Planning Minutes 14th December 2011
MINUTES of the Meeting of the PLANNNIG COMMITTEE held at The 1912 Centre, Cow
Lane, Harwich on Wednesday 14th December 2011 commencing at 6.35pm
Present: Councillors Brown, Calver, Day, Double, Flavell, J Henderson, Thompson and Todd
In the Chair: Councillor Thurlow
Clerk: Mrs L Ballard
Also present: 9 members of the public and 1 member of the press
Gary Cox, resident and local business owner raised concerns over application for the Basement
Nightclub and how no planning permission has ever been granted. He asked why this had been
allowed and why local residents and businesses were not consulted. He said there has been a lot of
damage and their properties are now experiencing negative equity as a result of the nightclub. Cllr
Calver stated that all issues should be answered by the district council as planning authority and HTC can only ask them these questions. Cllr Double said that HTC are consultees and ultimately the decision lies with TDC and they may or may not take these comments into consideration.
Roger Frith, resident and local business owner complained that since the nightclub entrance had
moved to Kingsway, life has been unbearable and he’s been subjected to verbal abuse and threats
leading to health problems and resulting in needing to move out of his home.
Tony Russell, owner of properties in Holly Close, stated that when the original nightclub entrance was in use, the congestion around the flats made life intolerable for residents. He stated concern that those now accessing the S and R Social Club will gather in the same area and the problems will return. He also asked about whether planning permission would cover the whole building which houses both the Basement and the S and R club and wanted clarification on where access will be.
Philip Taylor, resident, said his young daughter was frequently disturbed by revellers and asked why
they should tolerate the disturbances. When he complained to the police he was told to move and felt the club was a disgrace to the town.
Kevin Frith, resident and business owner, asked if HTC recommend to TDC to refuse permission, can the council lobby the district council. Cllr Double said members of the public can but HTC cannot easily do this due to prejudicial interests; would be very difficult.
Mr Frith asked if any HTC Cllrs were on the TDC Planning Committee. Cllr Double confirmed only
1 member, but was absent from this meeting.
P059/11 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies received from Cllrs C Callender, R Callender, Gibbins, I Henderson, King, McLeod and O’Neill.
P060/11 DECLARATIOS OF INTEREST
None.
P061/11 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
RESOLVED that the minutes of the Town Planning meeting held on 23rd November 2011 (previously circulated) be approved by the Committee and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
P062/11 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The Committee considered a schedule of planning applications for weeks ending 18th November, 25th November and 2nd December.
RESOLVED: Recommendations in Appendix ‘A’ be submitted to Tendring District Council. FURTHER RESOLVED: to write to Harwich Police in relation to application 11/01223/FUL and request HTC are briefed on how the club is perceived by the Police and how they are policing it.
P063/11 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next Town Planning meeting will be held at the 1912 Centre, Cow Lane, Harwich, on 4th January 2012 at 6.30pm.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 7.20pm
APPENDIX A
HARWICH TOWN COUNCIL: Recommendations of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 14th December 2011
WEEK ENDING 18th NOVEMBER
11/01333/FUL
Housing Portfolio Holder
Provision of vehicular access and hardstanding.
No Objection
WEEK ENDING 25th NOVEMBER
11/01147/FUL
Tendring District Council
Replacement of glazed hardwood communal entrance door and frame with new steel security door and frame and upgrading door entry control system.
No Objection
11/01223/FUL
G C Management
Change of use from restaurant (Use class A3) to nightclub (Sui Generis) (retention of).
Objection – and to include comments as raised during public questions
11/01364/FUL
Mr J Mowle
Erection of two semidetached houses.
No Objection
WEEK ENDING 2nd DECEMBER
11/01384/FUL
Mr and Mrs Welham
Proposed two storey and single storey extensions to form garage, living room, 2 bedrooms and en suite shower/wc.
No Objection
11/01429/LUPROP
Mr & Mrs D Howard
Conversion of loft space and insertion of dormer windows to provide additional bedroom.
No Objection