Present at the meeting
- Councillor J A O'Neill (Chairman)
- Councillor B Bowen
- Councillor N A Bradbury
- Councillor W Carney
- Doctor Councillor C M Cottam
- Councillor J F Davies
- Councillor G A Fairhurst
- Councillor J Hilton
- Councillor J D Hodgkinson
- Councillor Mrs B Jarvis
13. Apologies for absence: Councillor Mrs A Bennett (Vice Chairman) and Councillors Mrs J Beswick, A Robinson and J Shaw.
14. Former Councillor G E R Seaward: The Chairman referred to the recent death of former Councillor G E R Seaward and made reference to his significant contribution to the work of this Committee when he served on the Council.
15. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 19 June 2007 were approved as a correct record.
Items not subject to confirmation by the Council
16. Extensions of Ashton-in-Makerfield Town Centre conservation area: The Committee considered a report which had been considered by the Cabinet (minute 73 refers) on the results of a consultation on proposed extensions to the boundaries of the Ashton-in-Makerfield town centre c onservation area.
Cabinet had approved under Section 69 of the Planning ( Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 the extensions of the Ashton-in-Makerfield Town Centre conservation area set out in the report.
Resolved: This Committee notes the extensions of the Ashton-in-Makerfield Town Centre conservation area as a material consideration in the assessment of future planning applications.
17. Planning for a sustainable future - white paper: The Committee considered a report which would also be considered by the Cabinet reminding Members that t he planning system had been subject to fundamental review which had begun with the publication of the Planning Green Paper in 2001 and had resulted in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Since that time, the Government had commissioned several strategic reviews and this had now culminated in the production of the White Paper ‘Planning for a sustainable future’.
The White Paper was a very long and detailed document and was accompanied by four related documents which expanded on proposals within the main document. All the documents were subject to a twelve week consultation period which ended on 17 August 2007. Responses were sought on a series of issues throughout the documents.
Resolved: This Committee endorses the recommendations contained within the report now submitted.
18. Footpath at Cedar Avenue, Standish (minute 57 of December 2006 refers): The Committee considered a report giving the latest details of the continued blockage of a footpath at Cedar Avenue, Standish following a residential development on adjoining land and of negotiations to remedy the situation.
The report set out details of the alternative options to be considered. The reason for selecting the one recommended was to unblock the Cedar Avenue end of the footpath and to delineate the extent of the Council’s ownership whilst continuing with discussions with the landowner’s legal representative to try to achieve a better footpath line. This would secure access to the Council’s land at the Cedar Avenue end of the footpath and delineate the Council’s ownership whilst continuing to try to secure a footpath that met modern day standards.
Resolved: The Committee notes the current position and authorises the Director of Environmental Services, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Property Services, to:-
- take steps to open the Cedar Avenue end of the footpath and to delineate the Council’s ownership between the footpath and adjoining land at Ashfield House Gardens with a fence; and
- continue in discussions with the landowner’s legal representatives to try to achieve a better footpath line.
(Councillor J D Hodgkinson asked for his dissentient vote against this decision to be recorded).
19. Information items: There were no information items.
20. Planning proposals: The Committee considered applications which had been submitted to the Council for planning permission. Reports and associated documentation and representations had been circulated with the agenda.
Resolved: (1) The decisions of the Committee on the applications for planning permission are as set out in the schedule attached.
(2) In respect of application A/05/64973, to layout 9-hole golf course, driving range and canal marina with new clubhouse, maintenance/chandlery building, car parking and new access road - land adjacent to Lower House Farm off Wigan Road New Springs Wigan, the Committee agrees to defer consideration of the application to enable the Officers to report further on the engineering implications of the development on the adjoining canal and bridge.
(3) In respect of application A/06/67370, to retain use of land and buildings for individual storage facilities together with retention of portable cabin and containers (renewal of A/05/64286) and variation of condition 3 of A/05/64286 (operating hours) and installation of 4 No. floodlights - Martland Mill Garage Martland Mill Lane Wigan, the Committee agrees to defer consideration of the application to enable the Officers to report further on the conditions required for this development.
