Agenda and minutes

Members of the committee should declare any interests which fall under the following categories:

a)    disclosable pecuniary interests (DPI);

b)    other significant interests (OSI);

c)    voluntary announcements of other interests.

Councillor Jim Martin made a voluntary announcement as he believes he knows the applicant’s agent with regard to Planning Application 20/0657/FH (Blocks A, B and C Hurricane Way and Terlingham Forum, Hawkinge).  Councillor Jim Martin remained in the meeting, taking part in discussions and voting on this item. 

To consider and approve, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 20 October 2020.

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 October 2020 were submitted and approved.  The Chairman’s signature will be added to these minutes as approval. 

To consider and approve, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 27 October 2020. 

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 October 2020 were submitted and approved.  The Chairman’s signature will be added to these minutes as approval. 

Report DCL/20/31 - Change of use of use and conversion of office blocks A, B and C to 23 residential units and associated works, together with public realm improvements at Terlingham Forum.

Change of use of use and conversion of office blocks A, B and C to 23 residential units and associated works, together with public realm improvements at Terlingham Forum.

Councillor Palliser, on behalf of Hawkinge Town Council, provided a written statement which was read out to members. 

Mr Ian Hardman, applicant’s agent, also provided a written statement which was read out to members. 

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Jenny Hollingsbee

Seconded by Councillor David Wimble and

RESOLVED:  

That planning permission be approved subject to the conditions set out at the end of the report and any others that the Chief Planning Officer deems to be necessary.

(Voting: For 6; Against 1; Abstentions 3)

Change of use and conversion from a mixed use as retail showroom

and residential, to a single residential unit.

Proposed by Councillor John Collier

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Jenny Hollingsbee and

RESOLVED: 

That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out at the end of the report and any others that the Chief Planning Officer deems to be necessary.

(Voting: For 6; Against 5; Abstentions 0)

The Chairman exercised his casting vote in favour of the officer’s recommendation. (Constitution Part 5 (19.2)).

Report DCL/20/30 sets out the next steps for publishing the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire (Taxi) Licensing Policy. The policy was last reviewed in 2012 and whilst not time limited it is a good opportunity to refresh the policy. The new policy has now been sent for public consultation and seeks approval with Planning and Licensing Committee. The purpose of this report is to highlight the feedback received during the consultation and give the Committee the chance to make any final amendments before it is published.

Report DCL/20/30 set out the next steps for publishing the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire (Taxi) Licensing Policy.  The policy was last reviewed in 2012 and whilst not time limited it was a good opportunity to refresh the policy.  The new policy was sent for public consultation and approval sought with the Planning & Licensing Committee.  The purpose of the report was to highlight feedback received during the consultation and give the Committee the chance to make any final amendments before it is published. 

The Licensing Specialist presented the report and policy to members and drew their attention to the four consultation responses outlined in the report. 

Members discussed the removal of the minimum age limit for drivers as per the Department for Transport recommendations and felt that all drivers should be assessed on their merits, not age.

Members felt this was a very clear policy and didn’t feel any amendments were required. 

Proposed by Councillor David Wimble

Seconded by Councillor Philip Martin

RESOLVED:

1. That the report and policy are received and noted. 

2. That the Revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire (Taxi) Licensing Policy is adopted without further amendments.

(Voting: For 10; Against 0; Abstentions 0)