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Members agreed to end temporary changes to the council's scheme of delegation, which lists the decisions officers can take without a committee vote, and to update Appendix 9 of the Constitution. They also considered three planning applications and approved two of them: a retained security fence at Cwmbran Stadium and alterations at 77 Commercial Road, Talywain, to create a house of multiple occupancy. For 1 Pearl House in Pontypool, members agreed to grant permission for 16 affordable flats once a legal agreement under Section 106 is completed.
1.1 Apologies were received from Councillors Huw Bevan, Ron Burnett, Jon Horlor and Keith James.
2.1 The following interests were declared: · Councillor Stuart Ashley declared a personal interest in agenda item 5 as a Member of Cwmbran Community Council who had been consulted on the application. · Councillor Gaynor James declared a personal interest in agenda items 6 and 7 as a Member of Pontypool Community Council who had been consulted on the applications. · Councillor Fay Jones declared a personal interest in agenda item 5 as a Member of Cwmbran Community Council who had been consulted on the application. · Councillor Norma Parrish declared a personal interest in agenda items 6 and 7 as a Member of Pontypool Community Council who had been consulted on the applications. · Councillor David Thomas declared a personal interest in agenda item 5 as the application site was within his ward.
3.1 Members agreed that the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 20th January 2022 be confirmed as a correct record.
4.1 The Head of Planning and Development presented the report which sought approval to make a number of changes to Appendix 9 of the Council’s Constitution. The changes included rationalizing the functions delegated to the Chief Officer Neighbourhoods, Planning and Public Protection Officer and Head of Planning and Development and to cease temporary measures introduced at the start of the pandemic. Planning Committee approved a temporary amendment to the Scheme of Delegation which gave wider powers for the Head of Planning and Development to determine planning and related applications in consultation with the Chair of Planning Committee. This was necessary to ensure continuity of service during the pandemic and minimise delays in processing. This temporary change was no longer required as Planning Committee was being operated regularly and successfully as a hybrid meeting. 4.2 Members unanimously agreed: · To approve the cessation of the temporary changes to Appendix 9 (Scheme of delegation) which were implemented because of the covid pandemic. · The changes to Appendix 9 of the Constitution as set out in Appendix B of the report. · That the Monitoring Officer undertakes the relevant steps to make the relevant changes to the Constitution.
5.1 The Planner displayed photos and plans and highlighted the following points: · The application was to retain a new 2.2m high security fence which was erected to enclose the athletic track and sports pitches at Cwmbran Stadium. · The new fence was required to prevent unauthorised access to the facilities and prevent antisocial behaviour. · A new section of fence was also erected to the rear boundaries of the residential dwellings at Oakfield Road, the fence was set back between 2 to 4m from the residential boundaries. · The fence for most of its length followed the line of the Conifer trees. 5.2 Members asked a number of questions and Officers responded as follows: · The fence was 2.2m high and was green in colour, it followed the line of the trees and blended in with the vegetation which softened the appearance of the fence. · The fence was erected largely in the location of the former fence which was deemed acceptable as it was a replacement fence. · Previously residents could walk from their back gardens into the Stadium, and for safety reasons this had to be enclosed in order for the staff at the Stadium to know who was on site at all times. The fence was set back from their boundaries and residents would still have rear access to their properties. · It was a retrospective application and the fence was already in situ. 5.3 Members unanimously agreed to approve the application subject to the conditions laid out in the report.
6.1 The Senior Planner (CH) showed photos and plans and made the following comments: · The application site was a mid-terraced property in Talywain. · The building currently consisted of a fast-food takeaway on the ground floor and a residential flat on the first floor. · Currently the takeaway and the flat shared one access, the application proposed to modify the entrance to create separate accesses and change the use from a residential flat to a two-bedroom, house of multiple occupancy. · A new internal staircase was proposed within the existing garage area to enable the occupants of the upper floors independent access. · The residential area had access to a large rear balcony which would be used as a clothes drying area. · The alterations to the ground floor entrance provides for a new ground floor lobby area which would be used for bin storage. 6.2 Members asked a number of questions and Officers gave the following replies: · The takeaway was currently closed; however, the unit had a long-standing lawful use for a takeaway. · In the event of a fire the residents would no longer need to exit via the shop and would have access to their own means of escape which would have to comply with building regulations. · The ground to the rear of the building was owned and used by a neighbouring residential property and there was no right of access to the rear of the building. This was a legal issue which would have to be resolved with the new owners. · It was important to note that a family could move into the residential part of the building today, the application was to change the use from a residential property to a house of multiple occupancy. 6.3 Members unanimously agreed to approve the application subject to the conditions laid out in the report.
