Agenda item

The consultation procedure undertaken was outlined in the report together with background information in respect of the site.

Members were advised that this was not a full application – it was a change of use under Schedule 2, Part 3, Class G of the General Permitted Development Order (GDPO).  Therefore, there were only certain factors that could be considered when determining whether prior approval was required for the application.  These factors were listed on page 39 of the report, (a) to (e).  Additionally, to ensure that the first floor of the development fell into Class C3 dwellinghouse and to be compliant with Part G of the GPDO, the occupiers of each flat must be members of the same household.

The Committee was advised that the Applicant has submitted a Noise Impact Assessment report, which recommended that remedial works and acoustic enhancements would be required to alleviate the passage of noise between the ground and first floor, which the Council’s Environmental Health Officer has agreed.  The GPDO provides that the development would need to be implemented in accordance with the submitted information if the application was approved.

The Committee was addressed by Mr Ayres, who lived in a neighbouring property and spoke in objection to the proposal, on behalf of local residents and businesses.  He stated inter alia that:

·       The residents opposed this proposal, as they did with the previous two applications for this site;

·       The Applicant already owned 3 neighbouring properties in Salisbury Street that were rented out;

·       The rear entrance to the property lead to the main Town Centre car park;

·       There were no outside communal areas for the tenants;

·       There was no refuse collection in Salisbury Street as it was too narrow for the bin wagons to enter;

·       The development would have an impact on local residents in the community over parking provision as there was none – illegal parking was already taking place; and

·       Derek Twigg MP had written to the Secretary of State with concerns over the proposal and objections from local residents.

Councillor Jones (local Ward Councillor) then addressed the Committee in objection to the proposals.  He reiterated the neighbouring residents concerns and added inter alia:

·       The roads around the site were restricted by double yellow lines, so the parking situation for residents would be exacerbated;

·       There was no communal or outside space for residents to enjoy;

·       Fly tipping already occurred in the area;

·       The dignity of the Funeral Parlour business opposite should be considered; and

·       The location of the proposal was inappropriate for the area, when considering neighbouring residents and being so close to the Town Centre.

A  member of the public, Mr Edwards, was registered to speak, but did not attend the meeting.

In response to concerns over the absence of refuse collection services for the site, Officers advised that Waste Services had been consulted and had agreed to liaise with the Applicant to ensure the service would be provided.

Members discussed the concerns raised by the speakers on behalf of local residents and raised their own concerns with regards to fly tipping, parking provision and noise.  Although they supported residents, it was noted that as this was a prior approval application, they was restricted to the 5 conditions that could be considered, referred to above. 

  The application was moved and seconded and the Committee voted to approve the Application by majority vote. 

RESOLVED: That prior approval is required and is given, subject to the development being carried out in accordance with the details submitted, and the addition of a condition resulting from the Noise Impact Assessment Report.