Agenda item

Officers reported that comments had been received from Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) with regards to the submitted noise impact assessment  and the proposed lighting scheme.  The Conservation Officer with regard to the Grade II Listed Building Tan House Farm, and Updated Planning Conditions 2 and 3 (as referred to on pages 38-41 of the main agenda report) and an additional Condition 14; as detailed in the published Committee Update, copies of which were provided to Members and published on the Council’s website prior to the commencement of the meeting.

Officers clarified that the Application had been brought to the Planning Committee for consideration as it was a Major development.

Officer presented the report and in doing so clarified that on 20^th July 2021, the Ministry of Housing released an updated version of the NPPF which replaced the 2019 version.  The report before Members related to the updated 2021 version of the NPPF.

The application proposed Sui Generis Builder’s Merchant with Trade Counter and ancillary storage, external storage of materials and display area, parking, lighting columns, perimeter fencing, hard and soft landscaping.

The proposed builders merchants was akin to a warehouse (Class B8) use but also had unique characteristics due to the type of goods it stocked and the level of outside storage which distinguished it from other warehouses and made it a ‘sui generis’ use.  In this case, there was no potential user identified for the unit, but it was anticipated that the site would generate 15-20 new full time jobs.

The application site was located within Buntsford Hill Business Park which was allocated as Designated Employment Land within the Bromsgrove District Plan 2011-2030.  The existing site was an undeveloped plot within the business park with an existing access adjacent to a car dealership and office building with car park.

The site was within the designated employment lane which bounded onto the Green Belt.  To the south west of the site were two Listed Buildings; Tan House Farm a Grade II listed farmhouse and to the west a Grade II listed barn.

It was accepted that in this instance that the proposed sui generis use would fulfil the purpose of BDP14 in allocating land for employment purposed nor harm the vitality and viability of the nearby town centre.

Officers drew Members’ attention to the comments from Worcestershire County Council, Highways, as detailed on page 37 of the main agenda report.

Officers concluded that the proposed development was in accordance with the relevant policies of the Bromsgrove District Plan and could be properly characterised as sustainable development for the purposes of the NPPF.  The proposal would bring a long term vacant site, which was allocated into use and would provide employment opportunities.

Officers responded to questions from Members with regard to the levels on the site. 

Members also noted that WCC, Highways had  not raised any objections to the application and had commented that the applicant had provided sufficient car parking and cycle parking.

RESOLVED that Planning Permission be granted, subject to:-

a)    authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Regeneration to determine the planning application subject to the satisfactory views of Worcestershire Regulatory Services and Conservation; (it was noted that satisfactory views had been received, as detailed in the Committee Update);  and

b)    authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Regeneration to agree the final scope and detailed wording and numbering of Conditions, as detailed on pages 38 to 41 of the main agenda report, with amended Conditions 2 and 3 and additional Condition 14, as detailed in the Committee Update.