Applications Approved, Rejected or Deferred By Committee
A/05/64973 - To layout 9-hole golf course, driving range and canal marina with new Clubhouse, maintenance/chandlery building, car parking and new access road.
Location: Land Adjacent To Lower House Farm Off Wigan Road New Springs.
Applicant: D Bowling Esq.
Letters of objection and representation from and on behalf of local residents.
Decision: Application has been deferred see Minute 20(2)
A/06/67370 - To retain use of land and buildings for individual storage facilities together with retention of portable cabin and containers (renewal of A/05/64286) and variation of Condition No.3 of A/05/64286 (Opening Hours), and installation of 4 No. floodlights.
Location: Martland Mill Garage Martland Mill Lane Wigan.
Applicant: D Bickerton
Letters of objection from local residents; letter of objection from Councillor T W Halliwell Letters of support from local residents and letters from the applicant relating to the application
Decision: Application has been deferred see Minute 20(3)
A/07/69090 - To erect 2 No. pole mounted antennae on roof top of shopping arcade (overall height 11.2m from ground level) and 1 No wall mounted antenna (overall height 9.6m from ground level), together with 3 No. associated equipment cabinets.
Location: Rooftop of Greensway Shopping Arcade 34 Gerard Street Ashton-in-Makerfield.
Applicant: T-Mobile
E-mails of objection from Councillors G Wilkes, N D Ash and P A Tushingham.
Decision: Granted
Conditions:
1. With the exception of the detailed matters referred to by the conditions of this consent, the development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with details shown on plan reference 56615-002 Rev C and 56615-003 Rev C received on 11/05/2007 or any other plan agreed in writing as a working amendment by the Local Planning Authority.
2. Prior to commencement of the development hereby approved, a scheme for the external colour of the chimney mounted antennae to the east of the site shall be submitted and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The external colour of the antenna shall not be changed from the approved scheme unless an alternative scheme has been approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.
Reasons:
1. For the avoidance of doubt, and having regard to Policy EV3A of the replacement Wigan UDP.
2. To ensure that the external appearance of the antenna is satisfactory, having regard to Policy EV4A of the replacement Wigan UDP.
Councillor W Carney was not present during the consideration of this application.
A/07/68139 - Erection of building for use as a health and fitness club and external alterations to existing elevation.
Location: JJB Sports Plc Units 7 and 8 Parsonage Retail Park Parsonage Way Leigh.
Applicant: Brookhouse Group Ltd
Letters of objection on behalf of the developer at Leigh Sports Village withdrawn Letter of objection received from a leisure operator
Letter on behalf of the applicants
Decision: Granted
Conditions:
- 1. With the exception of the detailed matters referred to by the conditions of this consent, the development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the details shown on plan reference P2115-09D and 12E and PSR/LGH/HC/001 and 002 or any other plan agreed in writing as a working amendment by the Local Planning Authority.
- 2. Before the use commences, the building shall be insulated in accordance with a scheme previously approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority in order to secure reduction in the level of noise emanating from the building.
- 3. The use hereby permitted shall not be carried out except during the following hours: Monday to Friday 0630 to 2200 hours Saturday and Sunday 0800 to 2200 and at no other time.
- 4. Before the development hereby approved is brought into use all plant and machinery shall be enclosed with sound insulating material in accordance with a scheme previously agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.
Reasons:
- 1. For the avoidance of doubt, and having regard to Policy EV3A of the replacement Wigan UDP.
- 2. To minimise the noise annoyance on existing development in the vicinity, having regard to Policies EV1B and G1A of the replacement Wigan UDP.
- 3. To safeguard the amenities of the adjoining premises and the area generally, having regard to Policy G1A o fthe replacement Wigan UDP.
- 4. The insulation of plant and machinery which generate high levels of noise will reduce the impact of the proposal on existing development in the vicinity, in accordance with Policies EV1B and G1A of the replacement Wigan UDP.
A/07/68839 - To erect 132 KV bulk supply point electrical substation together with means of access, 2.4m high fencing and landscaping including wildflower grassland area.
