Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair, Councillor Caleb Tomlinson, welcomed members of the public to the meeting, introduced the committee and explained that the meeting was being livestreamed to YouTube.

Apologies for absence were received from;

·         Councillor Elaine Stringfellow - substituted by Councillor Wesley Roberts.

·         Councillor Will Adams – substituted by Councillor Colin Sharples.

Members are requested to indicate at this stage in the proceedings any items on the agenda in which they intend to declare an interest. Members are reminded that if the interest is a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (as defined in the Members’ Code of Conduct) they must leave the room for the whole of that item. If the interest is not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, but is such that a member of the public could reasonably regard it as being so significant that it is likely that it would prejudice their judgment of the public interest (as explained in the Code of Conduct) then they may make representations, but then must leave the meeting for the remainder of the item.

Councillor Haydn Williams declared a non-prejudicial interest in item 6 – Model Farm, Croston Road, Farington Moss as a member of Farington Parish Council.

To agree the minutes of the last meeting, held on Thursday 9 November 2023, as an accurate record for signing by the Chair.

Resolved: (For 8 Abstain 2)

That the minutes of the last meeting, held on Thursday 9 November 2023, be signed by the Chair as an accurate record.

An update will be provided at the meeting.

The Planning Manager provided a brief update on a number of appeal decisions received since the last meeting. The Council had received a decision regarding the two Pickering Farm appeals that had been called in by the Secretary of State following a public inquiry in 2022. On balance, the Secretary of State had determined that the benefits of the developments outweighed concerns raised, notably around the impact on the highway network and subsequently upheld the appeals.

In addition, another appeal decision had been received regarding an application for up to seven dwellings at Bridge End, Church Lane, Whitestake. The Inspector concluded that the development would conflict with the development plan, found no material considerations that would outweigh that decision and dismissed the appeal.

Report of the Interim Deputy Chief Executive attached.

Application deferred to obtain further clarity around the status of the site as previously developed land, to consider a reduction in the number of units and to address any conflict with the potential route of the dualling works for the A582.

An amendment to refuse the application, against the officers’ recommendation, on grounds that the site is not considered previously developed land and therefore contravened Policy G1 of the South Ribble Local Plan, and may impact the potential route of the dualling work for the A582 was proposed by Councillor Mary Green and seconded by Councillor Haydn Williams.

The officers’ recommendation to approve the application, subject to the imposition of conditions outlined within the report was proposed by Councillor Colin Sharples and seconded by Councillor David Shaw.

A further amendment to defer the application, to obtain further clarity around the status of the site as previously developed land, to consider a reduction in the number of units and to address any conflict with the potential route of the dualling works for the A582, was proposed by Councillor Phil Smith and was seconded by Councillor Wesley Roberts.

A vote on whether to defer the application was taken first and was subsequently;

Resolved: (FOR: 5 AGAINST: 4 ABSTAIN: 2  (with Chair’s casting vote))

That the application be deferred to obtain further clarity round the status of the site as previously developed land, to consider a reduction in the number of units and to address any conflict with the potential route of the dualling works for the A582.

Report of the Interim Deputy Chief Executive attached.

Application approved, subject to conditions as per officer recommendation.

The officers’ recommendation to approve the application, subject to the imposition of conditions outlined within the report was proposed by Councillor Wesley Roberts and seconded by Councillor Haydn Williams.

It was subsequently;

Resolved: (Unanimously)

That the application be approved, subject to conditions, as per officer recommendation.

Report of the Interim Deputy Chief Executive attached.

Application approved, subject to conditions as per officer recommendation.

The officers’ recommendation to approve the application, subject to the imposition of conditions outlined within the report was proposed by Councillor Peter Mullineaux and seconded by Councillor Phil Smith.

It was subsequently;

Resolved: (Unanimously)

that the application be approved, subject to conditions, as per officer recommendation.