There was a change of membership for this meeting: Councillor Jeffree replaced Councillor Watkin.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Bell.

There were no Disclosures of Interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 October 2014 to be submitted and signed. 

Copies of the minutes of this meeting are usually available seven working days following the meeting.

(All minutes are available on the Council’s website.)

The minutes of the meeting held on 6 October 2014 were submitted and signed.

Application for the development for 10 residential units (Class C3), including the erection of a new apartment block together with the conversion of the vacant ground floor of the existing neighbourhood centre, with associated access, parking, amenity space and landscaping.

It was noted that this item had been withdrawn from the agenda.

Application for demolition of the existing structures, removal of below ground structures and foundations and remediation of the site.

The Committee received a report of the Development Section Head including the relevant planning history of the site.  No representations had been received.

The Chair invited Miss Samantha Thrupp to speak to the Committee in support of the application.

Miss Thrupp informed the Committee that she was a Land Regeneration Adviser.  She outlined information about National Grid and its land ownership.  She advised that the application was seeking approval to carry out environmental improvements to the site.  National Grid aimed to clean up existing sites and return them to use.

Miss Thrupp explained the site’s history.  She added that part of the site was still used to distribute natural gas across Watford.  The original gas holder had recently been removed as it was no longer required.

Miss Thrupp reported that the company had engaged with local residents and businesses, including the local press.  The company had won an industry participation award for the engagement work it had carried out at this site.  Reynolds Coaches, a former tenant on this site, had been relocated to another National Grid site. 

Miss Thrupp stated that the company had undertaken investigation works prior to the application being submitted.  She said that the company had placed important focus on Health and Safety.  This had included the consultation with local residents, local community representatives and businesses.  She noted that no representation had been received by the Council in relation to the application.  Miss Thrupp added that the company was committed to working with Watford Borough Council in relation to Frogmore House and if the application were to be granted National Grid would continue to work with all representatives.

Councillor Bashir said that he was in support of the application’s intention of clearing the contaminated land.  He had had initial concerns about Frogmore House’s garden; however, after having read the report and noted the proposed conditions, he was satisfied with the application. 

Councillor Jeffree commented that he was also pleased to see the proposed detailed condition regarding Frogmore House and its land.  He asked whether there would be any archaeological works on the rest of the site or if it was considered that any historical details may have already been lost due to the previous operation on the site.

The Major Cases and Enforcement Manager responded that due to the extensive underground pipe work and foundations on the site he presumed that there would be little data left.  The archaeological interest had only been raised in relation to Frogmore House.

The Chair commended the company on winning the award for its work with the local community.

RESOLVED –

that planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:-

1.      The development to which this permission relates shall be begun within a period of three years commencing on the date of this permission.

2.      Development works shall not take place before 8am or after 6pm Mondays to Fridays, before 8am or after 1pm on Saturdays or at any time on Sundays and Public Holidays, unless otherwise agreed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.