Planning - 03-06-2013

6:30 pm

Minutes:

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE HELD IN THE MEETING ROOM, 11 BAKER STREET ABERYSTWYTH ON MONDAY 3rd JUNE 2013 AT 6.30PM

 

Present::Councillor Ceredig Wyn Davies

Councillor Steve Davies

Councillor Kevin Price

Councillor Martin Shewring

Councillor Sarah Bowen

Councillor Brenda Haines

Councillor Mair  Benjamin

Councillor Chris Griffiths

Councillor Endaf Edwards

Councillor Sue Jones-Davies

Councillor Jeff Smith

Councillor Wendy Morris-Twiddy

Councillor Mark Strong

 

Apologies:Councillor Dylan Lewis

 

  1. Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman

The current chairman and vice chairman were re-elected to post.

Chairman – Councillor E Edwards

Vice Chairman- Councillor S Davies

 

  1. Declarations of Interest

Councillor M Strong- Planning Applications

Councillor J A Davies- Economic Development

Councillor C Davies- Economic Development.

 

  1. Planning issues and Economic Development in Aberystwyth

Councillor JA and C Davies left the meeting during these discussions.

The matter of the proposed Mill Street development was discussed and following a wide ranging discussion it was noted that Aberystwyth Town Council planning committee

 

  1. Correspondence

Members were reminded of the Ceredigion County Council LDP meeting to be held on Wednesday 12thth June in Canolfan Rheidol at 6.30pm.

 

  1. To consider planning applications

A13034615th May 2013

Proposed erection of a 2 storey extension and internal alterations. New garden retaining walls of brickwork to match existing.

5 Ropewalk Close, Aberystwyth

Objection – to this application in its existing form.  This Council would ask that any “overlooking” issues with the balcony be addressed and that the garage not be allowed to be used for commercial purposes.  We would also ask for consideration of wooden window frames instead of uPVC.

 

A13035115th May 2013

Conversion / Change of use of ground floor take away / Fish and Chip restaurant into self contained self-contained flat and assoc. works

Rendezvous Restaurant, 40 Bridge Street, Aberystwyth

No objection in principle.  It is good to see sympathetic design by the architect.  We would prefer to see wooden windows used in a Conservation Area.

 

A13036316th May 2013

Change of use of currently vacant shop and storage area to rear into 2 flats

Lloyds, 30, North Parade, Aberystwyth

No objection.  However, it is very disappointing to see that this is a retrospective application and it is asked that Ceredigion County Council address this issue.  It also appears that there are insufficient waste storage areas within the new design.

 

A13036116th May 2013

Replace existing windows to existing position with new toughened glazing and timber encasement framing.

Costa Coffee, 5 Gt Darkgate St, Aberystwyth.

No objection.  However, concern is raised as to why this is being done.  Is this to become a public use area, i.e. expansion of the existing facility downstairs?

 

A13038016th May 2013

Alterations to and enlargement of an existing dormer window

1 Penygraig, Aberystwyth

No objection.

 

A 13036916th May 2013

Replacement shop front and repairs to wall, windows and guttering

19-21 North Parade, Aberystwyth

No objection.  We welcome this application.

 

 

A130385LB23rd May 2013

Re-establish a first and second floor 3 bedroom flat via a shared entrance with existing ground floor retail premises

38A Eastgate, Aberystwyth.

No objection.  However, the historical background to this application is noted and it is wondered whether Listed Building Consent will be applied retrospectively to all potential breaches since the work was completed.

 

A130294CA23rd May 2013

Demolition of an old church hall and garage, construction of new church hall and entrance area linking it to an existing church. The proposal also includes formation of a new approach to the church and hall.

St Winefriede’s Church, Queens Road, Aberystwyth.

No objection.

Please note:  Cllr Mark Strong was present in this meeting but declared an interest and took no part in proceedings.

 

A13033730th May 2013

Demolition of a church and erection of residential development

St Winefriede’s Church, Queens Road, Aberystwyth.

It was agreed to give the same response as given to the previous similar application which had subsequently withdrawn. That response was as follows:

Members feel that to remove the Roman Catholic Church from the town proper would not be in any way in the best interests of the local Catholic Community and would remove a much needed facility for locals, students and visitors alike. It was felt that many of those who worship at St Winefrieds would be unable to travel to the new facility in Penparcau (some three miles distant) as they do not have access to transport.It was further felt that little or no meaningful consultation and dialogue had taken place regarding the plans for the church, That the whole site would lead to a massive overdevelopment of the already congested area

It is also felt that to remove the Church from the heart of Aberystwyth is seen by many as symbolic act as it diminishes the Christian witness in the town and suggests that religion is being pushed to the periphery.

The current spiritual interaction with the wider community will be lost and as |I’m sure you are aware this will not be replaced by the provision of other facilities.

It was further felt that the loss of the church would be as loss to the cultural heritage of the town and of Welsh Catholicism in Wales given the site’s history.

The building of the new accommodation would add to the already overpopulated area in the conservation area. Population density in this old part of Aberystwyth is already stretching existing infrastructure to the limits.

The new development is not in keeping with the surrounding properties.

The traffic addition of such a development is unsustainable with the current ropad provision.

To remove such an important iconic building from the conservation area would seem to conflict with Ceredigion County Council LDP.

To remove the church from town could be seen as a contravention of Article 9 of the convention of Human Rights.

 

A130399AV28th May 2013

Display of Advertising

Donald Deakin Ltd, 2 Terrace Road, Aberystwyth

No objection.

 

A13040930th May 2013

Replacement uPVC windows and door to front elevation

Flats 1, 2 & 3- 7 South Marine Terrace, Aberystwyth

No objection.  However, we would prefer to see wooden window-frames instead of uPVC.

 

33.Minutes of the General Management Committee held on 10th June   2013

Following reading for clarity and accuracy the minutes of a meeting held on 10th June 2013 were RESOLVED to be accepted and adopted