Agenda item

The application was brought to Planning Committee for consideration at the request of Councillor K. J. May, Ward Councillor.

Officers drew Members’ attention to pages 3  and 4 of the Committee Update, which detailed further comments from Worcestershire County Council (WCC),  Highways, with regards to footways, speed concerns, impact on the highway, and car parking. Further comments from Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) in respect of noise and odour. Amended Plans received for this proposal, which had resulted in Condition 2 being updated, as two of the Plans previously stated in Condition 2 needed to be substituted.

A copy of the Committee Update was provided to Members and published on the Council’s website prior to the commencement of the meeting.

Officers presented their report and in doing so drew Members’ attention to the presentation slides, also detailed on pages 90 to 92 of the main agenda pack. It was noted that the presentation slides, shown at the meeting, had been updated to include the amended plans.

The application was for the demolition of the existing covered yard and timber shed to be replaced with a new timber building to create a new restaurant area and internal alterations which included the conversion of an existing storage area to a kitchen.

As detailed in the Committee Update, the amended plans and amendments related to the existing fencing that currently surrounded the covered courtyard and timber shed, where the proposed extension would be sited. It was unclear from the proposed plans, whether this fencing would be retained. The plans had now been amended so that it was now clear that the fencing surrounding this area would be removed. The fencing would only be retained around the bin storage area to the rear of the proposed extension.

Officers informed the Committee that 8 representations, in objection to the application had been received, the reasons for the objections were detailed on page 83 of the main agenda pack. Bournheath Parish Council had also submitted a representation in objection to the application, as detailed on pages 82 and 83 of the main agenda pack.

The comments received from WCC Highways and WRS, who had raised no objections, were detailed on pages 81 and 82 of the main agenda pack.

Concerns over highways safety, traffic and parking provision had been received from neighbouring occupiers and Bournheath Parish Council. Members were asked to note, that WCC, Highways had raised no objection to the proposal. Having noted that the site currently had 85 car parking spaces, which was considered to be more than sufficient for the existing and proposed floor areas.

Having received notification that one of the Public Speakers was unable to attend the meeting, the Chairman invited the Council’s Legal Advisor to read out the statement received from Mrs. L. Danckert-Curtis, in objection to the application.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor S. T. Nock, Ward Councillor also addressed the Committee. Having addressed the Committee, Councillor S. T. Nock then left the meeting room.

Members then considered the application, which Officers had recommended be granted.

Members raised questions on the amount of car parking spaces, whereby Officers explained that the information received from the applicant had indicated that there were 85 car parking spaces. The car parking spaces were not marked out on the site but had been marked out on information submitted with the application. Officers further stated that, as detailed in the Committee Update, that WCC, Highways had visited the site on two occasions during its busiest periods.

Some Members further commented that having attended a Site Visit, that there was extensive car parking on the site. No changes were being proposed to the entrance to the site, so there would be no impact on the highway. A dilapidated building would be turned into a smart addition to the area.

Members queried the concerns raised in respect of a change of use, and that some of the representations received referred to a change of use, with the premises being used as a shop and takeaway.

Officers clarified that although the proposed description did not contain any reference to a change of use of the premises to a shop or takeaway, the plans originally submitted with the application did incorrectly label the existing bar area as a ‘retail Shop Area.’ These plans had since been superseded and amended plans submitted. These amended plans now showed this area of the building to be retained as a ‘Bar Area.’ There was no reference within the application that the proposed restaurant would be used as a takeaway.

Members further commented that there were no reasons to refuse the application on highways grounds, since WCC, Highways had not raised any concerns or objections to the application. There was ample car parking at the premises, there would be no significant increase in traffic or any severe impact on the highway.

RESOLVED that planning permission be granted, subject to

a)    Conditions 1, 3 and 4, as detailed on page 88 of the main agenda report, and

b)    Amended Condition 2 – that the development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the following plans and drawings:

·       Drawing No. 15013778-1 Location Plan

·       Drawing No. 06 Existing Block Plan

·       Drawing No. 2 Rev. A Proposed Ground Floor Plan

·       Drawing No. 4 Rev. A Existing and Proposed Front and Side Elevations

·       Drawing No. 5 Existing and Proposed Side Elevations

Reason: To provide certainty to the extent of the development hereby approved in the interests of proper planning.