Change of use from A1 retail to A5 hot food takeaway restaurant and associated alterations to the building.

Councillor Keith Roberts left the room in line with his declaration at Minute 119.

The Technical Specialist Planning Officer introduced the application forchange of use from A1 retail to A5 hot food takeaway restaurant and associated alterations to the building and confirmed that the Committee had undertaken a site visit to assess the impact of the proposed development on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area that morning.

The Technical Specialist Planning Officer drew Members’ attention to the Schedule of Additional Letters which included representations from two local residents and the agent in response to Officer questions.

Victoria Pearson, local resident spoke in objection to 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 Alex Phillips 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 did not object to takeaways in principle but considered this to be in the wrong location;

·         He noted that on-street parking in this area was in high demand and the application should be deferred pending a highways assessment;

·         The proposed use of the premises would generate additional vehicles for customers, staff and deliveries; and

·         Dropped kerbs would be blocked by parked cars restricting access for wheelchair users.

Tayler Davies, Agent on behalf of the applicant spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In the ensuing debate, Members raised concern regarding the parking issues in this area and considered the proposed use to be significantly different and increase the demand for parking at times when minimal parking was available and would therefore encourage inappropriate parking and have a detrimental impact on the local highway network.

Having considered the submitted plans for the proposal and noted the comments of all the speakers, Members unanimously agreed to refuse the application contrary to the Officer’s recommendation.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be refused contrary to the Officer’s recommendation for the following reason:

Members considered that the proposed change of use provided in-sufficient off-street parking spaces for both staff and customers.  It was acknowledged that the fall-back position was the use of the commercial premises as an A1 retail unit (including use as an off-licence) and that all customers travelling by vehicle would be required to find a space to park in the surrounding streets.  However, it was considered that the pattern of use and demand for on-street parking would be significantly different and increased for the proposed A5 use. This increased demand for parking would be generated at times when there was likely to be minimal parking available in the surrounding streets and as such would encourage inappropriate parking or waiting of vehicles and have a detrimental impact on the local highway network contrary to Shropshire Councils adopted policies CS6 and MD2.