Agenda and minutes

Councillor Ward proposed, and Councillor Boyce seconded, the nomination of Councillor Nimmo-Smith as Chair. 

 

Councillor Boyce proposed the nomination of Councillor Ward as Vice Chair. 

 

Resolved (unanimously) that Councillor Nimmo-Smith be Chair and Councillor Ward be Vice Chair of North Area Committee for the ensuing year. 

City Councillors: None

 

County Councillors: None 

Members of the committee are asked to declare any interests in the items on the agenda. In the case of any doubt, the advice of the Head of Legal should be sought before the meeting.

Councillor	Item	Interest
Blair	10/29/NAC	Personal – General discussion of Old Manor House application with VIE and Old Chesterton Residents Association.
Kerr and Znajek	10/29/NAC	Personal – General discussion of Old Manor House application with Old Chesterton Residents Association.
Kerr	10/29/NAC	Personal – General discussion of Scotland Close application in Ward Councillor role.
Tunnacliffe	10/29/NAC	Personal – One of his employees is a resident in Scotland Close.

 

(Contact: Paul Boucher 01223 457311 and Nova Roberts 01223 458601)

The Business & Information Services Manager and Head of Customer Service introduced the report.

 

From 1 April 2010, the Council’s Customer Service Centre became the first point of contact for customers to access services provided by Environment & Planning. The 2^nd floor Reception at The Guildhall closed on 31 March.

 

The Council has implemented a new tool for customers to access planning application information online. This new tool is called Planning Public Access (PPA).

 

The Information Services  Manager gave a demonstration/presentation on how to view the planning application system on-line, plus documents and database information that can be accessed.

 

Customer Services Advisors are available at the Customer Service Centre to assist with general enquiries on PPA and a Duty Planning Officer is available between 10.30 and 15.00 to give advice. Meeting rooms are also available for discussions.

 

The status of planning applications can be monitored on-line. It is possible to register to receive automatic notification of when the status of saved application searches have been amended or updated. This can be for specific applications, i.e. ward areas, or any that meet general search criteria.

 

Members of the public asked a number of questions, as set out below.

 

Q1)          Availability of paper plans.

 

A)      In response to a question from a member of the public the Business & Information Services Manager said that paper plans would be made available on request for inspection purposes, at the Customer Service Centre. There is a charge for customers wishing to take copies away, however, on-line viewing is encouraged.

 

Q2)          Michael Bond – Documents are slow to download in comparison to other websites.

 

A)      The Information Services Manager said this was caused by a document format issue that slows the system. He is seeking to resolve the situation. Post meeting note: Issue now resolved.

 

Q3)          Councillors queried PPA search facilities and quality checking of contents.

 

A)      The Information Services Manager said that a variety of methods could be used to search for applications including clicking on maps or text searches.

 

The PPA system has been live since April. A third party company as well as City Council Officers have uploaded details to the system. The Business & Information Services Manager undertook to follow up any quality issues that Councillors or members of the public care to raise.

The applications for planning permission listed below require determination. A report is attached with a plan showing the location of the relevant site. Detailed plans relating to the applications will be displayed at the meeting.

These minutes and the appendix should be read in conjunction with the reports on applications to the committee, where the conditions to the approved applications or reasons for refusal are set out in full and with the Amendment Sheet issued at the meeting. Any amendments to the recommendations are shown.

 

Full details of the decisions, conditions of permissions and reasons for refusal may be inspected in the Environment and Planning Department, including those that the committee delegated to the Head of Development Control to draw up.

09/1184/FUL: Old Manor House, St Andrews Road 

                                                                                                          

Site Address: Old Manor House, St Andrews Road, Cambridge

Application Number: 09/1184/FUL:

Proposal: Change of use from offices to day nursery

Applicant: Hope Othieno

Case Officer: John Evans

Officer Recommendation: APPROVE subject to conditions

Public Speaker:  Paul Belton - Agent                              Kenny Forrest - Objector                              Michael Bond - Objector                              Paula Stainton - Objector                              Geoffrey W Brash-Hall - Objector

