Agenda and draft minutes

The evacuation procedure was noted.

There were no declarations of interest.

Considerations was given to the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting which was held 5February 2025 for approval and signature.

RESOLVED that the minutes be approved and signed as a correct record by the Chair.

The planning protocol was noted.

Consideration was given to planning application 24/2110/RET 93 Bishopton Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 4PG.

The application site, was No.93 Bishopton Road and currently there was an unauthorised and incomplete dwelling and various building detritus owing to the construction of the property ceasing. Previously the site was occupied by a 1.5 storey dormer bungalow which had been given permission for extensions and alterations. However, the property was demolished, and construction of the replacement dwelling was ultimately halted due to non-compliance with previous planning permissions.

Retrospective planning permission was being sought for the demolition of the existing original dwelling, and part of the partially completed dwellinghouse to create a single dwelling.

The rear elevation of the proposals would be brought in from the southern boundary to address the reasons for refusal which were due to sub-standard separation distances between a neighbouring dwelling and a sub-standard rear garden size. The proposed re-siting of the rear elevation would then meet with the required separation distances and be consistent with the rear elevation previously approved through extensions and alterations to the original property.

The consultees that had been notified and any comments that had been received were detailed within the main report.

Neighbours were notified and any comments received were detailed within the main report.

The planning policies and material planning considerations that were relevant to the consideration of the application were contained within the main report.

The Planning Officers report concluded that the application be approved with conditions for the reasons as specified within the main report.

Objectors attended the meeting and were given the opportunity to make representation. Their comments could be summarised as follows:

- Concerns were raised relating to the derelict appearance of the building site and safety issues.

- There had been a lack of building activity on the site for over a year resulting in Antisocial Behaviour (ASB).

- There had been reports of vermin on the site.

- The Local Planning Authority had a duty to deal with untidy and semi complete sites that affected local amenity under section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The Local Planning Authority were urged to use their powers under section 215 to improve the site.

- If the Committee were minded to approve the application there would still be no guarantees when or if any active building would take place.

- Concerns were raised relating to the garage on the proposed site and whether the asbestos test carried out was genuine.

- The building was not in keeping with the surrounding area particularly the proposed rendering as most houses within close proximity were red brick.

- It was requested that a suitable boundary between Hazelbrook and the proposed site be conditioned, as well as a fence around the whole of the property and not the current proposed wall as there were concerns in terms of the materials that would be used for the proposed wall.

- Clarity was sought as to why the planning inspectorate had refused the previous  ...  view the full minutes text for item P/5/25

Consideration was given to planning application 24/1628/FUL  Land South Of Marsh House Avenue Northfield School Site, Marsh House Avenue, Billingham.

Planning permission was sought for the reconfiguration of existing playing fields for the creation of a sports hub to include a pavilion building, all weather pitches, ball courts, athletics track, grass pitches, active track, hardstanding for new car parking, erection of a 3 metre high acoustic fence to the rear of 49 – 71 Neasham Avenue (trees and hedges to be retained and gapped up) and associated external infrastructure/landscaping.

The principle of development was considered acceptable, and it was not considered that the development would result in any significant conflict with the policies of the Local Plan and there were no technical reasons why the proposed scheme was unacceptable in planning terms that would justify a refusal of the application.

As Stockton Borough Council was both the applicant and landowner and the proposed development exceeded the threshold of development as set within the council Scheme of Delegation it was required to be referred to planning committee for determination.

The consultees that had been notified and any comments that had been received were detailed within the main report.

Neighbours were notified and any comments received were detailed within the main report.

The planning policies and material planning considerations that were relevant to the consideration of the application were contained within the main report.

The Planning Officers report concluded that the application be approved with conditions and reasons as specified within the main report.

The main topics discussed were as follows

- The facilities provided would be of a standard to host non league football. 

- There was to be an athletics ‘Mini Track’ with sprint, jump straights and throwing events.

- There had been much engagement with England Athletics and local clubs with an athletics provision meeting.

- Discussion was had around how and who would manage the facility with final details of usage agreements to be finalised.

- The facility would be used for the good of the community and any surplus revenue would be put back into grass roots football within the local authority area.

- Officers assured Members that in terms of flood zones and the small amount of surface water which was currently present would be tackled during landscaping.

- The active track element of the facility would have a 1.5 metre fence and 2 secure access points which would be restricted to 1 metre wide and when the facility was closed the gates would be locked which would mitigate against current issues with youths on offroad bikes.

A vote took place and the application was approved.

RESOLVED that planning application 24/1628/FUL be approved subject to the following conditions and informatives below;

01 Time Limit

The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

02 Approved Plans

The development hereby approved shall be in accordance with the following approved plan(s);

Plan Reference Number                                         Date Received

116404-NPS-XX-ZZ-D-A-0900-A3-C03              12  ...  view the full minutes text for item P/6/25