Agenda item

REFUSED

In a presentation given by Planning, Members heard that the application was for the change of use of 14 public car parking spaces/bays in a car park off West Wickham High Street to be used as space for a car wash, including a container for storage and a staff office. It came before the Committee as it is Council owned land.

A similar application had previously been refused (as per page 36 of the Report), and this current application seeks to address the concerns previously raised regarding noise and other environmental impacts, together with the impact of the loss of car parking spaces and on highways safety. As explained in detail within the Report, Planners did not feel that the details provided satisfactorily addressed the previous grounds for refusal, and therefore recommended refusal of the application.

An oral representation in objection to the application was received from a local resident. Members were informed of residents’ concerns, supported by the fact that there had been over 200 objections received for this application, clearly showing the strength of opposition to the plans.

Concerns over the plans included the proximity of the car wash facility to neighbouring residents with the impact of noise etc. The loss of existing parking, including disabled bays, was considered unacceptable, and would discourage visitors to the high street, thereby impacting on the local economy. The site’s narrow entrance and exit, the increase in traffic flow and potential queuing were also put forward as concerns.

Visiting Ward Member, Councillor Brock, then gave an oral presentation in which he confirmed his support for the Officers’ recommendation for refusal. Councillor Brock highlighted that residents’ concerns had been fully covered and clearly explained within pages 38-40 of the Report, and that the Applicants had not provided adequate information to address the concerns re noise impact/disturbance, or the impact on the loss of parking spaces. Drainage concerns, the loss of some disabled parking bays, the narrow access/exit point and subsequent effect on traffic and pedestrians were all mentioned. Members noted that there had already been the loss of one car park in the high street, and this car park was used regularly and often very busy.

During discussions, Members confirmed that they agreed with the objections raised and that this was not a suitable location for a car wash facility.

Members having considered the Report, objections and representations RESOLVED that the APPLICATION BE REFUSED, subject to the refusal grounds outlined in the Report.