Decision: REFUSED (10 votes to 0) against officer recommendation on the grounds that the Committee did not consider the re-positioned access to be a safe access to serve the site.  In particular concerns were expressed regarding the highway safety implications for pedestrians accessing the premises and crossing the road and cyclists accessing the bridge over the River Cam.   Members took a vote on the recommendation which was lost 0 votes to 10 and then voted 10 votes to 0 to refuse the application on the grounds that it was contrary to policy 8/2 of the Cambridge Local Plan 2006 and PPG13 Transport.   The following reason for refusal reflects the views of the Committee:   The repositioning of the access, in conjunction with the proposed use of the premises as a day nursery, is likely to lead to queuing of vehicles and manoeuvring of cars close to a bend in St Andrews Road, creating a danger to other road users, particularly pedestrians accessing the premise and crossing the road and cyclists accessing the bridge over the River Cam.  The development is therefore contrary to policy 8/2 of the Cambridge Local Plan 2006 and to guidance provided by PPG13 Transport.

 

10/0153/FUL: 2 Primrose Street

                                                                                                

Site Address: 2 Primrose Street, Cambridge

Application Number: 10/0153/FUL

Proposal: Two storey rear extension (following demolition of existing 1 and 2 storey extension)

Applicant: Mr and Mrs R Godfrey

Case Officer: Marcus Shingler

Officer Recommendation: APPROVE subject to conditions

Public Speaker: None

Decision: APPROVED (unanimously) as per Officers report subject to conditions.

 

10/0280/FUL: 1 Scotland Close 

                                                                                                

Site Address: 1 Scotland Close, Cambridge

Application Number: 10/0280/FUL

Proposal: Erection of 1 two-bed dwelling

Applicant: Mr Edmund Sturdy

Case Officer: Catherine Linford

Officer Recommendation: REFUSE

Public Speaker: Jeremy Tanner - Objector

Decision: REFUSED (unanimously) as per Officers report.

 

Councillor	Item	Interest
Blair	10/34/NAC	Personal and Prejudicial – Chair of Governors of Orchard Park School so did not take part in discussion or vote on North Cambridge Sports Association Community Development and Leisure Grant scheme.
Kerr	10/34/NAC	Personal – General discussion of Community Development and Leisure Grant scheme with Chesterton Community Association.
McGovern	10/34/NAC	Personal and Prejudicial – Governor of Orchard Park School so did not take part in discussion or vote on North Cambridge Sports Association Community Development and Leisure Grant scheme.
McGovern	10/33/NAC	Member of Campaign for Real Ale.
Nimmo-Smith	10/34/NAC	Personal – Mrs Nimmo-Smith is running an open garden in the Chesterton Festival
Levy and Pitt	10/34/NAC	Personal – Members of ‘Friends of Histon Road Cemetery’
Pitt	10/33/NAC	Personal – Governor of Kings Hedges School
Znajek	10/33/NAC	Personal – Lives opposite Tesco in Chesterton High Street.

 

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 29 April 2010.

The minutes of the 4 March 2010 meeting were approved and signed as a correct record subject to the following amendments:

·        Item 10/24/NAC Matters Arising – 10/13 concerning Councillor Boyce meeting with Mrs Armstrong and Mr Campbell (Stagecoach). Typographical error referring to Mill Road rather than Milton Road.

·        Item 10/24/NAC Matters Arising - Item 10/14 Open Forum Q6 “Lil Speed – Expressed concern over cars parking on verges in Kendal Way”. Incorrect reference to Councillor Nimmo-Smith.

 

Councillor Blair has been in contact with Mrs Speed, Highways Department at County Council and City Homes Officers. 

None. 

Refer to the ‘Information for the Public’ section for rules on speaking. 

Q1)   Lil Speed – Queried update on by-law concerning parking on grass verges.

A)      The Kendal Way Environmental Improvement Project is considered later in the agenda.

 

The Council is seeking discretion where local authorities can set a by-law. Secretary of State sign off for this was sought just prior to the election. Julian Huppert MP is now pursuing the issue.

 

Q2)           Richard Taylor – Queried meetings occurring around Arbury Road to Riverside Cycle route.

A)          Councillor Blair said that six to nine separate schemes covering the area between Orchard Park and Riverside are being considered by the Area Joint Committee. Details on these are available on the internet. Consultation occurred with local residents prior to the schemes going forward. Thirty delegates attended the previous Area Joint Committee (local stakeholders rather than the general public were invited). The outcomes of this meeting will be out for public consultation until 22 June 2010. After which a report will go to the July 2010 Area Joint Committee.

