Apologies were received from Councillor Mark Watkin.

Councillor Bell stated that he had been contacted by the applicant for the item at Minute Number 60 but had not many any comments.  The Chair confirmed that other Councillors had also been contacted by the applicant but had also not made any comments.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 December 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 16 December 2014 were submitted and signed.

Application for the erection of a mixed use, 2 storey Community Centre.

The Committee received a report of the Development Management Section Head including the relevant planning history of the site and details of four representations citing objections. 

The Chair invited Mr Peter Hopkins to speak in favour of the application.  Mr Hopkins stated that he was a Chartered Architect and that he was speaking on behalf of the Watford Muslim Youth Centre Trust.  He commented that the design was in line with national and local policies and that it would be a community centre for local residents and the community.  He had worked to reduce the scale and impact of the project and created architecture to enhance the area.

Mr Hopkins outlined to the Committee that the ground floor of the Community Centre would have a public bookshop and cafeteria and a multi function hall.  The first floor would have a youth centre and crèche.  The applicant had commissioned their own traffic report which concluded that the development would not have an unacceptable impact.  During large events the parking would be managed by the Trust.  It was proposed to direct drivers to larger car parks locally and provide a shuttle bus.

Mr Hopkins continued that the Trust were happy to comply with conditions in the report and would continue to work with Watford Borough Council.  Mr Hopkins felt that the proposal offered a unique building in design and an attractive modern facility.

Councillor Bashir supported the application and commented that the land had been vacant but earmarked for 20 years.  There was desperate need for this type of project proposed – dynamic, visionary and forward thinking – with a particular impact on the youth.  He accepted the design fully and said that it fitted in well in the locality without significant disturbance.  Councillor Bashir commented that the concerns of the Environment Agency and Hertfordshire Constabulary were addressed by the conditions in the report.

Councillor Sharpe stated that the application was to be welcomed.  The site did have a long history with aspiration for a facility of this kind.  He hoped that this development would come to fruition and bring the land back into use.  Councillor Sharpe commented that there was a covenant on the land that it was not to be used primarily as a place of worship.  He suggested that this should also be included as one of the conditions to complement the covenant.  Councillor Sharpe continued that although community centres are rarely attractive buildings to be proud of, this development was not just functional but would also enhance the streetscape of West Watford.

The Chair asked the officers whether a condition could be applied alongside the covenant.  The Applications Casework Manager responded that it would be possible.

Councillor Bell stated that an additional condition concerning use would make the position regarding the covenant clear and dispel any local rumours.  He liked the modern plans and welcomed a facility which would be available to all members of the community.   Councillor Bell expressed concern regarding the highways aspect of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

Application for the installation of 21m high lattice telecommunications tower supporting 6 no. antennas and 3 no. dishes.

The Committee received a report of the Development Management Section Head including the relevant planning history of the site. 

Councillor Johnson commented on the lack of bulk of the structure and questioned whether in the future there would be bulky additions.

The Major Cases Manager responded that once mast structures were built they could be added to, although this would only happen when services improved, such as the provision of 4G services.  Operators could use permitted development rights to add antennae and dishes and were increasingly sharing networks. There were two operators proposed on the current mast but he could not rule out the possibility of there being additional antennae in the future.

Councillor Sharpe stated that it was a very tall mast; however, although not a thing of great beauty, such structures were now commonplace and it would not be out of place in the suggested location.

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.         The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved drawings: 101B, 200B, 300B