Erection of new commercial retail unit, with alterations to existing wall fronting

Lower Galdeford, and formation of 2 new pedestrian access areas onto unit, including

auxiliary works.

The Principal Planner introduced the application and with reference to the drawings displayed, he drew Members’ attention to the location, layout and elevations.   He confirmed that Members had undertaken a site visit that morning and had viewed the site and assessed the impact of the proposal on the surrounding area.  Arising from the site visit, he informed the meeting that, in the interests of visual amenity, the applicant had agreed to cedar clad an existing building within the application site.

Members noted the additional information as set out in the Schedule of Additional Letters circulated prior to the meeting.

Ms J Hulley, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Councillor C Sheward, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15.1) Councillor Viv Parry, as local Ward Councillor, made a statement, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item.  During her statement, the following points were raised:

·         The existing stone boundary walls despite being in a poor condition and in need of re-pointing in places should be retained, reinstated and maintained;

·         The site was situated next door to a medical centre which required some degree of quietness.  In order to provide a quieter running surface and to protect the amenities of all those living/working close-by gravel should not be used and all surfaces should be tarmaced;

·         There should be no early or late deliveries and no deliveries on Sundays and Bank/Public Holidays; and

·         The layout of the road into the site was not good and large vehicles would find it difficult to manoeuvre and could cause damage to the two small mini roundabouts.

In the ensuing debate, Members considered the submitted plans and noted the comments of all speakers.  Members generally welcomed an application for this site but as this was a prominent site and a gateway to the town centre expressed the importance of getting it right.  Members expressed concerns regarding the detrimental noise impact caused by large vehicles manoeuvring on gravel and suggested the use of other appropriate materials; and also expressed concerns relating to the construction and delivery times and the impact of this on the surrounding area.  In order to improve the outlook of the site it was suggested that the height of the railings be lowered. 

RESOLVED:

That Planning Permission be granted as per the Officer’s recommendation, subject to:

·         The conditions as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, subject to:

Condition No. 13a to be amended to read:

“No deliveries in connection with the operations hereby approved shall take place before 08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday and 08.00 to 13.00 Saturdays.  There shall be no deliveries on Sundays and Bank/Public Holidays;

Condition No. 13c (marked 13b in the report) to be amended to read:

“Hours of working for the construction phase shall be restricted to 08.00 to 18.00 hours Monday to Friday and 08.00 to 13.00 hours on Saturdays.  There shall be no construction work on Sundays, Public or Bank Holidays; and

·         An additional Condition to ensure that the existing building be cedar clad; and

·         Planning Officers be granted delegated powers to reduce the height of the railings and to ensure the use of appropriate surfaces.