 

Councillor Todd-Jones has been in contact with Mr Taylor concerning the cycle scheme.

 

Q3)           Michael Bond – Raised the question of action over parking issues outside Tesco Express in Chesterton High Street at certain times of day, especially the morning peak, when lorries make deliveries and some members of the public appear to double park. The Regional Manager of TESCO did come to the North Area Committee a couple of years ago and action was promised such as using smaller trucks to make fewer deliveries to their local stores. However long Tesco articulated lorries still come through the High Street, so no action appears to have been taken. As parking has now been taken back by the County Council, do they have primary responsibility for enforcing current parking restrictions, or should the police deal with actual obstructions.

 

A)          Members agreed that congestion was an issue. Councillors undertook to liaise with Tesco Area Manager to request deliveries be made by smaller lorries. It was felt that proactive policing would also help traffic issues.

 

Action Point: Councillors Blair, Kerr and Znajek to invite Tesco Area Manager to attend a future Area Committee meeting.

 

Q4)           Richard Cook – What are the current levels of alcohol-related ASB arising from the licensed premises around Mitcham's Corner, and are they a matter of concern? Wetherspoons have applied for a variation of the License for 16 Chesterton Road (formerly called "the Graduate"). Will the police be submitting a representation to the Licensing Authority?

A)          Inspector Kerridge answered that anti-social behaviour on Mitcham's Corner is being monitored, he has spoken to the Licensing Officer about this issue. Some changes made to the new licence concerning music and opening hours should mitigate behaviour.

 

The Police use the ‘Cardiff Model’ traffic light system to monitor anti-social behaviour. Premises are rated red/amber/green. The Police quickly engage with the licensees of red rated premises.

 

Cllr Nimmo-Smith sought clarification on the Regal Pub’s position on the ‘Cardiff Model’ traffic light system. Inspector Kerridge believed this was not red, but will continue to monitor the situation. The public are encouraged to report anti-social behaviour around pubs (and in general) to the Police.

 

Action Point: Inspector Kerridge to clarify the Regal Pub’s position on the ‘Cardiff Model’ traffic light system.

Councillor Boyce observed that the Tivoli Pub’s licence consultation ends 2 July 2010. Representations from interested parties will be heard when the application is considered by the City Council Licensing Committee. 

(Contact: Contact: Lynda Kilkelly 01223 457045)

Police Inspector Steve Kerridge presented the report and outlined actions taken since the Committee on 4 March 2010. The current emerging issues for each ward were also highlighted (see report for full details). They covered anti-social driving in the Fen Road traffic calmed area, speeding vehicles in Northfield Avenue and Kings Hedges Road, anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of St Luke’s School, Cambridge wide priorities and emerging issues/neighbourhood trends.

 

Members of the public asked a number of questions, as set out below.

 

Q1)          Richard Taylor – Raised concerns regarding the use of Section 59 powers to address speeding issues in Fen Road.

 

A)           Inspector Kerridge said the use of section 59 powers is a helpful option when trying to deal with anti-social driving. When used, the action is reviewed and he is confident that it is being used appropriately and the required procedures are being followed.  He confirmed that it has been used in other areas of the city.

 

Anyone whose vehicle is seized has a period of notice to collect it before it is destroyed.

 

Q2)          Councillor Pitt passed on concerns from constituents in his ward relating to anti-social driving when parents drop off children at Kings Hedges Primary School.

 

A)           Inspector Kerridge said there is a general issue across the City concerning anti-social driving when parents drop off children at primary schools. The problem has been highlighted during the recent survey conducted by the Police Authority to set this year’s policing priorities. This has resulted in a ‘people’s priority’ being set for urban areas to address such problems. In rural areas speeding has been adopted as the people’s priority.

 

Action Point: Inspector Kerridge to liaise with the Head of King's Hedges School to ensure anti-social behaviour during school run periods continues to be under control.

 

Q3)          Councillor Todd-Jones – Supported continuation of work to tackle anti-social behaviour in St Luke’s School and also surrounding area. He also asked for an update on progress.

