Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained the Fire Evacuation Procedure.

There were no declarations of interest received at this point in the meeting.

The minutes of the meeting of the Planning and Development Committee held on 10 April 2025 were submitted and approved as a correct record.

Schedule – Page 7

Item 1 – 13 Gypsy Lane – Page 9

The Development Control Manager submitted plans deposited as applications to develop land under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

24/0521/COU, 13 Gypsy Lane, Middlesbrough, TS7 8NF, Retrospective summerhouse to rear garden and part change of use of existing property to allow for childcare provision for up to 9 children and 3 staff members, Mon-Fri, 8am -5pm (term time only).

The Committee was advised that planning permission was sought for retrospective planning approval for part change of use of the existing property to allow for childcare provision and the erection of a summerhouse to the rear of the property, which facilitated the use.

It was explained that 31 children were registered to attend the childcare facility, currently with numbers on site varying between nine and 18 throughout the day.  The business also currently employed seven part-time staff, although the number of staff on shift at any one time was between three and four under normal circumstances.

Members were advised that, following concerns regarding the scale of the use and its associated impacts, the submission sought approval for a Child Care use to operate from the residential property to cater for a maximum of nine children per day (50% reduction), supported by three staff members.  Operational hours would be Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm during school term-time only.

Whilst garden buildings could be permitted development and not require planning permission, it came to light during the course of the application that the summerhouse did not meet the relevant permitted development criteria with regards to its height or to its use.  Consent was therefore also being sought for the summerhouse which had already been constructed and which provided a playroom/childminding space which facilitated the use.  It was understood that this space was also used by the applicant’s own children.

Objections were received from a number of residents highlighting issues regarding increased noise, traffic, parking, level of activity and change in character. Letters of support had also been received highlighting that the childcare provision was a valued and vital service that allowed parents to work.

Objections were also initially raised from the Council’s Planning Policy Team and Highway Service due to overall impacts as a result of the scale of the use.  Environmental Health had also commented confirming that they had no objection, subject to a noise management plan condition being put in place.

Whilst the use now sought a significant reduction in scale, it was the officers view that nine children would be the maximum suitable to be cared for from this residential property.  Subject to conditions restricting children numbers and operational hours, officers were of the view that the use could be controlled to be at a level which would not significantly impact on the privacy and amenity of neighbours, or have an adverse impact on the character of the area or on the safe operation of the highway.  Officers did recognise, however, that limiting impacts of any business operating from home was partially dependant on good management.

The Development  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25/4

The Development Control Manager submitted details of new planning applications that had been received on a weekly basis over the last month.  The purpose of this was to provide Members with the opportunity of viewing current live applications, which had yet to be considered by officers.

The Committee discussed the contents of the document.  The officer advised that if Members felt that an application ought to be considered by the Committee, he should be advised accordingly.

NOTED

The Development Control Manager submitted details of planning applications which had been approved to date in accordance with the delegated authority granted to him at Minute 187 (29 September 1992).

NOTED

Appeal Decision – 24/0381/FUL – Page 37

Appeal Decision – 24/0488/COU – Page 39

The Development Control Manager provided an update to Members on two planning appeals, both of which had been dismissed.

NOTED

Site Visits

A Member referred to site visits and queried whether it would be possible for them to be reintroduced. 

During discussion, Members considered the costs involved in undertaking site visits; the potential advantages of site visits when preparing to consider larger or more contentious applications; and the possible use of other resources, such as Google Maps, in preparing to consider planning applications.

The Chair indicated that they would liaise with the appropriate officers and report back to the Committee.

AGREED that:

1.     The Chair would investigate the possibility of resuming site visits with relevant officers and report back to the Committee accordingly. 

2.     The information, as presented, was noted.