Location: Agricultural Land North of Sefton Farm Sefton Road Orrell
Applicant: United Utilities Electricity
Letters of objection from local residents; letter from Orrell, Billinge and Winstanley Township Forum relating to the development
Decision: Granted
Conditions:
1. With the exception of the detailed matters referred to by the conditions of this consent, the development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the details shown on plan reference JAB/51129/SCH/101 Revision B, JAB/51129/SCH/102 Revision B, JAB/51129/SCH/103 Revision B, JAB/51129/SCH/104 Revision B received 19.4.2007 or any other plan agreed in writing as a working amendment by the Local Planning Authority.
2. Before any part of the development hereby approved is commenced, particulars/samples of the materials to be used for the external walls and roof shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be constructed only in accordance with the approved materials.
3. The site shall be treated in accordance with a landscape scheme to be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority before any part of the development is commenced and all works in accordance with the scheme shall be completed within a period of 6 months from the date on which development in accordance with the permission hereby granted is first commenced, or such longer period as may be agreed by the Local Planning Authority, having regard to planting seasons, such landscape scheme to include the planting of live trees, shrubs and the establishment of wildflower grassland. All planting shall be maintained for a period of 5 years from the agreed date of planting.
4. The wildflower grassland areas shall be implemented in accordance with the specification and maintenance schedule set out in the submitted document titled 'A580 Environmental Improvements Wildflower Specification and Maintenance' received 19.4.2007
5. Prior to the felling of the two trees indicated on drawing number JAB/51129/SCH/101 Revision B, the trees shall be inspected by a qualified bat consultant. Should bats be found or suspected at anytime then, as a legal requirement under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, work in that area shall cease until further advice has been sought.
6. No development shall be commenced until an assessment of the nature and extent of noise generated by the proposed development and the existing noise climate of the site has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The assessment shall identify proposed noise limits and any mitigation measures to control noise to agreed limits. The approved mitigation measures shall be carried out and completed before the use of the development commences.
7. There shall be no direct vehicular or pedestrian access of any kind between the site and the M58 motorway. A fence not less than 2m high shall be erected along the northern boundary of the site with the motorway. The fence shall be erected a minimum of 1m behind the existing motorway boundary fence and be independent of the existing fence.
8. No development shall take place on or adjacent to the motorway embankment that shall put any embankment or earthworks at risk
9. No drainage from the proposed development shall run off into the motorway drainage system nor shall any such new development adversely affect any motorway drainage
10. No development approved by this permission shall be commenced until a scheme for the disposal of foul drainage has been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. No part of the development shall be brought into use until the approved foul drainage system has been constructed and completed in accordance with the approved plans.
11. Before the development hereby approved is commenced details of the proposed boundary fencing shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority and shall be erected as an integral part of the development in accordance with the approved details and completed before the development is brought into use
12. Before the development hereby approved is brought into use a path to the children’s play area shall be laid out in accordance with a scheme to be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority
Reasons :
1. For the avoidance of doubt, and having regard to Policy EV3A of the replacement Wigan UDP.
2. To ensure that the external appearance of the buildings is satisfactory, having regard to Policy EV3A of the replacement Wigan UDP.
3. To help to assimilate the proposed development into its surroundings, having regard to Policy EV3D of the replacement Wigan UDP.
4. To ensure that the details of the development are satisfactory, having regard to Policy EV2C of the Replacement Wigan UDP.
5. Bats are a protected species which should be protected and conserved, in accordance with Policy EV2 of the replacement Wigan UDP.
6. To minimise the noise annoyance on existing development in the vicinity, having regard to Policies EV1B and G1A of the replacement Wigan UDP.
7. To ensure the safe operation of the motorway and prevent pedestrian access to the motorway
8. To maintain the stability of the motorway
9. To maintain the stability of the motorway
10. To prevent the pollution of controlled waters
11. To ensure that the details of the development are satisfactory, having regard to Policy EV3A of the replacement Wigan UDP.
12. To improve the walking environment, in accordance with Policies A1C, A1D and A1R of the replacement Wigan UDP.
