Planning Committee

Agenda

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

To:   All Members of the Planning Committee (Cllrs Carolyn Barton, Kristian Berggreen, Robert Brewer, Bill Hatton and Claire Tester) with copies to all other Councillors for information.

A meeting of the PLANNING COMMITTEE will be held on Monday 6 March 2023 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks.

Parish Clerk – 28 February 2023

AGENDA

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. Disclosure by Councillors of personal and/or pecuniary interests in matters on the agenda and whether the Councillors regard their interest as prejudicial/pecuniary under the terms of the Code of Conduct.

3. MINUTES. To accept the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 February 2023 (previously circulated).

4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

5. APPLICATIONS (copies of each application can be viewed online via the Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) Websitehttps://pa.midsussex.gov.uk/online-applications/

5.1 DM/22/3566 4 Lagwood Close Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8HZ Single storey side extension. New bay window to front elevation and change the roof design of the existing front projection. Loft conversion including: roof height increase, change of roof form, three dormer windows to the rear roof slope, three rooflights to the front roof slope and increase in chimney hight. (Re-submission of application DM/21/1590). (Revised plans received 09.02.2023) (Revised description agreed 10.02.2023)

5.2 DM/22/1159 26 Stanford Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8JJ Retrospective application for the demolition of existing conservatory, side extension, and garage and replace with a new single-storey rear and side extensions, with replacement garage. (amended plans submitted 14/11/22)

5.3 DM/22/3336 30 Stonepound Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8PR Proposed front elevation dormer, rear and side roof extensions and associated alterations. Amended Plans received 03.02.2023 showing removal of rear dormer.

5.4 DM/23/0347 14 Ewart Close Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8FJ (T1) Ash – Fell

5.5 DM/23/0238 2 Dale Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8LW T1 x Acacia and T2 x Ash – fell, as in poor condition.

5.6 DM/23/0342 36 Grand Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8DB Proposed single storey rear extension.

5.7 DM/23/0255 Clayton Wickham Cottage Belmont Lane Hurstpierpoint Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9EP Single storey extension to existing house.

5.8 DM/23/0378 33 Kings Drive Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8DY Proposed dormer to rear side of existing roof. (LDC).

5.9 DM/22/3677 33 Kings Drive Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8DY Proposed demolition of existing conservatory, single storey rear extension, internal remodelling, loft conversion with roof lights and dormer to the rear. Amended drawings received 09.02.2023 and 15.02.2023 showing rear dormer window removed and showing proposed decked patio to rear.

5.10 DM/23/0388 33 Clayton Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8HD Outbuilding in garden with retaining wall.

5.11 DM/23/0420 10 Kymer Gardens Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8QZ Demolition of existing conservatory and garage, and erection of a rear / side single storey extension.

5.12 DM/23/0451 Church Hall St Francis Of Assisi Priory Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8PS Proposed single storey addition to Front (East) Elevation together with Velux Roof lights to the Rear (West) Elevation and new cladding to the whole building.

5.13 DM/23/0291 14 Hurst Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9NJ Proposed first floor storey extension with new pitched roof over, including three dormer windows to the front roof slope and existing chimney extended. Removal of existing conservatory, construction of canopy porch and new aluminium windows and doors. (Revised description agreed 21.02.2023. Planning Statement and Tree Report received 21.02.2023).

5.14 DM/23/0462 13 Silverdale Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8RD  Erection of single storey rear extension. (LDC)

5.15 DM/23/0527 42 Adastra Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8DL Proposed loft conversion to include dormer windows to side roof slopes and proposed conversion of garage to form entrance/enlarged hallway. (LDC).

5.15 LI/23/0222 LI/23/0222 Weald Lawn Tennis & Squash Rackets Club An application has been made to the Licensing Authority for Mid Sussex District Council for the grant of a Variation of a Premises Licence to extend the use of the outside patio and balcony areas for licensable activities from 2200 hours to 2300 hours every day. 

