To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 8 August 2024.

Minutes of the meeting held on 8 August were approved as an accurate record of the meeting.

To receive additional items that the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no urgent items of business.

There were no declarations of interest.

There was no correspondence relevant to any items on this agenda.

Members noted the appeals report. There were no further questions.

The Principal Planner presented this item to the committee. Advising the application is scheduled for determination by the Council’s Planning Committee because it has been called in by Cllrs B Johnson, R Gledhill, D Day, B Maney and A Jefferies (in accordance with the Constitution, Chapter 5, Part 3 (b), 2.1 (d) (ii)) to assess the impact of the proposal upon the Green Belt. The proposal seeks planning approval for a two-storey side extension, first floor rear extension and internal alterations to the existing ground floor element with changes to the fenestration pattern.

The Committee were advised it is an inappropriate development and the recommendation is to refuse.

·       Speaker statement was heard from Ward Councillor Barry Johnson.

·       Speaker statement was heard from the applicants.

Members sought clarification on whether they trying to make the cottage larger or turn it into a house. The applicants confirmed they bought the cottage and knew very little about the greenbelt, however they were not trying to make it into a house.

Members questioned whether their previous request for planning permission had been granted. The applicants confirmed they were not provided permission for the rear extension.

Members moved to debate. Stating that previous schemes in the area have been approved and in comparison, this is a small extension. Members felt that large development companies such as Redrow are in the area and have had larger applications approved. Although this is on the greenbelt, they felt an exception could be made.

The Chair reminded the committee that when deciding to approve or reject an application they should base their decision on what is in front of them currently and not on previous applications. This was reiterated by the Chief Planning Officer.

The Co-optee added that he will always defend the greenbelt but Thurrock Council were setting themselves up for failure by making exceptions for previous applications and not approving this application.

Recommendations: To refuse planning permission based on an inappropriate development on the green belt. Members proceeded to vote.

For (3): Councillors Liddiard, Sisterson, J Maney

Against (5): Councillors Fletcher, Heath, Polston, Kelly, G Byrne

Abstained (0): None

Recommendation to refuse planning permission rejected.

The Chair proposed an alternative motion for approval. This was seconded by Councillors Kelly and G Byrne.

The Chief Planning Officer suggested the report return to committee to allow officers to address any additional comments. Inviting members to clarify why they have rejected the recommendations.

Members advised historically other applications in the same area have been approved including High Views, and Orchard Cottage in Lower Dunton. This allows a resident to improve their own home and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is outdated. In addition to this no other residents have complained or raised concerns about the extension, this will bring it up to reasonable standards. Therefore, on the grounds of consistency planning permission should be approved. Members added they were happy to add conditions.

Members put forward motion to propose in favour of approving planning permission and proceeded to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.