuilding asa publichouse whichwould generate more traffic than the proposed development;

·      accessto thejunction onTurners Hillwould beclosed andthe development would instead use the access further down Turners Hill;

·      safetyat thejunction at TurnersHill hadbeen consideredand there was no serious safety concern;

It was noted that the development would be compliant with the Councils renewable energy policy and the conditions attached the applicationsought toreflect theheadline ratherthan specificdetail.

Resolvedthat, subjectto theCouncil grantingan exceptionto the Local Development Plan, Planning Application DC/22/66968 (Proposed demolition of existing pub and construction of 3 storey detached building consisting 20 No. self-contained apartments with parking to rear. The Wheatsheaf, 1 Turners Hill, Rowley Regis, B65 9DP), is approved, subject to the following conditions:-

i)  aSection 106Agreement tosecure compliancewith affordable housing,

ii)  externalmaterials;

iii)  landscapingdetails;

iv)  boundarytreatments;

v)  groundinvestigation andremediation;

vi)  electricvehicle chargepoints;

vii)  LowNOx boilers;

viii)  parkinglaid outand retained;

iv) vehicularcross overremoved andfootpath re-instated.

x)  noiseassessment recommendationsin relationto sound insulation, balconies and fixed plant;

xi)   constructionmanagement plan(to includenoise, vibration and dust suppression measures etc);

xii)   construction hours limited to 08:00 – 17:30 Monday to Friday,08:00 –13:00 Saturdayand noworking onSunday and Public Holidays.

xiii)   wastemanagement/refuse plan;

xiv)   renewableenergy details;

xv)   details  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49/21

Proposed 3 storey community skills hub building with 2 No. detached outbuildings for storage, substation, plant room, new vehicular access and gates to front, car parking, cycle storage, enclosed skip/refuse bays, boundary fencing, landscaping and associated works.

Councillors Millar,Kaur, andWebb indicatedthey attendedthe site of the planning application on a site visit.

Further to Minute No. 42/23 (10 May 2023) The Development Planning and Building Consultancy Manager reported that the applicationwas adeparture fromthe LocalDevelopment Plandue to the site being allocated for housing use and therefore if the Committee was minded to grant planning permission the Council would be asked to grant an exception to the Local Development Plan before the application could proceed.

Objectorswere presentand addressedthe Committeewith the following points:-

·      parkingand thedevelopment’s impactlocally wasa major concern;

·      apetition containingover 100signatures hadbeen submitted objecting to the proposed development citing concerns over parking;

·      residentsfelt unsafeand vulnerable;

·      theproposed developmenthad madealmost noprovision for carparking giventhe numberof staffand studentsexpected;

·      streets were already congested with continued issues involvingblocked pavementsand restrictedaccess fromthe number of vehicles;

·      therehad beenno transparencyfrom thedevelopers;

·      localcar parkingspaces around thevicinity ofthe proposed development which had been cited by the developers were not accessible;

·      therewas concernover privacyfor localproperties owingto potential overlooking.

The Applicantsand Applicant’sAgent werepresent andaddressed the Committee with the following points:-

·      SandwellCollege wanted toreach outand providefor local communities, the proposed education hub would work to serve the people of Cradley Heath and provide local education opportunities;

·      the development would not be like school and maintain a9am to 3.30pmculture, ratherit wasproposed asa modestsatellite education hub,not to displace existinglearning butencourage new learning opportunities;

·      it was anticipated that the education hub would be working withup to100 16-19-yearolds per yearwho wouldbe drawn fromthe locality,the studentswould beattending thehub for around 2.5 days per week;

·      studentsattending thecollege wouldhave accessto a subsidised bus pass;

·      the education hub would also be working with up to 75 apprenticesannually, whoseattendance wouldbe 1-dayper week;

·      theeducation hubwould alsobe workingwith upto 50young people with SEND aged 16-24, who would be in attendance 17 hours per week;

·      theeducation hubwould besupporting upto 100unemployed students per year and a similar number who were looking to securebetter paidjobs, thesecourses wouldbe part timeand aimed at those over the age of 19;

·      applicants would be happy to work with neighbouring propertiesto addressconcerns aroundboundaries and fencing;

·      sincethe previousCommittee meetingthe applicationhad been amended to include staff parking;

·      providing car parking for students was not a sustainable optionfor thesite, andthere wasgood railconnectivity to nearby towns;

·      theexpected carpark demandcould beaddressed byusing locally available parking spaces;

·      the daylight andsunlight model which had beenrequested at the previous meeting and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50/21

Proposed 5 No. 2 bedroom dwellings and associated car parking.

Noobjectors orapplicant hadregistered tospeak.

