Agenda item

PERMISSION

Description of application – Conversion and enlargement of existing farm building into butchery counter and butcher preparation room; addition of mezzanine floor to existing coffee shop to be converted to Class A3 (Restaurant) use, conversion of remainder of the building into 3 bedroom dwelling; and associated elevational alterations and provision of extended fire escape staircase.

Oral representations in support of the application were received at the meeting.

The Chief Planner reported that further correspondence had been received from the applicant.  Comments from Ward Members Councillors Richard Scoates and Julian Benington were reported at the meeting.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE GRANTED as recommended, subject to the conditions and informative set out in the report of the Chief Planner with conditions 4 and 11 and informative 1 amended to read:-

‘4  The use shall not operate before 09.00 and after 18.30 Monday to Saturday and before 10.00 and after 17.30 on Sundays.

Reason: In order to comply with Policy BE1 of the Unitary Development Plan and in the interest of the amenities of the area.

11  Prior to the commencement of the development hereby permitted, the applicant will submit a written proposal to the Council setting out targets for the proportion of the butchery counter produce that is to be locally, regionally and nationally sourced and sold on the premises.  This is to be agreed in writing by the Council prior to the commencement of the development and the targets agreed will be adhered to in perpetuity unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: The intensification of the commercial retail use on the site was granted on the basis that the operation is a Farm Shop and is intrinsically linked to the local area and local rural businesses.  The proposed intensification of the use on the site was considered acceptable on this basis and this condition has been imposed to ensure that should the nature of the business change, any proposal and its impact on the sensitive rural location and the Green Belt can be properly assessed by the Council and in order to comply with Policies BE1 and G1 of the Unitary Development Plan.

Informative

1  As an indicative guide in respect of Condition 11, the applicant is referred to Government Guidance on Farm Shops and Markets.’