6. APPLICATIONS FOR DISCHARGE OF PLANNING CONDITIONS. None

7. DECISION NOTICES.

8. TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE APPLICATION. Members are invited to consider the following road closure applications and any comments they may wish to make on behalf of Hassocks Parish Council.

8.1 Lower Quadrant Road, The Quadrant, Hassocks from 07.00hrs to 23.00hrs on Sunday 7th May 2023 for a Coronation Street Party to take place. (Location Map Appendix 1)

8.2 Ockley Way (between # 52 & 60) Hassocks from 10.00hrs to 20.15hrs on Sunday 7th May 2023 for a Coronation Street Party to take place.

8.3  Clayton Avenue (Cul-de-sac from # 30), Hassocks from 10.00hrs to 18.00hrs on Sunday 7th May 2023  for a Coronation Street Party to take place (Location Map Appendix 1).

9. Urgent Matters at the discretion of the Chairman for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda.

10. Date of Next Meeting: 27 March 2023 at 7.30pm.

Please Note
All members of the public are welcome to attend meetings of the Parish Council and its Committees.
Item 4 – a period of 15 minutes will be set aside for the public statements and questions relating to the published non-confidential business of the Meeting.
It may be necessary to consider particular items in confidential session and where this arises, these items will be considered at the end of the agenda.

FILMING, RECORDING OF COUNCIL MEETINGS AND USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
During this meeting members of the public may film or record the Committee and officers from the public area only providing it does not disrupt the meeting. The Confidential section of the meeting may not be filmed or recorded. If a member of the public objects to being recorded, the person(s) filming must stop doing so until that member of the public has finished speaking. The use of social media is permitted but members of the public are requested to switch their mobile devices to silent for the duration of the meeting.

Appendix 1

ITEM 8. TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE APPLICATIONS.  Location Maps
Please click here to view Appendix 1 location maps.

Item 8.1 Lower Quadrant Road, The Quadrant, Hassocks

Item 8.3 Clayton Avenue (Cul-de-sac from # 30), Hassocks.

Minutes

HASSOCKS PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the PLANNING COMMITTEE Meeting held on Monday 6 March at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Adastra Park, Hassocks

Attendees: Parish Councillors: Cllr Kristian Berggreen (Chair), Cllr Robert Brewer, Cllr Carolyn Barton, Cllr Bill Hatton and Cllr Claire Tester.

In Attendance: Deputy Clerk – Tracy Forte

P22/141 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.  There were no apologies for absence.

P22/142 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.  There were no declarations of interest.

P22/143 MINUTES. It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 13 February 2023 be signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

P22/144 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.  There were 4 members of the public present.

P22/144.1 Mrs Dawn Langston spoke in support of application DM/22/3566 4 Lagwood Close.   Mrs Langston is the applicant and informed the committee that the previously approved application for 4 Lagwood Close, DM/21/1590, had been restricted by Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) to a roof height of 0.8m.  However, Mrs Langston drew the Committee’s attention to application DM/22/2850 16 Lagwood Close, which in the last year has been granted permission for a similar extension with a 1.2m increase to the roof height.  Mrs Langston felt therefore that precedent has been set in the street and furthermore that the amended application for 4 Lagwood Close to allow a 1.2m roof height has been designed to be less obtrusive on the street scene.  Therefore Mrs Langston hoped that the Committee would consider recommending this application for approval.

P22/144.2 Cllr Berggreen invited the Deputy Clerk to provide background to application DM/22/1159 26 Stanford Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8JJ.  The Deputy Clerk informed the Committee that this application should have been included on the previous planning agenda for the meeting held on 13 February 2023, however due to an administrative error this had been omitted for which she was very sorry.  The Planning Officer at MSDC had been contacted and informed of the situation and an extension had been requested, however the Officer responded that this could not be granted due to the requirement to make a decision in a timely manner.  The decision is still pending and therefore Mr and Mrs Steel requested the opportunity to make a representation to the Committee and for the Committee to consider this application despite the closing date for the submission of representations having passed.  It was acknowledged that the Planning Officer may not accept any further comments from the Parish Council.