ResolvedthatPlanning ApplicationDC/23/67869 -Proposed 5 No. 2 bedroom dwellings and associated car parking. Land To The Rear Of 120 Dudley Road, Poplar Avenue, Tipton is approved, subject to conditions relating to:-

(i)  externalmaterials;

(ii)  parkingareas laidout andretained;

(iii)  coalauthority;

(iv)  contaminatedland (ifrequired);

(v)  drainage;

(vi)  boundarytreatments (notexceeding 900mmat thefront of the property);

(vii)  binstorage details;

(viii)  landscaping;

(ix)  electricvehicle chargingprovision;

(x)  lowNOx boilers;

(xi)  constructionmanagement plan;and

(xii)  removal of PermittedDevelopment Rights to remove any extensionsincluding theroof alterationsand gardenbuildings without applying for planning permission.

Proposed replacement sections, refurbishment and associated works in connection with the existing care home (Use Class C2) to include: external alterations, two storey front/side extension with photovoltaic solar panels on roof and glazed canopy over main entrance, single storey extension overlooking courtyard garden area, two storey enclosed staircase to rear, outbuildings to include Occupational Therapy cabin, maintenance shed and bin store, installation of EV charging points to car park, boundary wall/fencing and landscaping.

Councillors Millar,Chidley, Kaur, Pall,Tromans, and Webb attended the site of the planning application on a site visit.

Further toMinute No.35/23 (10May 2023);the Committeehad undertaken a site visit.

Objectors werepresent andaddressed theCommittee withthe following points:-

·      apetition ofover 500signatures hadbeen submittedin objection to the application;

·      therewas concernfrom localresidents overthe safety implications of the proposed scheme;

·      therewere noiseconcerns regardingthe proposeduse ofthe facility and its potential impact on residents;

·      theproposed 24hrservices wouldnegatively impactlocal residents;

·      theproposed therapycabin wouldbe locatedin close proximity to neighbouring residents boundaries;

·      workalready underwayat thesite wasalready havingan adverse impact on local residents;

·      thelimited parkingon thesite hadthe potentialto impact nearby residents;

TheApplicant waspresent andaddressed theCommittee withthe following points:-

·      theproperty was avacant carehome andthe application sought to bring the property back into active use;

·      theproposal wouldprovide activecare andaccommodate up to 30 women;

·      thefacility wasnot a‘step down’service buta facilityto support vulnerable women;

·      there-use ofthe buildingwas in-linewith localand national policy, the property was an established care home facility;

·      the therapycabin would replace existing buildings in the rear courtyard,the developmentof thecabin wouldnot bein such close proximity to the site as current development;

·      theproposed cabinwould befully insulatedwith atimber frame and would be soundproofed;

·      thecabin wouldbe amulti-use spaceand usedas required, activities would include arts and crafts and group sessions aimedto buildand developgood mentalhealth, allactivities would be within day time hours;

·      acommunity dropin sessionhad beenhosted atthe site;

·      residentswould beassessed ona regularbasis toensure their suitability at the site;

·      allstaff wouldbe trainedas appropriate;

·      thesite wouldnot acceptreferrals frompatients whoposed a significant risk to the wider community;

·      communityengagement wouldcontinue iflocal residents wished;

·      theproposal hadbeen signedoff bystatutory consulteesand complied with policy.

The Development Planning and Building Consultancy Manager advisedthat thecurrent useclassification encompassed arange of possibleuses rangingfrom theprevious use asa carehome to the planned use as a medical facility. The application therefore was solely the planned built development.

Resolved that planning application DC/23/67957- Proposed replacement sections, refurbishment and associated works in connection with the existing care home (Use Class C2) to include: external alterations, two storey front/side extension withphotovoltaic solarpanels onroof andglazed canopyover main entrance, single storey extension overlooking courtyard garden area, two storey enclosed staircase to rear, outbuildings to include Occupational Therapy cabin, maintenance shed and bin store, installation of EV charging points to car park, boundary wall/fencing and landscaping. - Beech Croft Residential Home,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52/21

Proposed single and two storey rear extension and first floor side extension.

There wereno applicantsor objectorspresent.

Resolvedthat planningapplication DC/23/68037- Proposed single and two storey rear extension and first floor side extension.47 Sussex Avenue, West Bromwich, B71 1AY is approved, subject to external materials match those of the existing property.

Retrospective change of use from bank to restaurant/takeaway, new shop front, external extraction ducts and flue to rear (ENF/22/11916).

Councillors Millar, Chidley, Chapman, Fenton, Fisher, Kaur, Kordala, Loan, Pall,Preece, Tromans, Uppal andWebb indicated they had been lobbied by objectors.

