Agenda item

CONTEST APPEAL

Description of application – Minor material amendment under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to allow a variation of the planning permission 16/02988/FULL1 for the change of use of the existing car showrooms and associated workshops (Sui Generis) and to two retail units (Class A1) and conversion of first floor to 2 two bedroom flats (Class C3) together with associated car parking, landscaping, external alterations and related internal works to Listed Building to allow removal of Conditions 21 (Hours of Opening), 22 (Servicing Operations) and 23 (Use Class limitations).

Oral representations in support of contest the appeal were received.  Oral representations from Ward Member, Councillor Peter Dean in support of contest the appealwere received at the meeting.  It was reported that a further objection from a local resident had been received that had been summarised in the Chief Planner’s report.

This landmark site that had been used as a car showroom over many years and Councillor Dean referred to extant permission (16/02988/FULL1) approved on 5 December 2016.  He also referred to the vast number of objections received from local residents and groups that had been summarised on pages 29 to 35 of the Chief Planner’s report and to paragraphs 26 and 27 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

Councillor Dean objected to the potential increase in opening hours and traffic congestion and drew Members’ attention to Highway Division’s strong objections on pages 45 and 46 of the Chief Planner’s report and he also objected to the significant impact the intended use would have on local businesses being next to a small shopping parade. His view was that potential noise and loss of light would also be unacceptable to local residents. 

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that the APPEAL be CONTESTED as recommended, on the grounds set out in the report of the Chief Planner.