Outline application for the erection of a new foodstore (Use Class A1), associated petrol filling station, and associated car parking to include access.

The Principal Planner introduced the application and with reference to the drawings displayed, she drew Members’ attention to the location and indicative layout.  

Members had undertaken a site visit on a previous occasion and had viewed the site and assessed the impact of the proposal on the surrounding area.

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

Mr D Appleton, representing Love Ludlow Campaign, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Mr R Heighway, a local resident, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

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

Councillor P Lawley, representing Ludford Parish Council, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

With the permission of the Chairman and due to the fact that additional speakers had been permitted to speak against the proposal, the applicant was permitted to speak for up to six minutes.  Mr S McGrath, the applicant, spoke for the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees and responded to questions from the Committee regarding shopping habits, the impact the proposal would have on the vitality and viability of Ludlow town centre and the impact on Ludlow town centre if an alternative supermarket chain other than Lidl chose to develop a store on the Rocks Green site. 

In the ensuing debate, Members noted the comments of all speakers and considered the submitted plans.  Members held differing views with some expressing concerns regarding the impact on the hinterland, Ludlow town centre, highway safety and access arrangements.  Other Members supported the proposal; commented that the proposal would create employment; acknowledged that the application was an Outline application and the layout was not for consideration at this time; and any future application for reserved matters could be determined by this Committee. 

In response to questions from Members, the Principal Planner drew Members’ attention to the comments of Shropshire Council Highway Officers and reiterated that highway grounds would not be significant enough to justify refusal.  She reiterated that the applicant was entitled to submit an Outline application and there was no justifiable reason for Shropshire Council to request a full application.  Shropshire Council Officers had considered the submitted indicative layout as being unsuitable but were of the opinion that a different layout that would protect the residents of Rocks Green could be achieved.  She further drew Members’ attention to the Retail Impact Assessment as set out in the report; and explained that a condition restricting the proposal to a named foodstore chain might present a risk of other foodstore chains challenging the consent.

RESOLVED: That,

·         Subject to consultation with the Secretary of State and the conditions set out in Appendix 1 of the report, the Planning Services Manager be granted delegated authority to grant planning permission; and

·         Any subsequent application for reserved matters to be determined by this Committee.

(At this juncture, the meeting adjourned at 3.22 pm and reconvened at 3.29pm.)