To receive declarations by Members and Officers of the existence and nature of any pecuniary interests or any other significant interest in matters on this agenda.
Minutes:
2.1 Councillor Ruth Bush explained that a week before the meeting, all six Members of the Sub-Committee were provided with a full set of papers
including a detailed officer’s report on each application; together with bundles
of every single letter or e-mail received in respect of every application,
including all letters and emails containing objections or giving support.
Members of the Sub-Committee read through everything in detail prior to the
meeting. Accordingly, if an issue or comment made by a correspondent was
not specifically mentioned at this meeting in the officers’ presentation or by
Members of the Sub-Committee, it did not mean that the issue had been
ignored. Members would have read about the issue and comments made by
correspondents in the papers read prior to the meeting. The Sub-Committee
would be adjourned to allow Members to read late representations that had been submitted prior to the meeting.
2.2 Councillor Ruth Bush declared an interest in Item 1 and advised that she previously sat on a Planning Sub-Committee which considered a prior application. Councillor Bush advised that all considerations which had been made at that meeting would be dismissed and would approach the Application with a ‘fresh mind ’and was able to consider the item without predetermination as required.
2.3 Councillor Bush declared an interest for all the Items and advised that she was a Trustee of Westminster Tree Trust.
2.4 Councillor Jason Williams declared an interest in Item 1 and advised that he previously sat on a Planning Sub-Committee which considered a prior application and would consider the application with an open mind and without any pre-determination. Councillor Williams informed that he was previously a member of Covent Garden Area Trust (CGAT) and knew one of the objectors. He advised that he had not discussed the application with the individual.
2.5 Councillor Williams also declared that in respect of Item 2, he and Councillor Patrick Lilley were both members of the Majority Group. He advised that the application had not been discussed with Councillor Lilley.
2.6 Councillor Paul Fisher declared an interest in Items 2 and 3, he advised that the applications site was located within his Ward. He advised that in relation to Item 2, he personally knew some of the objectors. The applications were not discussed.
2.7 Councillor Fisher also declared an interest in Item 1 and advised that discussions had been held with residents on the merits of the original application. Councillor Fisher advised that he would withdraw from the meeting whilst the Item was being discussed to ensure that the Planning Sub- Committee decision is unimpeachable.
2.8 Councillor Nafsika Butler-Thalassis declared an interest in Item 1 and advised that she previously sat on a Planning Sub-Committee which considered a prior application and would consider the application with an open mind and without any pre-determined view.
2.9 Councillor Jim Glan declared an interest and advised that he knew some of the objectors and informed that no discussions had been held regarding the Applications.
2.10 Councillor Glen declared an interest for all the Items and advised that he was a Trustee of Westminster Tree Trust and would consider all applications with an open mind.
2.11 Councillor Mark Shearer declared an interest in Item 4 and advised that he had received a presentation alongside his Ward colleagues from the Applicant. Councillor Shearer informed that he would approach the Item with an open mind.
2.12 Councillor Shearer declared an interest in Item 1 and informed that a Ward colleague had previously sent an email which advised that all three Ward colleagues were in support of the Application. He advised that it was previously not intended for him to be part of a Planning Sub-Committee which was to consider the Application. Councillor Shearer advised that following legal advice, he would withdraw from the meeting whilst the Item was being considered.