22 February 2022 – Minutes
THAME TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of a Meeting of the Planning & Environment Committee held on Tuesday 22 February 2022 at 6:30pm in the Upper Chamber, Thame Town Hall.
Present:
Cllrs M Deacock, A Dite (Deputy Chairman), D Dodds, L Emery, H Fickling (Chairman), H Richards, A Midwinter and T Wyse
Officers
G Markland, Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Officer
L Fuller, Committee Services Officer
1 Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Cllrs Austin (personal), Champken-Woods (personal), and Cowell (personal).
2 Declarations of Interest and Dispensations
There were no declarations of interest.
3 Public Participation and Public Questions
Mr. David Dodds asked the Chairman what action the committee would be taking in relation to the illuminated signage at Biagio, which was appalling within the Conservation Area. The Chairman confirmed that Officers had reported it to enforcement when it was first raised by the Thame Conservation Area Advisory Committee in September 2021.
4 Minutes
The Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on 1 February 2022 were confirmed as a correct record, and were signed by the Chairman.
5 Planning Applications
1547 – CHESTNUTS, MORETON ROAD
Demolition of an existing chimney and fireplace, roof modifications and re-arrangement of the internal layout with correspondent changes to the elevations.
SUPPORTS
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H6, ESDQ16, ESDQ21, ESDQ22, ESDQ28
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES3, DES5, DES6, DES7, DES8, ENV1, ENV5, H20
1548 – 3 FAIRFAX CLOSE
Single storey rear extension and demolition of existing small rear extension and conservatory.
P22/S0355/HH
SUPPORTS
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H6, ESDQ16
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES5, DES6, DES7, DES8, H20
1550 – 16 FANSHAWE ROAD
Proposed single storey front porch extension.
P22/S0400/HH
SUPPORTS
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H6, ESDQ16
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES5, DES6, DES7, DES8, H20
1552 – 107 HIGH STREET
Alterations to Shop Front
P22/S0112/FUL
SUPPORTS and has a RESPONSE:
-
-
- Subject to no objection from the District Conservation Officer.
-
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H6, WS13, ESDQ15, ESDQ16, ESDQ17, ESDQ18, ESDQ19, ESDQ20, ESDQ26
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES2, DES3, DES7, DES8, ENV6, ENV7, ENV8, TC5
1553 – 107 HIGH STREET
Alterations to Shop Front
P22/S011/LB
SUPPORTS and has a RESPONSE:
-
-
- Subject to no objection from the District Conservation Officer.
-
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H6, WS13, ESDQ15, ESDQ16, ESDQ17, ESDQ18, ESDQ19, ESDQ20, ESDQ26
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES2, DES3, DES7, DES8, ENV6, ENV7, ENV8, TC5
6 Consultation – Joint Design Guide (South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils)
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils were consulting on their new Joint Design Guide, which encourages best practice within planning design and has been updated to bring it in line with current guidance and policies.
The Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Officer (NPCO) had reviewed the Design Guide and felt that overall, it was a good document although it was felt that there was a lack of local examples. It was noted that the minimum back-to-back distance has been reduced from 25metres to 21metres however there was now clearer guidance that rear gardens must be 10metres deep. Disappointingly, guidance on front-to-side distances had not been included again. It was also noted that the Design Guide now provided guidance on electric vehicle charging points, with one recommended per dwelling and two where parking is provided communally, although it was not clear if this was per household or in total.
Members welcomed that the Design Guide recognised that density should be appropriate to its location, that sustainability had been given greater importance and that the information was presented clearly, although it was felt that some of the terminology was too technical.
A question was raised as to how the District Councils would monitor and ensure compliance with the guidance on sustainability? The NPCO advised that Local Plan policies such as DES10 require new development to build at least 40% above building regulations in terms of energy conservation, rising to at least 50% from 2026. Applicants are required to submit a statement on how they are meeting that requirement, which is subject to building control, however due to a lack of capacity within enforcement it was likely that non-compliance may only be noticed later in the development. It was also noted that developers would need to register to the BREEAM standards for non-residential buildings which can be onerous.
It was felt that it was difficult to understand the Landscape Character map in terms of identifying where places were.
7 For Information
The items for information were noted.
With regards to Item 7d, concern was raised that the signage that had been installed on the Southern Road / High Street junction was dangerous due to its low height and was a risk to children. It was also noted that the sign was not visible when vehicles were waiting to join the roundabout when leaving Southern Road. It was possible that the signage could not be attached to the building due to it being a listed building. The signage had been approved by County Highways and therefore it was suggested Members raise the matter with the County Councillors.
The meeting concluded at 6:48pm.
Signed ……………………..
Chairman, 15 March 2022