To receive declarations of personal and prejudicial interest (if any) from Members/Officers including those who are also Town and Community Councillors, in accordance with the provisions of the Members’ Code of Conduct adopted by Council from 1 September 2008. Members having such dual roles should declare a personal interest in respect of their membership of such Town/Community Council and a prejudicial interest if they have taken part in the consideration of an item at that Town/Community Council contained in the Officer’s Reports below.

Councillor JP Blundell – Agenda Item 7 as a member of Laleston Community Council who takes no part in planning matters.

To receive for approval the minutes of the 19/08/21 

RESOLVED:                            That the minutes of a meeting of the Development Control Committee dated 19 August 2021, be approved as a true and accurate record.

To advise Members of the names of the public speakers listed to speak at today’s meeting (if any).

The following invitee at the meeting, exercised his right to speak as a public speaker on the undermentioned application:-

Councillor CE Smith – Ward Member - P/21/605/FUL

That the Chairperson accepts the Development Control Committee Amendment Sheet as an urgent item in accordance with Part 4 (paragraph 4) of the Council Procedure Rules, in order to allow for Committee to consider necessary modifications to the Committee Report, so as to take account of late representations and revisions that require to be accommodated.

RESOLVED:                                  That the Chairperson accepted the Development Control Committee Amendment Sheet as an urgent item, in accordance with Part 4 (paragraph 4) of the Council Procedure Rules, in order to allow for the Committee to consider necessary modifications to the Committee report, so as to take account of late representations and revisions that are required to be accommodated.

RESOLVED:                                  That the summary of Development Control Committee Guidance as detailed in the report of the Corporate Director - Communities be noted.

RESOLVED:                           That the above application be granted, subject to the Condition contained in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities.

Proposal

Change of use from dwelling house (use class 3(a)) to the residential

care of 1 child (use class C2).

RESOLVED:                           (1) That having regard to the above application, the applicant enters into a Deed of Variation/Section 106 Agreement to:-

(i)  include a routeing agreement for heavy goods vehicles operating to and from the AD plant and digestate lagoon;

(ii) require the operator of the AD plant to keep a record of complaints and publish a report of any breaches to the routeing agreement.

(2)  The Corporate Director Communities be given delegated powers to issue a decision notice  granting consent in respect of this proposal once the applicant has entered into the  aforementioned Section 106 Agreement, subject to the Conditions contained in the report of the Corporate Director - Communities:-

Proposal

Variation of conditions 1 and 7 of P/17/1047/RLX to permit an increase in

food waste tonnage and associated layout amendments.

  RESOLVED:                                 That the above application be granted, subject to the Conditions contained in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities:-

Proposal

Construction of new enlarged building (to replace recently demolished

structure) for product testing.

RESOLVED:                                 That the above application be refused, for the reasons detailed in the report of the Corporate Director - Communities

Proposal

Change of use to fish and chip shop (A3 Use Class) from existing

retail shop (A1 Use Class).

RESOLVED:                          (1)  That the Appeals 7 received since the last report of the Corporate Director – Communities to Committee be noted.

                                               (2)  That the following Appeals determined by the Inspector(s) appointed by Welsh Ministers, be Dismissed:-

 Code No.                                     Subject of Appeal:

A/21/3274317 (1919)                    Retention of an Existing Outbuilding Erected for the Provision of Therapy to Adults and Children with Learning Difficulties and Special Needs, Tynton Farm, Mount Pleasant Cottages, Llangeinor.

A/21/3274987 (1920)                    Part conversion of Garage & Roof Extension to Create 1-Bed Residential Unit; Associated External Alterations 19 Coychurch Road, Pencoed.

ENV/3275423 (1921)                    Continual Pollarding of Trees (T/18/17/TPO Refers)

                                                      Rear of 44 Briary Way, Brackla, Bridgend.

A/21/32761 (1922)                        Change of Use of Retail Shop (A1) to Hot-Food Takeaway Chip Shop (A3) 10 Caerau Road, Maesteg.

The Corporate Director – Communities presented a report, the purpose of which, was is to update the Development Control Committee on the outcomes of recent audits of Planning Applications & Appeals and Building Control. The audits were carried out in accordance with the 2021/22 Internal Audit Plan.

The report gave some background information namely, that the purpose of the Planning Applications and Appeals audit was to provide assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal control, governance and risk management arrangements in respect of Planning Applications & Appeals. Audit testing was undertaken in respect of financial years 2020/21 and 2021/22. The Audit scope included ensuring that the key controls were in place, as detailed in paragraph 3.2 of the report.

The Manager – Building and Development Control, advised that the purpose of the Building Control audit was to provide assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal control, governance and risk management arrangements in respect of this service. Audit testing was undertaken in respect of financial year 2020/21 and 2021/22.  The Audit scope included ensuring that the key controls were in place, as detailed in paragraph 3.4 of the report.

Paragraph 4.1 of the report, then highlighted that for the Planning Applications and Appeals Audit, it was found that there is a

generally sound system of governance, risk management and control in place. Examples of this were listed in this section of the report. In addition, strengths and areas of good practice were reflected along with other issues where improvements could be made, which would be actioned accordingly explained the Group Manager – Planning and Development Services.

Paragraphs 4.4 and 4.5 of the report, gave details of the processes that were followed with regard to how meetings of the Development Control Committee operate, including findings of the audit of this.

In terms of an audit of Building Control, it was also found that there is a generally sound system of governance, risk management and control in place in this work area. Likewise to the above examples, in relation to other areas of Planning and Development work that had been audited, paragraph 4.8 of the report gave examples of strengths and areas of good practice in respect of Building Control functions.

A Member felt that it would be advantageous for Committee Members to also receive feedback from members of the public, such as in the form of  Questionnaires, that if completed and returned would reflect levels of customer satisfaction on the services the Council provides in relation to Planning and Development work.

The Group Manager – Planning and Development Services advised that data such as this used to be provided to the Committee annually as part of the Annual Performance Report (APR), however, since the pandemic planning authorities have not been required to submit APRs. Also, with staffing levels having reduced considerably in recent years, there was insufficient resource within the Department now, to collate this information with the view of presenting it to Members periodically and along with other planning  ...  view the full minutes text for item 528.

The Corporate Director – Communities presented a report, that gave an update on the Training Log for Members going forward.

Members noted the topics for training included in the report and put forward some further suggestions to also be scheduled, as follows:-

• Updated Planning Policy – Flooding and coastal erosion (TAN 15 update)
• Tree Policy
• Public Rights of Way/Bridleways
• Garden space – Buildings in gardens (workshop)
• Building in Conservation areas

RESOLVED:                            That the report be noted, including the further suggested areas recommended for Member training.

To consider any other item(s) of business in respect of which notice has been given in accordance with Part 4 (paragraph 4) of the Council Procedure Rules and which the person presiding at the meeting is of the opinion should by reason of special circumstances be transacted at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

None.