Agenda and minutes

Members and officers must declare any pecuniary or personalinterest in any business on the agenda. They should also make declarations at any stage such an interest becomes apparent during the meeting. Consideration should be given to leaving the meeting if the nature of the interest warrants it. If in doubt, contact Democratic Services before the meeting.

7.1     In accordance the County Council’s Constitution: Code of Practice on Probity and Protocol on Public Participation in Planning and Rights of Way Committees, the following members declared that they have been lobbied in relation to Item 4 - planning application WSCC/045/20:
Cllr Kitchen, Cllr Atkins, Cllr Baldwin, Cllr Barrett-Miles, Cllr Burrett,
Cllr Goldsmith, Cllr High (Chairman), Cllr McDonald, Cllr Millson,
Cllr Montyn, Cllr S Oakley, Cllr Patel and Cllr Sudan.

The Committee is asked to confirm the minutes of the meeting held on
2 February 2021 (cream paper).

8.1       Resolved – That:

(1)     updates on outstanding applications and delegated decisions for planning and rights of way matters and status reports regarding previously decided rights of way applications be circulated by email to Committee members monthly; and

(2)     the minutes of Planning and Rights of Way Committee held on 2 February 2021 be amended, as noted in the Agenda Update Sheet (copy appended to the signed copy of the minutes) and that the minutes be agreed and that they be signed by the Chairman.

Items not on the agenda that the Chairman of the Committee is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances.

9.1     There were no urgent matters.

Report by Head of Planning Services.

The Committee is asked to consider and determine the following application:

WSCC/045/20 – Temporary permission for exploration and appraisal comprising the removal of drilling fluids and subsequent engineering works with an extended well test for hydrocarbons along with site security fencing and site restoration.  Lower Stumble Exploration Site, London Road, Balcombe RH17 6JH.

WSCC/045/20 – Temporary permission for exploration and appraisal comprising the removal of drilling fluids and subsequent engineering works with an extended well test for hydrocarbons along with site security fencing and site restoration.  Lower Stumble Exploration Site, London Road, Balcombe RH17 6JH.

10.1   The Committee recessed at 10.47 a.m. to allow all speakers to join the meeting and reconvened at 11.00 a.m.

10.2   The Committee considered a report by the Head of Planning Services, including changes to conditions as amended by Agenda Update Sheet (copy appended to the signed copy of the minutes).  The report was introduced by Chris Bartlett, Principal Planner, who gave a presentation on the proposals, details of the consultation and key issues in respect of the application.  21 further objections were received and considered following publication of the Committee report; these had not affected the recommendation before the Committee because the concerns raised were the same as those already outlined in other objections.

10.3   Mrs Sue Taylor, local resident and representative of Frack Free Balcombe Residents Association spoke in objection to the application.  The development represents major development in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).  There are no exceptional circumstances and the proposed development would not be in the public interest and it is therefore contrary to Policies M7a and M13 of the West Sussex Joint Local Minerals Plan and paragraphs 170 and 172 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).  The applicant may have a PEDL license, but planning and environmental permissions still need to be considered.  The potential maximum of 300 barrels of oil per day would not contribute to UK energy security.  The UK could meet its oil needs with much reduced domestic production and it has access to diverse and politically stable oil imports.  It is not true that oil produced in the UK has a lower carbon footprint than overseas imports.  Some UK produced oil is exported.  The proposed development carries a real risk of economic, social and environmental damage to Sussex.  The flare would be on 24 hours per day during the full year of testing.

10.4   Mrs Rachel Hall, local resident, spoke in objection to the application.  The number and size of HGVs would have an impact on residents, including pupils at the school, users of the scout hut and the church.  The location of the school, which is below pavement level, the need for open windows due to COVID-19 and position of the play area near the road means there are concerns about children’s exposure to pollution.  This includes NOx, carbon monoxide and benzene.  Particulate matter stays in the body and can cause long term health problems; therefore the proposal would be in contrast to NPPF paragraph 205b regarding human health.  Noise from HGVs also disrupts lessons.  The development stands in opposition the school’s teachings on greener lifestyles and general public concerns about climate change.  The 2018 flow test caused an acrid, creosote/varnish-like smell; this proposal would mean this would be repeated for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

The Committee is asked to note the schedule of County Matter applications and the schedule of applications submitted under the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992 – Regulation 3.

The Committee received and noted a report by the Head of Planning Services on applications awaiting determination (copy appended to the signed minutes) detailing the schedule of County Matter applications and the schedule of applications submitted under the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992 – Regulation 3.

The Committee is asked to note the report of applications approved subject to conditions under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992 since the Planning and Rights of Way Committee meeting on 2 February 2021.

The Committee received and noted a report by the Head of Planning Services on (copy appended to the signed minutes) applications approved subject to conditions under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992 since the Planning Committee meeting on 2 February 2021.

Report by the Director of Highways, Transport and Planning, Place Services.

The Committee is asked to note the schedule of creations and permissive path proposals, diversions and extinguishment applications and District Council consultations.

The Committee received and noted a report by the Director of Highways, Transport and Planning, Place Services on the schedule of creations and permissive path proposals, diversions and extinguishment applications and District Council consultations.

Report by the Director of Highways, Transport and Planning, Place Services.

The Committee is asked to note the report of delegated actions - creations and permissive path proposals, diversions and extinguishment applications and District Council consultations.

The Committee received and noted a report by the Director of Highways, Transport and Planning, Place Services on delegated actions - creations and permissive path proposals, diversions and extinguishment applications and District Council consultations decided between 17 August 2020 and
17 February 2021.

Report by the Director of Law and Assurance.

The Committee is asked to note the schedule of Definitive Map Modification Orders and Town and Village Green Applications.

The Committee received and noted a report by the Director of Law and Assurance on the schedule of Definitive Map Modification Orders and Town and Village Green applications.

Report by the Director of Law and Assurance.

The Committee is asked to note the report of delegated actions - Definitive Map Modification Orders and town and village green applications.

The Committee received and noted a report by the Director of Law and Assurance on delegated actions - Definitive Map Modification Orders and Town and Village Green applications decided between 17 August 2020 and 17 February 2021.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held at 10.30 am on Tuesday,
30 March 2021.

17.1     The next scheduled meeting of Planning and Rights of Way Committee will be on Tuesday, 30 March 2021 at 10.30 a.m.

17.2     In accordance with regulations in response to the current public health emergency. This meeting may be held virtually with members in remote attendance and with public access via webcasting.