Meeting documents

Apologies received from Mrs L Briggs from Harrow Legal Services with Mrs K Hamilton attending in her place.

Item 4 – Cemex Quarry, Richings Park.  Mr D Martin declared a non-pecuniary interest as he was a Director of the Colne Valley Park Community Interest Company and the Buckinghamshire County Council representative on the Board of Directors

Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 13 February 2017, to be confirmed as a correct record

The minutes from the 13 February 2017 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Mr T Islam, Lead Planning Officer gave an overview of the application which sought agreement for temporary closure of public footpath, followed by the laying out of a site entrance, erection of new processing and concrete plants and related infrastructure, extraction of 2 million tonnes of sand and gravel, backfilling with inert waste and progressive restoration of the land to agriculture over a period of up to nine years.

The Committee received a presentation showing the site plans and photographs.  Members of the Committee had visited the site prior to the Development Control Committee in April, walked the whole site and were able to see for themselves any impact with particular attention to phase 1 and those areas nearest to residential properties.

Mr Islam highlighted the following points to the Committee:

• The extraction of the sand and gravel needed to take place prior Network Rail (NR) proceeding with a new Western Rail Link to Heathrow (WRLtH) airport which, if permitted, was due to start on site in spring 2019
• Highlighted the distance of the nearest affected properties and discussed the bunding and screening provided
• The main causes for concern following consultation had been in relation to additional traffic, however there had been no objections from Highways.  Mr Islam confirmed that there would be restrictions to lorries travelling through Iver and the site would be monitored regularly, with action taken against those not compiling with the restrictions

Public Speaking

The Committee received representation from the following:

Summary of Public Speaking:

Mr N Collyer highlighted the following points to the Committee:

• The site of the extraction was less than 30m from end of his garden and in the winter months was visible through the planting which gave no protection
• It was understood that phase one of extraction would be left for 4-5 years before it was restored and that this would be unsightly
• Requested that if the application was granted, there should be a further look at the boundaries
• Mr Collyer updated the Committee regarding the health complaints of residents that it is believed would be exacerbated by the work at the site.  Mr Collyer also stated there had been promises made by Cemex to contact those affected and that this was yet to happen

Mrs W Matthews, on behalf of Iver Parish Council circulated a summary of points to the Committee prior to the meeting (as attached).

Mrs Matthews highlighted the following points:

• The Parish Council accepted the need for the extraction but stated that the proposed mitigations for those properties in close proximity were not acceptable
• Residents’ concerns related to noise and dust pollution
• The additional traffic which would be to Iver
• The plant being illuminated and the disruption this would have on nearby residents

The Chairman of the Committee stated that it was their understanding that the plant would only be lit within normal hours of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To resolve to exclude the press and public as the following item is exempt by virtue of Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12a of the Local Government Act 1972 because it contains information relating to an individual and Paragraph 3, Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

RESOLVED

That the press and public be excluded for the following item which is exempt by virtue of Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12a of the Local Government Act 1972 because it contains information relating to an individual

Confidential minutes from the meeting held on 13 February 2017 to be agreed and signed

Enforcement update report to be presented by Ms O Stapleford

Ms O Stapleford, Enforcement Officer presented an update to the Committee on current enforcement action in progress.

Cabinet Member decision report to be presented by Mrs E Catcheside

The next meeting will take place on Monday 19 June 2017, Mezzanine Rooms 1 & 2, County Hall, Aylesbury starting at 10.00am.

The next meeting will be held on Monday 19 June, Mezz 1 & 2

The Chairman reiterated his personal thanks to the Committee for their dedication and commitment to their role on Development Control Committee and thanked Officers for their excellent work, in particular the excellent quality of reports and verbal updates given.  He also noted the benefit of the site visits that had been carried out.