Removal of existing structures and construction of an A1 (retail) unit; all associated works including car park alterations, access, servicing and landscaping.

Councillor Ted Clarke as local ward Councillor vacated the Chair.  Councillor Nat Green as Vice-Chairman presided as Chairman for this item.

The Area Planning Manager introduced the application for the removal of existing structures and construction of an A1 (retail) unit; all associated works including car park alterations, access, servicing and landscaping and drew Members’ attention to the Schedule of Additional Letters which included representations from NJL Consulting on behalf of the applicant.

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15.1), Councillor Jane Mackenzie addressed the Committee as the local ward Councillor, made a statement and then left the table, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item. During her statement, a number of points were raised including the following:

·         The application should be refused until there had been a review of the retail park access;

·         Additional units on the retail park would have an adverse impact on the Town Centre;

·         She supported the condition to restrict the end user of the unit to Sports Direct or to a bulky goods use; and

·         A new access to the retail park was required and if this application was approved a potential access onto Oteley Road would be lost.

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15.1), Councillor Tony Parsons addressed the Committee as the local ward Councillor, made a statement and then left the table, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item. During his statement, a number of points were raised including the following:

·         He agreed with the points raised by Councillor Jane Mackenzie;

·         The proposed internal road changes would not have a positive impact on the access issues;

·         He welcomed the condition to restrict the end user of the unit to Sports Direct or to a bulky goods use; and

·         He considered that sub-division of the unit would have an adverse impact on the Town Centre.

Mr Nick Pleasant, agent for the applicant spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In response to comments made by the speakers, the Area Planning Manager clarified that if the unit was sub-divided the condition to restrict the end user to Sports Direct or to a bulky goods use would still apply.

In the ensuing debate concern was raised by Members in relation to traffic issues on the site and the impact on access for emergency vehicles. Additionally Members questioned the timing of the traffic survey undertaken by the applicant and requested further information in regards to the estimated additional vehicle movements.

In response to a question from a Member, the Area Planning Manager explained that paragraph 4.1.1 of the Officers report referred to the improvements works within the retail park approved under a separate planning application.

Having considered the submitted plans for the proposal and noted the comments of all the speakers, the majority of Members expressed the view that the application should be deferred for further highways information.

RESOLVED:

That consideration of the application be deferred to a future meeting of this Committee for further information in relation to the following:

•   The estimated additional vehicle movements;

•   The timing of the traffic survey;

•   Access of emergency vehicles; and

•   The implementation of improvement works within the retail park approved under a separate planning application.