SEDLESCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL

PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE OF SEDLESCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2007, 2105-2142

PRESENT: Cllr P Martin (Chairman of the Committee), Cllrs C Wheatley, W Cameron, R Dudman, Cllrs V Wright (Chairman of the Council). Clerk: Mrs P Raymond

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P07/08.45 Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Rand (away).

P07/08.46 Interests. Members were invited to declare the existence and nature of any interests on the agenda in accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted on 15/05/07. None declared.

P07/08.47 Public participation. No members of the public present.

P07/08.48 Minutes. RESOLVED: That the Committee authorises the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 04/09/07.

P07/08.49 Planning Applications

49.1 RR/2007/2335/P 2 Coach House Cottages, Hurst Lane, Sedlescombe. Erection of conservatory to rear of property. Cllr Martin reported on his inspection. RESOLVED: That the Parish Council supports approval of the application.

49.2 RR/2007/2199/P Park View, The Street, Sedlescombe. Demolition of Park View and outbuildings and erection of four detached dwellings and four bay garage building with provision of six parking spaces

Members were provided with the following information:

1. Application RR/2004/3642/O submitted in outline was refused by Rother District Council because of the substandard width and visibility of the access road at its junction with the B2244 (only reason).
2. It was allowed on appeal. The Inspector considered the central matter was the last lawful use of the appeal site which was a mixed use as a commercial coach depot and residential. He decided that, lawfully, the commercial depot could restart at any time and, if it did, the lawful use of the site could lead to grater potential to harm highway safety along the driveway and to damage the adjoining buildings than the proposed dwellings. He considered the visibility at the access to be satisfactory in both directions.
3. The Inspector stated that the design of the buildings would need to be carefully controlled.
4. In the absence of any objection from the Environment Agency, no flooding problems were envisaged.
5. The Inspector stated it appeared to him that the development would not impinge on the access of any residents to their garages.

Mr Peter Scott, Agent for the developer, had attended the earlier Open Forum and had given the Council a brief outline of the proposals. He had said that Rother was broadly in favour of the scheme, that appropriate materials had been chosen, that the properties would be designed to ensure no overlooking of Tanyard Cottages or Kester House and that, although some trees would have to be lost in the development, other trees would be planted. Mr Scott had been informed that the Parish Council wished to be involved with the design of the replacement bus shelter.

Owners of neighbouring properties had written to Rother objecting to the development and their objections were considered by the Committee.

The Clerk provided photographs, both current and historical, to help with the Committee's considerations. RESOLVED: That the Parish Council should submit the following comments to Rother District Council:

• Despite the Appeal Inspector’s acceptance of the access to this site, the Parish Council remains convinced that it is an unsatisfactory access. 

• The Parish Council has no objection to the design of the houses or layout apart from the gated entrance.   This feature is considered too urban in nature and could unnecessarily restrict vehicular movement within the site. 

• The Parish Council is also aware of concerns that the proposed cart lodge garaging could affect the ability of the existing owners to access the side and rear of the garage block for maintenance purposes.

• Southern Water, in its letter of 03/09/07 (DSD/S/RR/SE/2007/2199) states that it is not aware of any particular problems with the foul sewerage in the vicinity of the site.  The Parish Council is aware of a history of sewage overflowing from time to time from a manhole close to the allotment gardens to the north east of the Park View site.  This is on the line of the main sewer which runs at the rear of The Street properties to the East View Treatment Works.  The latest incident was on 05/09/07.  In addition, currently, there is an investigation by the Environment Agency into what appears to be sewage pollution of a ditch in the allotment gardens to the north of the Park View site.

• The view of the Park View site when entering the centre of Sedlescombe from the south needs to remain screened and, therefore, retention of the existing substantial hedge on the southern boundary of the site is very important now and in the future.

• The Inspector, in his formal decision, required arrangements for improved bus waiting facilities on both sides of the B2244.  The Parish Council notes that the County Council will expect, as well as kerb lowering, for the existing bus shelter on the eastern side of the B2244 to be replaced.  The existing bus shelter belongs to Sedlescombe Parish Council, although the Council does not own the land it is standing on.  The Parish Council wishes to be involved with discussions relating to the design of the replacement shelter and will be contacting the Agent and County Council with proposals.

• It is noted that the developer will be required to secure the implementation of a programme of archaeological works in accordance with a written scheme of investigation to be submitted to the Local Planning Authority prior to both demolition of Park View and its outbuildings and the building of the new properties.  This is welcomed by the Parish Council because of the importance of this site in the history of Sedlescombe.  The Battle Abbey Tannery was on this site from about the 15^th century.  Fellmongers and leather dressers were recorded as still living here in the 19^th century.  In October 1989, a well-preserved wooden (elm) tree trunk drain, 7’ in length and 3.5’ in circumference, was discovered close to Park View.  This was taken by the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton as, although they have other wooden drain pipes, this one was made in a different way to all the other drains in their collection.  The pipe was made in two halves and, it is believed, that the square channel was probably adzed.  Although the date is not known, it is thought that it could be early.  The Sedlescombe Parish Clerk has photographs of the pipe soon after discovery.  It is important that any other artefacts are carefully removed and preserved.

P07/08.50 Appeals. None.

Chairman................................................ Date.............................................................