Change of use from a place of worship to community space including artisan bakery, cafe and social space with occasional worship. Proposed various internal works including mezzanine & installation of an artisan bakery and change of use to the vestry and nave. To include all associated works and new services connections.

The Committee approved the application in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation with additional conditions.

(Change of use from a place of worship to community space including artisan bakery, cafe and social space with occasional worship. Proposed various internal works including mezzanine & installation of an artisan bakery and change of use to the vestry and nave. To include all associated works and new services connections.)

(Councillor Johnson left the meeting during consideration of this item.  Councillor Durkin fulfilled the role of local ward member and accordingly had no vote on this application.)

The Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking for virtual meetings, Mr R Lewis of Brampton Abbotts and Foy Parish Council submitted a written submission in opposition to the scheme.  This was read to the meeting by the legal adviser to the Committee.   Mr D Teague, a local resident, spoke in opposition to the scheme, as a virtual attendee.  A written submission by the Venerable D Chedzey on behalf of the applicant was read to the meeting.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor Durkin, spoke on the application.  He expressed a number of reservations.

The Committee discussed the application.

It was proposed that conditions should be added relating to securing and managing car parking and noise attenuation measures relating to the proposed extractor fan.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.  He reiterated a number of reservations.  However, he commented that the community was broadly supportive subject to car parking provision in particular being satisfactorily resolved.

It was proposed in relation to the accompanying listed building consent application (193666 below) that the local ward member should be consulted on the proposals for repurposing the internal fixtures, noting concerns he had expressed about the Caroe pews.

Application 193665

RESOLVED: That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions, with additional conditions relating to noise attenuation from the proposed extraction fan and car parking, and any other further conditions considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers:

1.         Time limit for commencement (full permission)

2.         Development in accordance with the approved plans and materials

3.         Nature Conservation – Ecology Protection, Mitigation

            The ecological protection, mitigation, compensation and working methods, as recommended in the ecology report by Swift Ecology dated September 2019 shall be implemented and hereafter maintained in full as stated unless otherwise approved in writing by the local planning authority. No external lighting should illuminate any boundary feature, adjacent habitat or area around the church.

            Reason: To ensure that all species are protected and habitats enhanced having regard to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Habitats & Species Regulations 2017 (as amended), Policy LD2 of the Herefordshire Core Strategy, National Planning Policy Framework (2019) and NERC Act 2006

4.         Nature Conservation – Biodiversity and Habitat Enhancement

            Prior to first use of works approved under this decision, a detailed scheme and plan for proposed biodiversity net gain enhancement features including provision for bat roosting and hibernation, bird nesting, hedgehog  ...  view the full minutes text for item 145