An apology for absence was received from Councillor Cowell.

It was reported that, in accordance with the wishes of the Conservative Group, the membership of the Committee had been amended to include Councillors Barbara Lewis and Brook in place of the two Conservative vacancies.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 16 October 2023.

The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 16 October 2023 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairwoman.

Construction of new railway station with pedestrian access from existing highway both to north (Riviera Way) and south (Newton Road). Works to provide new railway station include two platforms, fully accessible lift footbridge with elevated walkway to north with associated infrastructure to include waiting shelter, lighting, CCTV, cycle parking with shelter and signage.

The Committee considered an application for construction of a new railway station with pedestrian access from the existing highway both to the north (Riviera Way) and the south (Newton Road).  The works provided a new railway station including two platforms, fully accessible lift footbridge with elevated walkway to the north with associated infrastructure to include waiting shelter, lighting, CCTV, cycle parking with shelter and signage.

Prior to the meeting, Members of the Planning Committee undertook a site visit and written representations were available on the Council’s website.  At the meeting Dr Rodney Horder addressed the Committee on behalf of the Torquay Neighbourhood Forum in support ofthe application but expressed concerns over the lack of parking.  Mr Richard Brown addressed the Committee in support of the application although expressed concerns around accessiblity.

In accordance with Standing Order B4.1 Councillor Katya Maddison addressed the Committee in support of the application and read out a statement of support provided by Councillor Darren Cowell.

Resolved:

Approved subject to:

1.         the receipt of satisfactory comments from the Environment Agency regarding the development’s flood resilience, delegated to the Divisional Director of Planning, Housing and Climate Emergency;

2.         the conditions as outlined in the submitted report, with final wording delegated to the Divisional Director of Planning, Housing and Climate Emergency; and

3.         the resolution of any new material considerations that may come to light following Planning Committee to be delegated to the Divisional Director of Planning, Housing and Climate Emergency, including the addition of any necessary further planning conditions or obligations.

(Note: Prior to consideration of the item in Minute 35, Councillor Billings declared a non-pecuniary interest as Cabinet Member for Pride in Place, Culture and Events and Parking, which included transport within the portfolio and he abstained from the voting on this item).

Outline application for residential development of up to 60 dwellings, commercial space and associated works.  Details of access to be determined with all other matters reserved.

The Committee considered an outline application for residential development of up to 60 dwellings, commercial space and associated works with details of access to be determined with all other matters reserved.

Prior to the meeting, Members of the Planning Committee undertook a site visit and written representations were available on the Council’s website.  At the meeting Mr Chris Hays spoke on behalf of Mr Andrew Maltby in support of the application.

At the meeting the Planning Officer advised, that since the report had been published, a proposed amendment had been made to Condition 16, at the request of the Highways Authority.

Resolved:

Approved subject to:

1.         the conditions outlined in the submitted report with the following amendments:

Revised Condition 16:Highway Works - adoptable network plan and Road Management Plan as set out in the Planning Officer’s presentation.

Reason for variation: to take into account Highway Authority’s comments and to clarify their aspiration to either achieve adoptable standards or secure a road management plan from the northern access point of the site.

Revised Conditions 1 and 3: removal of references to illustrative site plan layout.

Reason for variation: so that further consideration can be given to site layout and design to fully respond to public concerns about layout, scale and public open space at reserved matters stage.

2.         the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement to secure the heads of terms as outlined, in accordance with the adopted Planning Contributions and Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document, on terms acceptable to Officers;

3.         the final drafting of conditions delegated to the Divisional Director of Planning, Housing and Climate Emergency; and

4.         the resolution of any new material considerations that may come to light following Planning Committee to be delegated to the Divisional Director of Planning, Housing and Climate Emergency, including the addition of any necessary further planning conditions or obligations.

Maintenance, repair, refurbishment and alteration works.

The Committee considered an application for maintenance, repair, refurbishment and alteration works.

Prior to the meeting, Members of the Planning Committee undertook a site visit and written representations were available on the Council’s website.  At the meeting Mr Jamie Staples and Mr Mike Cowdery, Chair of Wellswood Community Partnership addressed the Committee against the application   Dr Rodney Horder addressed the Committee on behalf of the Torquay Neighbourhood Forum against the application.  Mr Mike Walsh addressed the Committee in support of the application.

In accordance with Standing Order B4.1 Councillor Patrick Joyce addressed the Committee against the application and Councillor Nick Bye addressed the Committee in support of the application.

Resolved: (unanimously):

Approved subject to:

1.         the conditions as outlined in the submitted report, with final wording delegated to the Divisional Director of Planning, Housing and Climate Emergency; and

2.         the resolution of any new material considerations that may come to light following Planning Committee to be delegated to the Divisional Director of Planning, Housing and Climate Emergency, including the addition of any necessary further planning conditions or obligations.