PLA(21)M06 Minutes of Planning and Transport Committee 8 September 2021

There were no apologies for absence from Councillors. Apologies were received from both the Council’s Cycling and Footpaths Advocates.

It was RESOLVED that Cllr Darby be elected Vice-chair of Planning and Transport Committee. Cllr Darby responded that she is happy to accept, but would like to receive some mentoring and support in the role.     

Proposed by: Cllr Gradwell                      Seconded by: Cllr Porter

There were none.

There were none.

There were none.

There had been no requests for dispensations.

·         A resident of Bredfield Road took the opportunity to thank the Council (and especially the Assistant Clerk) for the way in which the Council has taken forward residents’ concerns in respect of both speed management and improved crossing facilities for pedestrians. [See Minutes 21.94.05 and 21.94.06 below for details.]

·         Cllr Smith-Lyte asked whether pavements in both Woods Lane and Wilford Bridge Road could be considered for use by both pedestrians and cyclists, given how dangerous it is to cycle along both these roads. It is thought that such proposals were previously considered, but discounted on the grounds of the inadequate footway widths in Woods Lane and cost implications generally. However the Assistant Clerk will raise the idea again with Highways, as well as exploring the possibility of either a reduced speed limit or installing “Pedestrians Crossing” warning signs around Wilford Bridge on the A1152.

·         A resident asked whether anything could be done about the weeds which are sprouting from kerbs and pavements. The Clerk advised that this was a County Highways matter and any resident could always report particular concerns to Suffolk County Council via the online reporting tool

http://highwaysreporting.suffolk.gov.uk/

However the inability of Highways to invest more in road maintenance is primarily due to inadequate funding from central government and the demands on the County Council in terms of the cost of adult social care.

A report was received from the Advocate which was read out by the Assistant Clerk. In the report the Advocate is pleased about the new cycle racks at the Playing Field and hopes to see more such facilities in the future. The report also expresses concerns about cycling along Melton Road, in terms of the road surface, traffic and exhaust fumes.

There was nothing to report. However the Clerk advised the meeting that, in respect of Footpath 22 (Valley Farm Road to Saddlemakers Lane), a missing signpost will be replaced by the Rights of Way Team and the Assistant Clerk is liaising with them about improving the path infrastructure. Meanwhile there is a Ramblers Association working party trying to make some improvements to access along the path.

It was RESOLVED to agree the Minutes of the Planning and Transport Committee meeting held on 21 July 2021 (Minutes PLA(21)M05 previously distributed) subject to amending the final sentence of Minute 21.75 to read:

“After the holiday period, an informal meeting will be set up with the ESC Planning Policy Team to discuss the best way forward in relation to the processes involved in refreshing the Melton Neighbourhood Plan.”    

Proposed by: Cllr Gradwell                       Seconded by: Cllr Holmes

Proposed detailed alterations to this curtilage listed property.

It was RESOLVED to recommend approval of the application, subject to the recommendations made by the East Suffolk Council’s Design and Conservation Consultant in his report dated 17 August 2021 being incorporated into the approved plans. Otherwise Councillors consider that the application is in line with the National Planning Policy Framework, the Suffolk Coastal District Plan, the Melton Neighbourhood Plan, and it is not aware of any objections from residents.

Proposed detailed alterations to this curtilage listed property.

It was RESOLVED to recommend approval of the application, subject to the recommendations made by the East Suffolk Council’s Design and Conservation Consultant in his report dated 17 August 2021 being incorporated into the approved plans. Otherwise Councillors consider that the application is in line with the National Planning Policy Framework, the Suffolk Coastal District Plan, the Melton Neighbourhood Plan, and it is not aware of any objections from residents.

Proposed first floor extension and other alterations.

It was RESOLVED to recommend approval of the application, as Melton PC Planning and Transport Committee considers the application to be in line with the National Planning Policy Framework, the Suffolk Coastal Local Plan, the  Melton Neighbourhood Plan, and it is not aware of any objections from residents.

Proposed rear extension following removal of existing conservatory.

It was RESOLVED to recommend approval of the application, as Melton PC Planning and Transport Committee considers the application to be in line with the National Planning Policy Framework, the Suffolk Coastal Local Plan, the  Melton Neighbourhood Plan, and it is not aware of any objections from residents.

Proposed erection of single storey extension following demolition of existing conservatory, replacement of existing windows and doors, and internal alterations.

It was RESOLVED to recommend approval of the application, as Melton PC Planning and Transport Committee considers the application to be in line with the National Planning Policy Framework, the Suffolk Coastal Local Plan and the  Melton Neighbourhood Plan.

Approval of reserved matters in respect of application DC/17/1435/OUT relating to the construction of up to 2,000 dwellings, employment area, primary local centre, secondary centre, school and supporting green and hard infrastructure on land to the south and east of Adastral Park.

It was RESOLVED to make no comment on this application.

Proposed construction of 22 dwellings together with associated works, landscaping and infrastructure.

It was RESOLVED to make no comment on this application.

Proposed construction of 119 dwellings (including 34 affordable homes) together with associated works, landscaping and infrastructure.

It was RESOLVED to make no comment on this application.

Proposed construction of 3 dwellings together with associated works, landscaping and infrastructure.

It was RESOLVED to make no comment on this application.

Residential development of up to 55 dwellings, with access off St Andrews Place.