 

A)           Inspector Kerridge said work was continuing in the neighbourhood. The Police also undertake work of a similar nature with other schools to overcome problems.

 

Mr Grans (Chair of Governors of St Luke’s School) offered to work with the Council and Police to develop solutions.

 

It was agreed to discharge the anti-social behaviour priority in Kendal Way in light of the improvements made and the relationship with the citywide burglary and vehicle crime priorities. 

 

The following were not adopted as priorities:

·        Theft of vehicles in East Chesterton.

·        Theft of cycles in St Andrews Road and Scotland Road.

 

The following priorities were unanimously agreed:

·        Continuation of work to tackle anti-social driving in Fen Road.

·        Continuation of work to prevent and deter incidents of anti-social behaviour in the grounds of St Luke’s School.

·        Tackle ‘school run’ parking related issues at the Shirley School. 

(Contact: Marion Branch 01223 410535)

Jane Darlington introduced the report.

 

Members considered the applications for Community Development and Leisure Grants set out in the report. Jane Darlington responded to member’s questions about individual projects and what funding aimed to achieve.

 

Councillors Blair and McGovern did not participate in the decision making concerning North Cambridge Sports Association and took no part in the vote.

 

Agreed

 

1       That the following grants be made:

 

Community Development current applications.               Available: £20,620
CCF ID	Group	Project	Requested £	Recommended from Area Committee Grants £	Offer from other CCF funds £
WEB10576	Chesterton Community Association	To publicise and to run a competition to design and create a village sign	900	900	Project does not fit funding priorities of other CCF funds
WEB 10770	4th Cambridge Guides	To purchase new tents and cooking equipment	900	900	Project does not fit funding priorities of other CCF funds
Total			1,800	1,800	0
Remaining			18,820

 

Leisure current applications.                                          Available: £4,570
CCF ID	Group	Project	Requested £	Recommended from Area Committee Grants £	Offer from other CCF funds £
WEB10157	NCSA North Cambridge Sports Assoc	To pay for coaches and assistants in after school and lunchtime school sports clubs	900	900	Not yet considered
Total			900	900	0
Remaining			3,670

 

The Committee approved recommendation Chesterton Community Association by 11 to 0 votes.

 

The Committee approved recommendation 4^th Cambridge Guides unanimously.

 

The Committee approved recommendation NCSA by 10 to 0 votes.

 

2          Members recommend NCSA obtain quotes for the sports coach to ensure a competitive fee is being charged.

 

3       To note that leisure 2010 – 2011 spend to date was £0. 

(Contact: Dinah Foley-Norman 01223 457134) 

The Interim Environmental Projects Manager reported on the progress with approved schemes:

·        Nun’s Way Parking Area Refurbishment

·        Campkin Road Shop Forecourts

·        Campkin Road Verge Laybys

·        Alex Wood Mobility Crossing

 

Members considered a number of schemes put forward for consideration, a number of which required approval.

 

Following discussion, members determined the schemes as follows:

 

1          Akeman Street Planting

         

Replacement of the planting and refurbishment of the kerbsetts surrounding the planted areas at the Stretton Avenue junction is estimated to cost £17,750.

 

Optional further work to the two other junctions with Darwin Drive, along with the tree pits in between, is estimated at £20,000.

 

Agreed (unanimously) to implement the scheme at an estimated cost of £17,750 subject to positive consultation on planter.

 

2       New Schemes

 

The Committee were asked to consider additional projects.

·        Ramsden Square path resurfacing.

·        Kendal Way - Planting on highway verge.

·        Fen Road to Haling Way Link - Removal of pram arms from this short link.

·        Mortlock Avenue – Removal of trees and brick wall, plus area revamp.

·        Woodhead Drive/Milton Road - Enhancement of small open space.

·        Downhams Lane - renovation of native hedge and verges adjacent to newly surfaced cycleway.

 

Agreed to the newly suggested schemes coming forward for consideration. Mortlock Avenue would be scaled down to use the balance of funding left in budget from the other projects listed above.

 

Agreed that optional £20,000 further work concerning Akeman Street Planting to be treated as a separate project.

 

Action Point: Environmental Projects Manager to work up a specific costing and proposal for raised planted area to supplement work to Akeman Street Planting project.