Mrs Steel spoke in opposition to DM/22/1159 26 Stanford Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8JJ.  Mrs Steel had previously made representations in May 2022 to the Committee regarding numerous inaccuracies in this retrospective application, the Committee had recommended refusal on the basis that the plans were incorrect.   Mrs Steel outlined numerous ongoing concerns to the Committee on the amended plans for this application believing that that the plans continue to be misleading and inaccurate, including the location of the garage which is further forward than is shown on the current plans.  Mrs Steel also reported that she considers that the application process for 26 Stanford Avenue has not been fair or transparent and has allowed the submission of 3 sets of incorrect plans.  Mrs Steel therefore urged the Committee to take these matters into account when considering the application and to recommend refusal.

P22/145 APPLICATIONS

DM/22/3566 4 Lagwood Close Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8HZ Single storey side extension. New bay window to front elevation and change the roof design of the existing front projection. Loft conversion including: roof height increase, change of roof form, three dormer windows to the rear roof slope, three rooflights to the front roof slope and increase in chimney height. (Re-submission of application DM/21/1590). (Revised plans received 09.02.2023) (Revised description agreed 10.02.2023).  Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL The applicant is advised that Government has committed to adopt a ‘Future Buildings Standard’ during 2021 which will change the Building Regulations requirements for alterations and extensions to homes to bring these alterations closer to that of a ‘zero energy building’.  This is supported by Policy 5 ‘Enabling Zero Carbon’ of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan which states that proposals that modify existing buildings (including extensions) should seek to maximise the inclusion of energy-saving measures and renewable energy generation.  Energy saving measures include floor, roof and wall insulation, and low u-value windows (which may need to be triple glazed).  These requirements may require amendments to your design which could affect the drawings submitted for planning permission. The applicant may wish to note that alterations that are built to a Nearly Zero Energy standard, are unlikely to need further retrofitting to minimise the carbon emissions that the nation is required to reduce to zero by 2050.  As retrofitting an existing home to be highly energy efficient is more complex than doing so for a new building, applicants may wish to look at the ‘EnerPHit’ standard that the Government is understood to be considering as the applicable “Nearly Zero Energy’ standard in this context, or at the Architypes published by the London Energy Transformation Initiative for u-values for your extension walls, windows etc. and for ventilation and overheating prevention standards to be achieved.

DM/22/1159 26 Stanford Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8JJ Retrospective application for the demolition of existing conservatory, side extension, and garage and replace with a new single-storey rear and side extensions, with replacement garage. (amended plans submitted 14/11/22). Response: RECOMMEND REFUSAL.  The application is detrimental to the street scene and is therefore contrary to Policy DP26: Character and Design of the District Plan and Policy 9: Character and Design of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan.

DM/22/3336 30 Stonepound Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8PR Proposed front elevation dormer, rear and side roof extensions and associated alterations. Amended Plans received 03.02.2023 showing removal of rear dormer. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL The applicant is advised that Government has committed to adopt a ‘Future Buildings Standard’ during 2021 which will change the Building Regulations requirements for alterations and extensions to homes to bring these alterations closer to that of a ‘zero energy building’.  This is supported by Policy 5 ‘Enabling Zero Carbon’ of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan which states that proposals that modify existing buildings (including extensions) should seek to maximise the inclusion of energy-saving measures and renewable energy generation.  Energy saving measures include floor, roof and wall insulation, and low u-value windows (which may need to be triple glazed).  These requirements may require amendments to your design which could affect the drawings submitted for planning permission. The applicant may wish to note that alterations that are built to a Nearly Zero Energy standard, are unlikely to need further retrofitting to minimise the carbon emissions that the nation is required to reduce to zero by 2050.  As retrofitting an existing home to be highly energy efficient is more complex than doing so for a new building, applicants may wish to look at the ‘EnerPHit’ standard that the Government is understood to be considering as the applicable “Nearly Zero Energy’ standard in this context, or at the Architypes published by the London Energy Transformation Initiative for u-values for your extension walls, windows etc. and for ventilation and overheating prevention standards to be achieved.

