Agenda item

PERMISSION GRANTED

In a presentation given by Planning, the Committee were informed that this application was initially called in by Cllr Tickner and went before Plans Sub-Committee 3 on 23^rd November 2023. The application was deferred in order to seek further noise assessments. An additional noise survey was carried out on 5^th and 6^th December 2023, with readings taken from the rear gardens of Nos 10 and 11 Holmdene Close. A Noise Report was submitted on 7^th December 2023 with the findings detailed on Page 9 of the Planning Report. There was a further late objection.

An oral presentation in support of the application was then given by the Co-Owner of the Pre-School. It was confirmed that the children only use the building and front garden of the Pre-School. The children are only out at playtime once a day at the same time as the primary school. This is currently for 30 minutes, although a longer period would be preferred. The Committee heard that Ofsted have said that the Pre-School will have to close if the change of use application is not approved.

Visiting Ward Member, Councillor Michael Tickner, then gave an oral presentation in objection to the application, passing on the widespread concerns from local residents.

During a discussion regarding the application several Committee Members stated their support for the application, confirming that the owners had done their best to comply with requests for information and taken steps to reduce noise levels. It was felt that the application could be approved, subject to certain conditions. The length of time for the children to play outside was discussed, with 30 minutes not deemed sufficient, and 45 minutes stated as acceptable.

Members having considered the Report, objections and representations RESOLVED that the APPLICATION BE APPROVED, subject to the conditions set out in the report, and

Amendment made to condition 4 regarding external play being extended to 45 minutes instead of 30 minutes and ensuring play only takes place at the front, as well as the addition of a landscaping condition for planting along the boundary.