To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2018.

The Director of Governance and Assurance submitted the minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2018.

Resolved – That the minutes be approved.

Members of the Committee were asked whether they had any personal or prejudicial interests in connection with any application on the agenda and if so to declare them and state the nature of the interest.

The following requests for site visits were unanimously approved:

APP/18/00243: Beverley, 16 Brimstage Road, Barnston Road, Barnston, CH60 1XG – Erection of 8 apartments in a single block following demolition of exisiting buildings, together with associated landscaping, parking, bin and cycle storage.

APP/18/00522: Former Pershore House playing fields off Glenavon Road and its replacement with a single dwelling and domestic curtilage and the erection of 28 x 4 bedroom detached dwellings all to be accessed from a single point of access via Glenavon road.

APP/ 18/00669: 2 Donne Avenue, Spital, CH63 9YH – Erection of new two storey, four bedroom detached dwelling with single detached garage.

APP/18/00694: Vacant Land to the rear of 240-240B Wallasey Village, Wirral, CH45 3LP – Erection of two single storey detached dwellings.

The Corporate Director for Delivery Services submitted the above application for consideration.

On a motion by Councillor George Davies and seconded by Councillor Paul Stuart it was:

Resolved (10:3) That the application be approved subject to the following conditions:

Resolved – That consideration of this item be deferred for a formal site visit.

Resolved – That consideration of this item be deferred for a formal site visit.

Resolved – That consideration of this item be deferred for a formal site visit.

Resolved – That consideration of this item be deferred for a formal site visit.

A Report by the Corporate Director for Economic and Housing Growth informed the Committee of an objection to Wirral Borough Council’s Tree Preservation Order No WR0386 and recommended that the order should be confirmed.

The Committee were reminded that the Council has a duty to make provisions for the preservation of trees and woodlands where it is “expedient” in the interests of amenity and that it does this by making Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’s).

The objection raised against this TPO (Stanley Road, Hoylake) was on the grounds that the tree is old and distorted and in the opinion of the objector, dangerous. Concerns had been raised regarding safety in times of strong winds and potential for damage to the objector’s property.

Findings of the Council’s Tree Preservation Officer identified that the tree, a Sycamore, is old and as such adds to the character of Stanley Road and the properties which are situated in a conservation area. It was reported that, on inspection, there was no indication that the tree is in a dangerous condition or is at higher risk of falling in high winds. The report outlined information regarding risk management and explained common misconceptions about health and safety relating to trees.

Members heard how Policy GD7 forms part of the Local Planning Authority’s wider responsibility to conserve the natural beauty of the area and to provide for physical improvements to the environment and in accordance with the policy, trees possessing significant visual or wildlife value will normally be retained.

Resolved (13:0) – That the Planning Committee confirm TPO WR0386.

A Report by the Corporate Director for Economic and Housing Growth informed the Committee of an objection to Wirral Borough Council’s Tree Preservation Order No 0385.

The report informed Members that an objection was raised on the grounds that the trees are too high and cause excessive shading to the garden and branches overhand the neighbours garden and that the TPO will prohibit sensible and active management of the trees.

Findings of the Council’s Tree Preservation Officer explained how the TPO was placed on the trees, located at 370A Pensby Rd, Pensby, due to concerns that the owners trees would be reduced in height. It was reported that as the trees are adjacent to a public right of way it was thought expedient in the interests of amenity to make the Order.

Members heard how a TPO should not be, and is not a barrier to sensible and proportionate management of trees and that excessive reduction can lead to decline/death of species such as Beech. It was reported that the TPO allows the Council to have some control of the amount of pruning so as to preserve the amenity the trees provide. It was explained that the trees remain the property of the owners, and the TPO does not preclude the rights of the neighbour to prune the trees other than requiring an application.

It was reported that trees form a prominent part of the Wirral landscape and comprise an essential feature in the special character of many of Wirral’s residential areas. It was further reported that the Council has a duty to make provision for the preservation of trees and woodlands in the interest of amenity.

Resolved (13:0) That the Planning Committee confirm TPO No 0385.

Resolved – That consideration of this item be deferred for consideration at the next meeting of the Planning Committee.

The Corporate Director for Delivery Services submitted a report detailing planning applications decided under delegated powers between 09/07/2018 and 06/08/2018.

Resolved – That the report be noted.