Objectors werepresent andaddressed theCommittee withthe following points:-

·      thedevelopment wouldlead toan increasein bothwaste and light pollution;

·      therewas anearby primaryschool, busstop andpedestrian crossing;

·      thedevelopment wouldhave anegative impacton traffic congestion;

·      itwas aretrospective application.

The Applicantwas presentand addressedthe Committeewith the following points:-

·      thebusiness hadoutgrown itscurrent premises;

·      theapplication wouldprovide betterfacilities forboth staffand customers;

·      thedevelopment wouldprovide sixnew jobs;

·      theapplication wouldmove thebusiness awayfrom a takeaway model to a sit-down model;

·      thenew businessmodel wouldmean aless likelihoodfor litter being disposed outside the premises;

·      thedevelopment wouldallow foran expansionof food provided;

·      therewas nopest activityon thesite and thepremises were inspected regularly as was a requirement, the store also possessed a 5-star food hygiene rating;

·      therewas a carpark atthe rearfor customers.

The Committee discussed parking arrangements both in front and behindthe premises.Whilst therewas aloading bayon thehighway for delivery’s and service vehicles, concern was expressed over the possible impact of vehicles parking at the front of the premises.

The Committee was minded to defer consideration of the applicationto allowthe applicantto providefurther clarityon the parking arrangements.

Resolved that consideration of planning application DC/23/68109 Retrospective change of use from bank to restaurant/takeaway,new shopfront, externalextraction ducts and flue to rear (ENF/22/11916). - 774 - 776 Hagley Road WestOldbury, B68 0PJis deferredto allowfor theapplicant to provide additional detail as it relates to parking.

Proposed two bedroom detached bungalow with associated parking and boundary treatment.

The Development Planning and Building Consultancy Manager advisedthe Committeeadvised thatofficers wererecommending two additional conditions related to a new dropped kerb and the removal of permitted development rights.

Therewas noobjector presentto addressthe Committee.

Theapplicant waspresent anddeclined toaddress theCommittee.

Resolved that planning application DC/23/68186 Proposed twobedroom detachedbungalow withassociated parkingand boundary treatment.- Land To The Rear Of 16 Church Road, Rowley Regis is approved, subject to conditions relating to:

(i)  externalmaterials;

(ii)  contaminatedland;

(iii)  archaeologicalinvestigation;

(iv)  finishedfloor levels,

(v)  boundaryTreatments;

(vi)  landscaping;

(vii)  drainage(including SuDS);

(viii)  refusestorage;

(ix)  electricVehicle Charging,

(x)  lowNOx Boiler,

(xi)  externalLighting,

(xii)  constructionHours

(xiii)  parkinglaid outand retained,

(xiv)  newdrop kerbto provideaccess ontothe site,and

(xv)  removalof permitteddevelopment rightsin termsof the building of any outbuildings.

Proposed 2 No. four bedroom dwellings with parking and landscaping.

The Development Planning and Building Consultancy Manager advisedthe Committeeadvised thatofficers were recommendingan additional condition of noise assessment and mitigation methods.

There wasno objectorpresent toaddress theCommittee.

The ApplicantsAgent waspresent andaddressed theCommittee advising that he had worked to address the concerns that the Council had raised.

Resolved that subject to no adverse comments from Public Health(noise), planningapplication DC/23/68200- Proposed 2 No. four bedroom dwellings with parking and landscaping. Land Adjacent 144 Hargate Lane, West Bromwich is approved, subject to conditions relating to:

(i)  externalmaterials;

(ii)  parkingareas laidout andretained;

(iii)  contaminatedland;

(iv)  drainage(including SuDS);

(v)  boundarytreatments

(vi)  landscaping;

(vii)  finishedfloor levels;

(viii)  electricvehicle chargingprovision;

(ix)  lowNOx boilers;

(x)  constructionmanagement plan;

(xi)  removal of Permitted Development Rights to remove any extensionsincluding theroof alterationsand gardenbuildings without applying for planning permission;

(xii)  noiseassessment andmitigation methods,and

(xiii)  revisedparking layout.

The Committeenoted thatthe followingsites wouldbe visitedprior to the application being submitted to a future meeting for determination:-

TheCommittee consideredits 2022/23Annual Report.

Resolved that the 2022/23 Annual Report of the Planning Committeeis approvedand submittedto thenext meetingof the Full Council.

The Committeenoted theDecisions ofthe PlanningInspectorate in relation to appeals against refusal of planning permission as follows:-

The Committee noted the Applications Determined Under DelegatedPowers bythe Director– Regenerationand Growth, under powers delegated to him, as set out in the Council’s Constitution.