To notify the Chairman of any items that appear later in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

No declarations of interest were received.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 7^th November 2008.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 7^th November, 2008 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

To consider the attached schedule of applications, which are to be determined by this Council.

Consideration was given to a schedule of applications for consent to develop (for copy see file of Minutes).

Application 1 - Erection of Public Art Feature “In Our Image” (Aycliffe Head) Land at St. Andrews Way, Newton Aycliffe

Sedgefield Borough Council Council Offices Spennymoor Plan Ref : 7/2008/0549/DM

It was explained that the application sought detailed planning approval for the construction of a public artwork feature “In Our Image”.  The proposed structure would measure a total height of 16.7 mts with an approximate width of 5.5 mts.

The proposed structure, which had been designed by artist Joe Hillier, would be constructed in steel and was to create a major high profile piece of public art which would identify the southern entrance to Aycliffe Business Park.

The artwork would be situated in an area of self-seeded woodland between Long Tens Way and St. Andrews Way immediately to the west of the A167.

The Committee was informed that Joe Hillier, the artist, was present at the meeting to outline his vision of the artwork.

Mr. Hillier explained that Aycliffe Fabrications would be involved in the construction.  The design had been developed using sophisticated computer modelling and considerable research had been undertaken.

The artwork had been designed to represent the engineering capabilities of the Business Park, Sedgefield Borough and the region in general.

The position of the proposed artwork had been selected to provide a unique piece of artwork at the southern entrance to the Business Park.

Members were informed that the application had been submitted with a range of supporting documentation including a Design and Access Statement, an Ecological Survey, an Arboricultural Implication Plan, a Statement of Community Involvement and a Heritage Statement.

It was considered that the proposal would accord with Local Planning Policy D9 and had been designed to complement its location without detrimentally effecting the surrounding area, ecology and nature conservation interest in the area. 

The proposal would provide a focal point to enhance the prestige and reputation of Aycliffe Business Park.

RESOLVED :            That the application be approved subject to the conditions outlined in the report.

To consider the attached schedule detailing an application which is to be determined by Easington District Council.  The view and observations of this Council have been requested.

Consideration was given to a schedule detailing an application which was to be determined by the District of Easington (for copy see file of minutes).  The views and observations of this Council had been requested.

RESOLVED :         That the schedule be received and the recommendations contained therein adopted.

A schedule of applications, which have been determined by Officers by virtue of their delegated powers, is attached for information

Consideration was given to a schedule detailing applications which had been determined by officers by virtue of their delegated powers.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

RESOLVED :            That the schedule be received.

A schedule of appeals outstanding up to 26^th November 2008 is attached for information.

Consideration was given to a schedule of appeals outstanding up to 26^th November, 2008 (for copy see file of Minutes).

RESOLVED :            That the schedule be received.

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services in respect of a recent planning appeal decision  (for copy see file of Minutes).

Members noted that the appeal against a planning decision to refuse an application for the erection of a two storey extension to the rear of 128, High Street, Byers Green had been dismissed.

RESOLVED :            That the information be received.

RESOLVED:             That in accordance with Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1 and 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 12a of the Act.

To consider the attached schedule of alleged breaches of planning control and action taken.

Consideration was given to a schedule detailing alleged breaches of planning control and action taken (for copy see file of Minutes).

RESOLVED :            That the schedule be received.

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services (for copy see file of Minutes) regarding proposals to take enforcement action under Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act with regard to the untidy condition of a property detailed in the report.

RESOLVED :            That the report be received and the recommendations contained therein adopted.