DM/23/0347 14 Ewart Close Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8FJ (T1) Ash – Fell). Response: The Council defer to the MSDC Tree Officer’s advice.

DM/23/0238 2 Dale Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8LW T1 x Acacia and T2 x Ash – fell, as in poor condition. Response: RECOMMEND REFUSAL.  The trees referenced in this application are of amenity value and therefore should be preserved where possible.

DM/23/0342 36 Grand Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8DB Proposed single storey rear extension. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL The applicant is advised that Government has committed to adopt a ‘Future Buildings Standard’ during 2021 which will change the Building Regulations requirements for alterations and extensions to homes to bring these alterations closer to that of a ‘zero energy building’.  This is supported by Policy 5 ‘Enabling Zero Carbon’ of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan which states that proposals that modify existing buildings (including extensions) should seek to maximise the inclusion of energy-saving measures and renewable energy generation.  Energy saving measures include floor, roof and wall insulation, and low u-value windows (which may need to be triple glazed).  These requirements may require amendments to your design which could affect the drawings submitted for planning permission. The applicant may wish to note that alterations that are built to a Nearly Zero Energy standard, are unlikely to need further retrofitting to minimise the carbon emissions that the nation is required to reduce to zero by 2050.  As retrofitting an existing home to be highly energy efficient is more complex than doing so for a new building, applicants may wish to look at the ‘EnerPHit’ standard that the Government is understood to be considering as the applicable “Nearly Zero Energy’ standard in this context, or at the Architypes published by the London Energy Transformation Initiative for u-values for your extension walls, windows etc. and for ventilation and overheating prevention standards to be achieved.

DM/23/0255 Clayton Wickham Cottage Belmont Lane Hurstpierpoint Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9EP Single storey extension to existing house. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL The applicant is advised that Government has committed to adopt a ‘Future Buildings Standard’ during 2021 which will change the Building Regulations requirements for alterations and extensions to homes to bring these alterations closer to that of a ‘zero energy building’.  This is supported by Policy 5 ‘Enabling Zero Carbon’ of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan which states that proposals that modify existing buildings (including extensions) should seek to maximise the inclusion of energy-saving measures and renewable energy generation.  Energy saving measures include floor, roof and wall insulation, and low u-value windows (which may need to be triple glazed).  These requirements may require amendments to your design which could affect the drawings submitted for planning permission. The applicant may wish to note that alterations that are built to a Nearly Zero Energy standard, are unlikely to need further retrofitting to minimise the carbon emissions that the nation is required to reduce to zero by 2050.  As retrofitting an existing home to be highly energy efficient is more complex than doing so for a new building, applicants may wish to look at the ‘EnerPHit’ standard that the Government is understood to be considering as the applicable “Nearly Zero Energy’ standard in this context, or at the Architypes published by the London Energy Transformation Initiative for u-values for your extension walls, windows etc. and for ventilation and overheating prevention standards to be achieved.

DM/23/0378 33 Kings Drive Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8DY Proposed dormer to rear side of existing roof. (LDC). Response: Noted

Cllr Hatton realised a personal interest in application DM/22/3677 33 Kings Drive Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8DY and withdrew from the meeting.

