To receive apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Keith Roberts.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Central Planning Committee held on 26^th October 2017.

Contact Shelley Davies on 01743 257718.

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Central Planning Committee held on 26^th October 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any questions or petitions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.

There were no public questions or petitions received.

Members are reminded that they must not participate in the discussion or voting on any matter in which they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and should leave the room prior to the commencement of the debate.

Members were reminded that they must not participate in the discussion or voting on any matter in which they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and should leave the room prior to the commencement of the debate.

Hybrid planning application for a residential development of up to 600 dwellings, access, footpath/cycleways, public open space, landscaping and associated drainage and development infrastructure: comprising FULL application for 353 dwellings, access from Preston Street, access from London Road and spine road, footpaths/cycleways, public open space, landscaping, demolition of existing buildings and associated infrastructure; and OUTLINE submission for (up to) 247 dwellings, footpath/cycleways, public open space, landscaping and associated development infrastructure (amended description).

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

Councillor Tony Parsons as local ward Councillor left the table during consideration of this item, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item.

The Planning Associate introduced the hybrid planning application for a residential development of up to 600 dwellings, access, footpath/cycleway, public open space, landscaping and associated drainage and development infrastructure: comprising Full application for 353 dwellings, access from Preston Street, access from London Road and spine road, footpaths/cycleway, public open space, landscaping, demolition of existing buildings and associated infrastructure; and Outline submission for (up to) 247 dwellings, footpath/cycleway, public open space, landscaping and associated development infrastructure (amended description) and confirmed that the Committee had undertaken a site visit that morning to assess the impact of the proposed development on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area.

The Planning Associate drew Members’ attention to the Schedule of Additional Letters which included representations from local residents, Shrewsbury Civic Society, the owners of Robertson Farm and the agent acting for the applicant. It was added that further representations had been received that morning from Shrewsbury Town Council, the Scouts and the Weir Hill Development Community Group. (copies attached to the signed minutes.)

Mr Stuart Spiers, on behalf of the Weir Hill Development Community Group spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Mr Mike Carter, on behalf of the Shrewsbury Civic Society spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rules (Part 4, Paragraph 6.2), Councillor Hannah Fraser, addressed the Committee as the adjoining 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 length of time that existing residents of would have to endure construction traffic on Preston Street was too long;

·         The development did not include provision for economic activity or social infrastructure and was therefore unsustainable;

·         Phase one should include access to the college grounds;

·         There was no enough parking for the Riverside park; and

·         The proposed amendments to the Belvidere Road Bridge caused more problems than they solved.

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 development does not reflect the beautiful environment or the heritage of the Town;

·         The top end of Preston Street had a quiet lane feel and was unsuitable for construction traffic;

·         The transport assessment was insufficient and the proposed widening of Preston Street  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

Conversion of a former Church and current retail premises (use class A3) to five residential apartments to include terraces and external fire escape with footbridge.

The Solicitor notified those present that due to a request from a member of the public the following item would be recorded.

Councillor Nat Green as local ward Councillor left the table during consideration of this item, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item.

The Technical Specialist Planning Officer introduced the application for conversion of a former Church and current retail premises (use class A3) to five residential apartments to include terraces and external fire escape with footbridge and confirmed that the Committee had undertaken a site visit that morning to assess the impact of the proposed development on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area.

The Technical Specialist Planning Officer drew Members’ attention to the Schedule of Additional Letters which included representations from the Environment Agency recommending an additional condition regarding finished ground floor levels and the Conservation officer requesting that a fuller heritage assessment be submitted to accompany the submission of a discharge of conditions application for the approval of the external architectural detailing and materials for the roof extensions. Members were therefore advised that if they were minded to approve the application any permission granted should include an amendment to condition 8 regarding the submission of a heritage assessment and an additional condition regarding finished floor levels.

Having considered the submitted plans for the proposal Members unanimously expressed their support for the Officer’s recommendation.

RESOLVED:

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

·      The Conditions as set out in Appendix 1 of the report;

·      Condition 8 being amended to include the request for a fuller heritage assessment to be submitted to accompany the submission of a discharge of conditions application for the approval of the external architectural detailing and materials for the roof extensions; and

·      An additional condition in relation to Ground Finished floor levels as detailed on the schedule of additional letters. 

RESOLVED:

That the Schedule of Appeals and Appeal Decisions for the Central area as at 23^rd November 2017 be noted.

To note that the next meeting of the Central Planning Committee will be held at 2.00 pm on Thursday, 21^st December 2017 in the Shrewsbury Room, Shirehall.

RESOLVED:

That it be noted that the next meeting of the Central Planning Committee be held at 2.00 p.m. on Thursday, 21^st December 2017 in the Shrewsbury Room, Shirehall, Shrewsbury, SY2 6ND.