Change of use of redundant agricultural buildings Units 1, 2 & 3 to B1 (light industrial) and Units 4, 5 & 6 to B8 (storage and warehousing)

The Principal Planner introduced the application and with reference to the drawings displayed, he drew Members’ attention to the location and proposed floor plan.  

Members had undertaken a site visit and had viewed the site, noted the infrastructure and surrounding road network, had approached the site via Danford Lane and exited via Aston Lane and assessed the impact of the proposals on the surrounding area.

The Principal Planner drew Members’ attention to the additional information and the amendment to the recommended Conditions No. 8 and 9 relating to the operation hours and delivery and despatch times and as set out in the Schedule of Additional Letters circulated prior to the meeting. 

Mr R Cotham, representing Claverley Parish Council, 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) Councillor Tina Woodward, 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:

·         As it was difficult to be precise as to what businesses would potentially be attracted to this rural location, it was difficult to predict the traffic levels which would be generated.  The traffic generated by the potential businesses would funnel traffic movement through the residential area nearest to the site, with a knock-on effect on the narrow lanes, and in sections very narrow lanes, due to the nature of the sandstone cuttings in the lanes network, where there are limited passing places and no footways.  The most direct routes from the B4176 and A458 into the village both had tight sandstone cuttings as one entered the village – there were other routes but they still involved the narrow lanes network.  Both B1 and B8 activity on this site operating all year round would result in a cumulative effect on Claverley’s rural roads network, which was coming under pressure from the increased size of cars, vans, waste collection vehicles and farm vehicles;

·         Claverley had no shop and no bus service so the community was reliant on car journeys and items being delivered, including domestic heating oil and gas in many cases;

·         The site occupied a relatively isolated, prominent location and as a result any industrial noise would be noticeable;

·         This was not small-scale nor suitably located and so not appropriate for B1 and B8 use and would be contrary to Core Strategy Policy CS5; and

·         If approved, appropriateness of the location to be given consideration -

o   highway improvements to the entrance to the site and the creation of a footway along the lane nearest to the entrance to the site would be welcomed;

o   appropriate planting scheme sympathetic to the rural landscape and to help screen the buildings;

o   car parking and a security system which had to be responded to in the event of a break-in or false alarms;

o   restrictions on the B8 use which would limit the access to items stored on site in line with paragraph 4.6 of the applicant’s statement; and

o   if approved should be granted on a temporary basis.

Mrs A-M Brettell, the agent, spoke for the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In the ensuing debate, Members considered the submitted plans and noted the comments of all speakers.  In response to questions from Members, the Principal Planner and the Area Highways Development Control Officer (South) provided clarification on drainage, landscaping and traffic management.

RESOLVED:

That, as per the Officer’s recommendation, planning permission be granted subject to:

·         The conditions as set out in Appendix 1 to the report and as amended and set out in the Schedule of Additional Representations;

·         A Section 106 Legal Agreement to secure an appropriate traffic management and HGV routing plan. 

Reason: To protect and safeguard residential amenities; and

·         Delegated authority be granted to Planning Officers to undertake discussions with the applicant regarding any additional appropriate landscaping/planting.