DM/22/3677 33 Kings Drive Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8DY Proposed demolition of existing conservatory, single storey rear extension, internal remodelling, loft conversion with roof lights and dormer to the rear. Amended drawings received 09.02.2023 and 15.02.2023 showing rear dormer window removed and showing proposed decked patio to rear. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL The applicant is advised that Government has committed to adopt a ‘Future Buildings Standard’ during 2021 which will change the Building Regulations requirements for alterations and extensions to homes to bring these alterations closer to that of a ‘zero energy building’.  This is supported by Policy 5 ‘Enabling Zero Carbon’ of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan which states that proposals that modify existing buildings (including extensions) should seek to maximise the inclusion of energy-saving measures and renewable energy generation.  Energy saving measures include floor, roof and wall insulation, and low u-value windows (which may need to be triple glazed).  These requirements may require amendments to your design which could affect the drawings submitted for planning permission. The applicant may wish to note that alterations that are built to a Nearly Zero Energy standard, are unlikely to need further retrofitting to minimise the carbon emissions that the nation is required to reduce to zero by 2050.  As retrofitting an existing home to be highly energy efficient is more complex than doing so for a new building, applicants may wish to look at the ‘EnerPHit’ standard that the Government is understood to be considering as the applicable “Nearly Zero Energy’ standard in this context, or at the Architypes published by the London Energy Transformation Initiative for u-values for your extension walls, windows etc. and for ventilation and overheating prevention standards to be achieved.

Cllr Hatton re-joined the meeting.

DM/23/0388 33 Clayton Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8HD Outbuilding in garden with retaining wall. Response: RECOMMEND REFUSAL. The proposed application is overbearing and unneighbourly and is therefore contrary to Policy DP26: Character and Design of the District Plan and Policy 9: Character and Design of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan.

DM/23/0420 10 Kymer Gardens Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8QZ Demolition of existing conservatory and garage, and erection of a rear / side single storey extension. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL The applicant is advised that Government has committed to adopt a ‘Future Buildings Standard’ during 2021 which will change the Building Regulations requirements for alterations and extensions to homes to bring these alterations closer to that of a ‘zero energy building’.  This is supported by Policy 5 ‘Enabling Zero Carbon’ of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan which states that proposals that modify existing buildings (including extensions) should seek to maximise the inclusion of energy-saving measures and renewable energy generation.  Energy saving measures include floor, roof and wall insulation, and low u-value windows (which may need to be triple glazed).  These requirements may require amendments to your design which could affect the drawings submitted for planning permission. The applicant may wish to note that alterations that are built to a Nearly Zero Energy standard, are unlikely to need further retrofitting to minimise the carbon emissions that the nation is required to reduce to zero by 2050.  As retrofitting an existing home to be highly energy efficient is more complex than doing so for a new building, applicants may wish to look at the ‘EnerPHit’ standard that the Government is understood to be considering as the applicable “Nearly Zero Energy’ standard in this context, or at the Architypes published by the London Energy Transformation Initiative for u-values for your extension walls, windows etc. and for ventilation and overheating prevention standards to be achieved.

DM/23/0451 Church Hall St Francis Of Assisi Priory Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8PS Proposed single storey addition to Front (East) Elevation together with Velux Roof lights to the Rear (West) Elevation and new cladding to the whole building. Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL

DM/23/0291 14 Hurst Road Hassocks West Sussex BN6 9NJ Proposed first floor storey extension with new pitched roof over, including three dormer windows to the front roof slope and existing chimney extended. Removal of existing conservatory, construction of canopy porch and new aluminium windows and doors. (Revised description agreed 21.02.2023. Planning Statement and Tree Report received 21.02.2023). Response: RECOMMEND APPROVAL The applicant is advised that Government has committed to adopt a ‘Future Buildings Standard’ during 2021 which will change the Building Regulations requirements for alterations and extensions to homes to bring these alterations closer to that of a ‘zero energy building’.  This is supported by Policy 5 ‘Enabling Zero Carbon’ of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan which states that proposals that modify existing buildings (including extensions) should seek to maximise the inclusion of energy-saving measures and renewable energy generation.  Energy saving measures include floor, roof and wall insulation, and low u-value windows (which may need to be triple glazed).  These requirements may require amendments to your design which could affect the drawings submitted for planning permission. The applicant may wish to note that alterations that are built to a Nearly Zero Energy standard, are unlikely to need further retrofitting to minimise the carbon emissions that the nation is required to reduce to zero by 2050.  As retrofitting an existing home to be highly energy efficient is more complex than doing so for a new building, applicants may wish to look at the ‘EnerPHit’ standard that the Government is understood to be considering as the applicable “Nearly Zero Energy’ standard in this context, or at the Architypes published by the London Energy Transformation Initiative for u-values for your extension walls, windows etc. and for ventilation and overheating prevention standards to be achieved.