Melton PC has consistently recommended refusal of this application on the grounds that access via the St Andrew’s estate is neither supported by the Neighbourhood Plan nor considered acceptable in planning terms. On 30 March 2021 East Suffolk Council Planning Committee (South) considered the application and delegated authority to determine to the Head of Planning and Coastal Management on the basis of approval being granted subject to no objections being received from Natural England and / or Suffolk County Council as Lead Local Flood Authority, a s106 Agreement detailing highways improvement works, affordable housing provision, a contribution to the Suffolk Coast RAMS and controlling conditions 1 to 25 as set out in the decision; otherwise to refuse. Since the decision was made, following legal representations from an objector, East Suffolk Council has agreed to remit the application back to the Planning Committee (South) for re-consideration. The Clerk advised that the earliest date for the application to be re-considered will now be 26 October. The Parish Council will continue to maintain a strong objection to development proposals which include access via St Andrews, and once the Planning Officer’s new report is made available fresh representations in response to that will be drafted. These will include a plea that East Suffolk Councillors on the Planning Committee (South) carry out a site visit to look at the access before considering the application again.

No new Notices were received.

Nothing to report.

The Clerk drew Members’ attention to the particulars of sale in respect of the above site and premises, now launched to the public by East Suffolk Council. Agents have been appointed to engage in a comprehensive marketing process of this high-profile site, which is partly in Woodbridge and partly in Melton. In a brief discussion the hope was expressed that a solution could be found that meets both the aspirations of the community and respects the history and heritage of this prestigious location.

The link below gives access to the Sizewell C page on the Melton PC website:

https://melton-suffolk-pc.gov.uk/sizewell-c/

The Clerk summarised developments since the last meeting of Planning and Transport Committee as follows:

·         A virtual meeting took place on 26 July between Melton and Woodbridge Councillors and the Sizewell (SZC) Team led by its Chief Planning Officer. The questions put by Councillors and the answers provided by SZC were summarised in a minute prepared by the SZC Team. Cllr Brown provided a summary note of the meeting from the local council perspective.

·         New consultation took place from 3 August to 27 August re potable water issues and the need for a temporary desalination plant. Melton PC responded directly to that, and also was a signatory to a joint letter from 32 town and parish councils under the banner of Anglian Energy Planning Alliance.

·         Cllr Brown attended a specific issue hearing of the Examining Authority relating to air quality, noise and vibration on 25 August. Cllr Brown’s take on that meeting was that there are going to be night time trains because the necessary passing loop cannot be constructed in time, but EDF said that they will only need 4 not 5 trains a night during the peak construction period. Cllr Brown has prepared a detailed note of the hearing covering as well noise mitigation and insulation issues.

Minute 21.86 above clarifies the discussion on the way forward at the previous meeting. The Clerk reported that he has made contact with the Planning Policy Team based at Lowestoft with a view to setting up a virtual meeting, and is awaiting proposals as to dates and times.

No report was received.

Paper PLA(21)94.02 previously distributed was received. Cllr Brown took Members through his report which summarises discussions with both Woodbridge Town Council and the Safety and Speed Management Engineer at Suffolk Highways in relation to the proposals for 20mph traffic zones in Woodbridge, and whether Melton wishes to be included in the design stage to assess the feasibility of introducing such zones here. The suggestion is that Melton PC might commit up to £5k to the design phase for such a purpose. That cost could not be met from Community Infrastructure Levy and would have to be funded from general reserves. Following discussion it was AGREED to recommend to Full Council not to participate in the design stage at present.

The Assistant Clerk reported back on her meeting with the Highways Engineer on 25 August. The two locations for the refuge crossings – on Melton Road and Melton Hill – have now been finalised following exhaustive public consultation. Highways are initiating statutory Traffic Regulation Order consultation in relation to double yellow lining at the following junctions with the B1438:

·         New Quay Lane

·         Smithfield

·         Deben Meadows

·         Hackney Road

·         Entrance to the playing field

·         Fayrefield Road

·         Dock Lane.

The other junctions with the B1438 already have some form of waiting restrictions so do not need to be included.

In relation to remodelling and improving the parking arrangements in front of Winifred Fison House, a brief has been supplied to Highways and a site meeting will take place on 15 September in terms of taking this project forward. That meeting will also discuss the feasibility of converting the footways along Wilford Bridge Road and Woods Lane to dual pedestrian / cyclist use.  

The Clerk reported that Highways published the Statutory Notices on 23 August. No further action is required from Melton PC at present. Given that a “Quiet Lane” designation does not affect speed limits, it was suggested that consideration be given to the introduction of a 20mph limit along both St Audrys Lane and Lodge Farm Lane, and the Clerk said this will be raised with Highways as soon as the two lanes are formally designated.

Paper PLA(21)94.05 previously distributed was received. The Assistant Clerk took Members through her report, which summarised the position in respect of the permanent Woods Lane SID, the 2^nd mobile SID, and the proposals for the acquisition and deployment of two additional posts for the mobile SID to be deployed in Bredfield Road. The report was NOTED.

The Assistant Clerk reported that Highways will be carrying out a survey of traffic flows and speeds on Bredfield Road from 8 to 20 September. The cost of this exercise is being funded by County Cllr Nicoll. The data from the survey will inform further discussions about the feasibility of placing a pedestrian crossing near to the junction with Woods Lane. Funding for that could come from East Suffolk District CIL. The report was NOTED.

Cllr Brown reported that the traffic counting exercise currently taking place in Melton Road is in relation to the promised traffic monitoring across the wider area as part of traffic surveys in the light of the concerns expressed by peninsular communities as well as Melton, particularly in relation to Bentwaters.

Nothing to report.

There was none.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 20 October 2021, commencing at 19:00 at 17 Riduna Park, Station Road, Melton IP12 1QT. There being no further business, the meeting closed at 20:37.