Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair will read out the following statement:

“This meeting is being webcast live to our website (https://harlow.public-i.tv/core/portal/home) and will be available for repeated viewing after the meeting has ended.

By continuing to attend this meeting, you are consenting to being filmed and to appearing in the webcast.

I would like to remind all those participating in the meeting to use their microphones when they speak, and to turn them off once they have finished talking.”

The Chair said the meeting was being webcast live and would be available for repeated viewing after the meeting has ended. By continuing to attend the meeting, you were consenting to being filmed and to appearing in the webcast.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Maggie Hulcoop and Nicky Purse. Councillor Simon Carter was in attendance as substitute for Councillor Purse.

Councillors’ declarations of interest (if any) in relation to any matters on the agenda.

Councillor John Steer declared a non-pecuniary interest in application HW/FUL/23/00488 as the relevant Portfolio Holder. He would leave the meeting whilst the item was considered.

Councillor Sue Livings declared a non-pecuniary interest in the same application as a member of Harlow Arts Trust.

Councillor James Leppard declared a non-pecuniary interest in application HW/HSE/24/00029 as a Harlow Common Ward Councillor.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 13 March 2024 be agreed and signed as a correct record by the Chair, subject to the inclusion of Councillor James Leppard in the list of those who gave apologies.

None.

None.

At the discretion of the Chair, the following procedure will apply to the consideration of planning items:-

*           Planning Officer presents reports.

*           Comments invited from members of the public who have registered with the Governance Support Section (01279 446055) at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, as follows:

-           3 (maximum) against an application.      

                        -           3 (maximum) for an application.

                        -           each speaker is limited to 3 minutes (maximum).

*           Comments invited from the applicant/agent for a maximum of 3 minutes (who has also given at least 24 hours notice to the Governance Support Section) of their wish to speak.

*           Councillors’ questions and clarifications.

*           Officers respond to the technical planning questions raised as directed by the Chair.

*           Councillors debate and make a decision.

RESOLVED that the procedure for the meeting be noted.

Councillor John Steer left the meeting.

The Committee received a report and application HW/FUL/23/00488 at Land to the West of Harlow Playhouse, College Gate, Harlow for the Redevelopment of land to the west of Harlow Playhouse, including Occasio House, to provide a 2 no. storey detached extension to Harlow Playhouse to provide creative studios and performing arts space, music school and recording studio, cafe, changing rooms and booking office (Sui Generis); and an additional part 6 no. and part 5 no. storey building to provide flexible commercial and community floorspace at ground floor level (Use Class E and Use Class F.1/F.2) with residential flats above (Use Class C); together with landscaping, public realm improvements, improvement works to the Haydens Road subway, re-direction of College Gate and re-location of the taxi rank; and associated access and parking provision.

Representations were heard from an objector, a supporter, and the applicant.

RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions in the report, as amended by the supplementary agenda, and an amendment to the construction hours so that works begin at 8am.

Councillor John Steer returned to the meeting.

The Committee received a report and application HW/HSE/24/00029 at 10 the Sweyns for render finish to elevations.

Representations were heard from two objectors.

RESOLVED that planning permission be REFUSED as the application would have an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area, contrary to Policy PL1 of the HLDP.

The Committee received a report and application HW/FUL/24/00057 at 60 Hare Street Springs for the conversion of existing House of Multiple Occupation into 3 no. two-bedroom flats and 1 no. one-bedroom flat along with the construction of two-storey side and rear extensions and a single storey rear extension.  Including the repositioning of windows and the relocation of the front door, above which a new canopy is proposed to be erected.

RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions in the report, with an amendment to the construction hours so that works can begin no earlier than 8am.

Any references received after the publication of this agenda will be circulated separately.

None.

Such other business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be received as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the minutes.

The Chair said this was the last meeting that Pauline Elliott, Interim Planning and Building Control Manager would be attending before leaving the council. The Committee thanked her for the support and advice she had provided them.