All Members who have or believe that they have any interest under the Rushmoor Borough Council Councillors’ Code of Conduct, adopted in April 2021, in any matter to be considered at the meeting are required to disclose that interest at the start of the meeting (preferably) or as soon as possible thereafter and to take the necessary steps in light of their interest as to any participation in the agenda item.

There were no declarations of interest for this meeting.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 9th November, 2022 (copy attached).

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 9th November, 2022 were approved and signed as a correct record of proceedings.

In accordance with the guidelines for public participation at meetings, the following representations were made to the Committee and were duly considered before a decision was reached:

To consider the Executive Head of Property and Growth’s Report No. PG2301 on planning applications recently submitted to the Council (copy attached).

Sections A & B of the report set out the items to be considered at future meetings and petitions received:

Section C of the report sets out planning applications for determination at this meeting:

Section D of the report sets out planning applications which have been determined under the Council’s scheme of delegation for information.

(ii)          the applications dealt with by the Executive Head of Property and Growth, where necessary in consultation with the Chairman, in accordance with the Council’s Scheme of Delegation, more particularly specified in Section “D” of the Executive Head of Property and Growth’s Report No. PG2301, be noted

(iii)         the following applications be determined by the Executive Head of Property and Growth, in consultation with the Chairman:

 (iv)        the current position with regard to the following applications be noted pending consideration at a future meeting:

The Committee considered the Executive Head of Property and Growth’s Report No. PG2301 regarding minor material amendments to planning permission 20/00508/FULPP dated 5 September, 2022.

RESOLVED: That

subject to the completion of a satisfactory Deed of Variation to the s106 Agreement dated 9 September, 2022 in respect on the original planning permission by 31 January, 2023, or in accordance with any agreed extension of time the Executive Head of Property and Growth, in consultation with the Chairman be authorised to GRANT planning permission, as set out in the report.

To consider the Executive Head of Property and Growth’s Report No. PG2302 (copy attached) on the progress of recent planning appeals.

The Committee received the Executive Head of Planning and Growth’s Report No. PG2302 concerning the following appeal decisions:

RESOLVED: That the Executive Head of Property and Growth‘s Report No. PG2302 be noted.

To receive a verbal update on the position regarding the approval of requirements pursuant to the Development Consent Order (Report No. PG2303 attached).

Katie Herrington, Principle Planning Officer, gave a verbal update to the Committee on the position regarding the agreement of all outstanding legal agreements including the Environmental Improvement Plan pursuant to the Development Consent Order for the renewal and partial realignment of the Southampton to London ESSO fuel pipeline which crossed the Borough of Rushmoor. 

Following the reported technical failure of the drill at the previous meeting, it had been hoped that a trenchless method could be maintained. However, due to a number of technical issues,  Esso had had to dig a trench to lay a stretch of the pipeline. This had impacted on local allotment holders and a site visit had been called to discuss any mitigations that could be undertake to lessen the impacts. It was note that the work would result in two road closures. Work was expected to start in March and be completed by July, 2023. 

It was advised that boring under the veteran trees in Queen Elizabeth Park (QEP) had been completed successfully. Full public access to the pathway was expected by end February, 2023. It was noted that work on the replacement  playground was expected to commence in February, 2023 and estimated to be in place by September/October 2023.

The Committee were advise that work in Southwood Country Park had been delayed due to the area being water logged. It was proposed that work would commence in March, 2023, when the ground had hopefully dried out, and be completed by June, 2023.

Following a discussion, it was noted that the consultation area could be widened to alleviate the number of complaints being handled by Members. It was also suggested that, social media could be kept more up to date with information on the works.

RESOLVED: that the Executive Head of Property and Growth’s Report No. PG2303 be noted.

To receive Report No. DEM2301 on updates to the Constitution relating to Public Speaking Procedures and Standing Deputies.

The Executive Head of Property and Growth, reported on Report No. DEM2301, on updates to the constitution regarding, public speaking procedures and standing deputies.

The Committee discussed the report and raised a query regarding the length of time allowed for public speaking in the case of a major planning application. The Committee identified a potential conflict between paragraphs 8.3, 9.3 and 9.4 of Appendix 2. They asked that this be reviewed and resolved ensuring that there was a balance of time in speaking for and against.

The Committee AGREED the recommendations set out in Report No. DEM2301, subject to clarity on the time allowed to speak at major planning applications as set out above, which would then be recommended to the Council at its meeting on 23^rd February, 2023.