Agenda item

REFUSED

Description of application - Change of use of first and second floors from offices (Class B1) to a 5 bedroom house of multiple occupation (Class C4).

Comments from Ward Member, Councillor Russell Mellor, in objection to the application were reported.  Councillors Russell Jackson and Peter Dean referred to their knowledge of the local area and in particular the stretch of shops, and they were concerned at the lack of adequate marketing information.  They supported the sustainability of town centres in general and hoped that the unit could be retained.

Members having considered the report and objections, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE REFUSED for the following reason:-

1.  The proposal would, in the absence of any marketing information demonstrating otherwise, lead to an unacceptable loss of offices in this location contrary to Policy EMP3 of the Unitary Development Plan.

(Councillor Kathy Bance wished her vote for permission to be recorded.)