DM/23/0462 13 Silverdale Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8RD  Erection of single storey rear extension. (LDC). Response: Noted

DM/23/0527 42 Adastra Avenue Hassocks West Sussex BN6 8DL Proposed loft conversion to include dormer windows to side roof slopes and proposed conversion of garage to form entrance/enlarged hallway. (LDC). Response: Noted

LI/23/0222 LI/23/0222 Weald Lawn Tennis & Squash Rackets Club An application has been made to the Licensing Authority for Mid Sussex District Council for the grant of a Variation of a Premises Licence to extend the use of the outside patio and balcony areas for licensable activities from 2200 hours to 2300 hours every day.   Response: No Objection.

P22/146 APPLICATIONS FOR DISCHARGE OF PLANNING CONDITIONS.  None

P22/147 RESOLVED that the observations on the planning issues as agreed above be submitted to the relevant Planning Authority for consideration.

P22/148 PLANNING AUTHORITY DECISION NOTICES

The following decisions were noted:

Application details Hassocks PC recommendation to Planning Authority Planning Authority Decision (MSDC/SDNP)
DM/22/3560 2 Hurst Road, Hassocks BN6 9NJ Recommend Approval Permission Granted
DM/22/0170 The Old manor House, 102 Keymer Road, Hassocks Defer to Tree Officer No Objection
DM/22/3394 Garden Cottage, 2A Damian Way, Hassocks Recommend Approval Permission Granted
DM/22/2543 6 Bonny Wood Road, Hassocks BN6 8HR Recommend Approval Permission Granted
DM/22/3399 67 Downs View Road, Hassocks BN6 8HY Recommend Approval. Permission Granted
DM/22/ 3281 60 Dale Avenue, Hassocks BN6 8LS Recommend Approval. Permission Granted

 

The following notifications of Certificate of Lawful Use or Development (LDC), General Permitted Development (GDP) and/or Prior Approval was noted:

Application details Hassocks PC recommendation to Planning Authority Planning Authority Decision (MSDC/SDNP)
DM/23/0135 16 Parklands Road, Hassocks BN6 8JZ Noted LDC issued

 

P22/149 TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE APPLICATIONS.  Members were invited to consider the following temporary road closure applications:

i. Lower Quadrant Road, The Quadrant, Hassocks from 07.00hrs to 23.00hrs on Sunday 7th May 2023 for a Coronation Street Party to take place. (Location Map Appendix 1)

 ii. Ockley Way (between # 52 & 60) Hassocks from 10.00hrs to 20.15hrs on Sunday 7th May 2023 for a Coronation Street Party to take place.

iii.  Clayton Avenue (Cul-de-sac from # 30), Hassocks from 10.00hrs to 18.00hrs on Sunday 7th May 2023  for a Coronation Street Party to take place (Location Map Appendix 1).

P22/149.1 Members had no objections to any of the above closures.

P22/150 Urgent Matters at the discretion of the Chairman for noting and/or inclusion on a future agenda.  Members were invited to note a further Temporary Road Closure Application for Friars Oak Road, Hassocks from 10.00hrs to 22.00hrs on Sunday 7 May 2023 for a Coronation Street Party.  Members noted the application.

P22/151 DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Monday 27 March 2023 at 7.30pm.

There being no other business the Chair closed the meeting at 8.40pm.