Erection of retail store, associated car parking and servicing facilities, site access and associated works

The Principal Planning Officer introduced the application for the erection of a retail store, associated car parking and servicing facilities, site access and associated works and confirmed that the Committee had undertaken a site visit that morning to assess the impact of the proposed development on the surrounding area.  The Principal Planning Officer drew Members’ attention to the Schedule of Additional Letters which stated that 9 further letters of support had been received in relation to the need for a discount store on this side of Town; a briefing note from the Agent; and additional conditions recommended by Shropshire Council Highways.

The Principal Planning Officer recommended that should Members be minded to grant approval, an additional condition be attached to any permission granted to require a footpath along the side of the building for pedestrian access and added that should the Committee approve the application, the Council must notify the Secretary of State of the decision.

Mr David Kilby, on behalf of the Shropshire Playing Field Association spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire 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 Ted Clarke, as 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 that a discount store was welcomed in this area but considered the proposed site to be inappropriate;

·         He had concerns in relation to the conflict between the two activities on this site; and

·         The community pitch had not been developed for community use and the relocation of the pitch was inappropriate as it was being moved further away from the community.

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15.1) Councillor Jon Tandy, as local ward Councillor, made a statement and then left the room, 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:

·         The area would become very congested on match days with traffic backing up to the traffic lights on Oteley Road;

·         The conflict between pedestrians accessing the site on match days and traffic for the store would be a risk to health and safety; and

·         He welcomed a discount food store on this side of Town but this was not the right location.

Mr Chris Smith, 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 Principal Planning Officer explained that Highways did not consider that there would be significant problems in relation to congestion on match days and the pedestrian route outlined would not conflict with the store car park.

In the ensuing debate, Members expressed differing views. Some Members, although concerned in relation to the relocation of the community pitch were in support of the application. Other Members considered that the site was an inappropriate location for the proposed development.

Having considered the submitted plans and listened to the comments made by all of the speakers, the majority of members expressed their support for the officer’s recommendation.

RESOLVED:

That delegated powers be given to the Area Planning Manager to grant planning permission subject to:

·      The conditions set out in Appendix 1;

·      Additional Highway Conditions as set out on the Schedule of Additional Letters;

·      An additional Condition in relation to the inclusion of a footpath along the side of the building for pedestrian access;

·      A legal agreement to secure match day management scheme and also a contribution to public transport on Oteley Road; and

·      The decision not being called-in by the Secretary of State.