10th December 2020 Extraordinary Meeting
Haconby & Stainfield Parish Council Extraordinary Meeting
On Thursday 10th December 2020
A Remote Meeting On Zoom Video Conferencing Commencing At 7.00 pm
Present: Councillors Richard Dixon-Warren (Chairman), Brian Blackbourn (Vice Chairman)
Derek Bailey, Philippa Dixon-Warren, Janine Rayfield, David Winn
District Councillor Dr Peter Moseley
Parish Clerk – Mrs Wendy Gray (first part of meeting)
14 members of the public joined the meeting (including residents and potential residents, and representatives of Planning Potential and Cambian Group
1. Chairman’s Introduction and Announcements. The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting and asked that microphones be muted except when speaking. He outlined the aim of the meeting, options and requirements for planning applications, described format and sequence, and highlighted points specific to Zoom videoconferences:
Aim – to discuss the planning application for change of use of 44 Chapel St from dwelling house to care home use, and to comment on the application by 21 December.
Options – either not to make a representation or to make a representation. If the latter, may decide the substance of the representation and develop detail later, with further research.
Planning applications – must be determined with regard to material planning considerations, noting that the planning system operates to ensure the "control of land use in the public interest." Council cannot take into account non-material planning considerations.
Format – public forum (applicant speak about the application and members of the public raise questions, make comments or representations) followed by Council meeting (as per agenda).
Videoconference – Council uses Zoom Basic (meeting will run in 40 minute sessions), which works best if only one person at a time is speaking.
2. Public Questions, Comments or Representations.
The Planning Potential representative outlined the planning process, the role of the care home for three children (11-18, who will have suffered some trauma in the past) supported by a Team Leader and three Care Workers, intent to provide a safe and homely environment, and support to education (at a school in Wisbech).
Members of the public voiced concerns and objections, commented on the application and asked questions. Planning Potential and Cambian Group representatives variously responded, noted, questioned and agreed to follow these up. Summary of points:
Objections submitted.
Suitability of property and its location – rural location, no facilities or amenities, isolation, lack of police coverage, mix of people (elderly and vulnerable with children with complex needs – sensitive allocation).
Children challenged, rate of absconding (Ofsted report on home in Norfolk).
Vehicle concentrations at shift changeover, frequency and size of agricultural vehicles at various times in the year.
Distance between Haconby and school – over an hour’s drive.
Misrepresentations in planning application, possible breaches of Housing Act, health and safety.
Planning Potential and Cambian Group responded. Summary of points:
Some comments based on anecdotal evidence, press reports highlighted isolated incidents, great care taken over placements – done to suit individual needs of each child, rural locations often suit children, children travel long distances to school all over the County, timings for shift changes over and school runs were indicative and could be adjusted.
Cambian Houses are located in both rural and urban locations, Cambian Group staff will work to fit into communities to give children stability and replicate what parents do. Takes time for children to trust but with proper routines in place they start to feel secure.
Will check reported misrepresentation. Note that Highways and Police are officially consulted in planning application process and Cambian Group staff seek to have good relationships with local policing teams.
Cllr Moseley clarified LCC and SKDC policy and procedures on distances from education, and highlighted material planning considerations, factors relevant to rural villages with few if any community groups, and responsibility of Cambian Group to be good neighbours.
Cllr Dixon-Warren noted the range and extent of detailed points and responses, which were beyond full discussion in this meeting but which needed to be aired. Some would need to be checked, such as the suggested misrepresentation. He thanked those who raised points and those who responded.
In answer to the question, ‘Why Haconby?’, Cambian Group representative explained saturation of care homes in Wisbech which led to expansion of the business into Lincolnshire. Many other villages looked at, Haconby well suited, rural location, size of property suitable, want the very best for the children.
3. Apologies for Absence: Cllr Paul Smart
4. Disclosures of Interest.
No Councillors had pecuniary interests to declare but the Chairman pointed out, for transparency, that three Councillors did live on Chapel Street.
Cllr Dr Moseley asked if any members of the Parish Council had made individual objections, highlighting what used to be known as ‘predetermination’. It was confirmed that some Councillors might register objections but none had, to date, done so.
5. Business Item – Planning Permission 44 Chapel Street.
The Chairman asked if the Parish Council should make a representation – consensus was to do so following extensive research and reviewing information supplied by members of the community and the applicant.
Cllr Dr Moseley advised that the Parish Council could represent the views of the community to include residents’ concerns and could suggest conditions to be attached should it be approved.
The Chairman proposed that the Parish Council should make a representation, Cllr Blackbourn seconded, all in agreement.
Cllr Dr Moseley advised referencing the Local Plan in any submission.
6. Follow Up Meeting.
It was agreed that a further meeting be arranged.
The Chairman thanked all for their attendance.
The meeting closed at 20:29.