7.1 The Senior Planner (CH) showed photos and plans and made the following comments: · The proposed site was the former Pearl Assurance House building, a grade II Listed Building located within the town centre. · The application was to convert the basement and upper floors from vacant office space to residential apartments, the use of the shops on the ground floor would remain unchanged. · The units would comprise of nine 1-bedroom units for the occupancy of two people, two 2-bedroom units for the occupancy of three people and five temporary annex accommodation for the homeless. · The exterior of the building would be largely unchanged, however there would be minor modifications to the frontage of the building. · A separate application for Listed Building Consent had also been submitted. · It was proposed to install solar panels on the flat roof to improve the energy efficiency, however these panels would not be visible from the ground. · The existing main access off Hanbury Road would be utilised. · The application included an area for bin storage and also a cycle parking area. · The scheme would be delivered via Welsh Government funding. 7.2 Members welcomed the application which provided much needed accommodation and made use of an excellent building which had been vacant for a couple of years. The proposal would hopefully bring trade to shops in Pontypool Town. Members were also pleased that the exterior of the building would be cleaned using a method sympathetic to the listed status of the building. 7.3 In response to questions asked, Officers gave the following replies: · The Council’s Conservation Officer had been liaising with Cadw and the Listed Building Application would be submitted to Cadw for their approval. · A Heritage Impact Assessment had been submitted with the application and a survey would be also undertaken which would record aspects of importance ensuring significant elements remain in the building. · There was enough capacity in the catchment school for any children that may move in. · The applicant was working with Melin Homes with the intention of the site providing 100% affordable housing. · A tree survey and a bat survey had been submitted with the application, however there were no plans to remove any of the vegetation to the rear of the building as it was not part of the application. · Officers were not aware of a tunnel underneath the building; however, they would follow this up and do the necessary investigations. · Any residents with cars would be required to park in one of the nearby public car parks. 7.4 Members unanimously agreed that upon completion of an Agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act concerning the matters referred to in the report, the Head of Planning and Development be authorised to grant permission subject to the conditions laid out in the report or any amendments additions or deletions of those conditions he may deem necessary.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Stuart Ashley: Personal interest on Planning Application - 19/P/0731/FUL / Cais Cynllunio - 19/P/0731/FUL
Member of Cwmbran Community Council, which had been consulted on the application.
Fay Jones: Personal interest on Planning Application - 19/P/0731/FUL / Cais Cynllunio - 19/P/0731/FUL
Member of Cwmbran Community Council, which had been consulted on the application.
David Thomas: Personal interest on Planning Application - 19/P/0731/FUL / Cais Cynllunio - 19/P/0731/FUL
The application site is within his ward.
Gaynor James: Personal interest on Planning Application - 21/P/0964/FUL / Cais Cynllunio - 21/P/0964/FUL
Member of Pontypool Community Council, which had been consulted on the application.
Gaynor James: Personal interest on Planning Application - 21/P/0985/FUL / Cais Cynllunio - 21/P/0985/FUL
Member of Pontypool Community Council, which had been consulted on the application.
Norma Parrish: Personal interest on Planning Application - 21/P/0964/FUL / Cais Cynllunio - 21/P/0964/FUL
Member of Pontypool Community Council, which had been consulted on the application.
Norma Parrish: Personal interest on Planning Application - 21/P/0985/FUL / Cais Cynllunio - 21/P/0985/FUL
Member of Pontypool Community Council, which had been consulted on the application.
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