Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs. J. M. Boswell, Mrs. J. Dyer M.B.E., Mrs. J. D. Luck and C. J. Tidmarsh.

The following declarations of interest were made:-

The minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 8th October 2007 were submitted.

RESOLVED that the minutes be approved as a correct record.

The Head of Planning and Environment Services reported the comments of the West Mercia Constabulary, the Acting Head of Culture and Community Services and the Bromsgrove Society, together with an additional letter of objection.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Mr. R. Skidmore addressed the Committee on behalf of local residents and spoke in objection to the application.

RESOLVED that consideration of the application be deferred in order that the footpath diversion issues may be clarified before a decision is reached.

The Head of Planning and Environment Services reported the receipt of additional letters from the applicant's Agent.

RESOLVED that permission be granted subject to the following amended condition and the notes set out or referred to on page 18 of the report:-

1.         C23 (temporary 3 year period)

The Head of Planning and Environment Services reported the comments of Belbroughton Parish Council.

Consideration was given to this application which had been recommended for refusal by the Head of Planning and Environment Services.

On the matter being put to the vote, Members considered that the proposal was not harmful to the openness of the Green Belt and the purposes of including land within the Green Belt.

RESOLVED that permission be granted subject to the following conditions:-

1.         C23 (temporary 3 year period)

2.         There shall be no storage of any materials and / or machinery externally to the agricultural storage building

The Head of Planning and Environment Services reported the comments of Belbroughton Parish Council, and clarified issues relating to upgrading the access track compared to the creation of a new route.  Comment was also made in respect of the visual impact of the track and how it may benefit from screening, and the poor drainage associated with the area.

RESOLVED that authority to refuse the application be delegated to the Head of Planning and Environment Services upon the expiry of the publicity period on 6th November 2007.

Members considered a report which detailed the decisions of planning appeals which had been determined since the last meeting of the Committee.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

(The Chairman agreed to the consideration of this item as a matter of urgency because a decision was required thereon before the next meeting of the Committee.)

The Head of Planning and Environment Services reported that Worcestershire County Council had consulted the Council in respect of further information provided by the applicants of County Matter 407671 for the extension of quarry and proposed development of an integrated resource recovery and recycling park, previously considered by the Committee on 6th November 2006 (Minute No. 62/06 refers).  He explained that the Council had been reconsulted on the application in the light of the further information, and how the proposal would be likely to affect Green Belt policy, traffic and highway implications, amenities and the ecology of the area.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the County Council be informed that this Council continues to strongly object to the proposals for the extension of the quarry; and

(ii)        that, as all of the alternative sites investigated by the applicants appear to be in Worcestershire, the Council would question whether any consideration has been given to the use of land within the West Midlands.