Change of use of former methodist chapel to a4 wine bar with food facility, also managers flat.

The application was refused contrary to the Case Officer’s recommendation.

(Change of use of former methodist chapel to A4 wine bar with food facility, also managers flat.)

The Senior Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application, and updates/additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet, as appended to these minutes.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking for virtual meetings, Mr and Mrs Draisey, local residents, spoke in opposition to the scheme, as virtual attendees.  Mrs M Rutsch the applicant’s agent had made a written submission that was read to the meeting.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor Harvey, spoke on the application.  In summary, she expressed concerns about adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents, as a result of noise and kitchen and smoking fumes, parking, waste collection, and the location.  If the application were to be approved she requested a number of pre-commencement conditions upon which she asked be consulted. She noted that the proposal would bring the building back into use.

The Committee discussed the application.

The Lead Development Manager commented that the proposal was compliant with the Ledbury Neighbourhood Development Plan.  The Environmental Health Officer had no objection.  He suggested a number of additional conditions including pre-commencement conditions if approval were to be proposed.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.  She remained concerned about aspects of the application but welcomed the proposal for pre-commencement conditions.

A motion that the application be refused contrary to the officer recommendation on the grounds that the proposal would have an unacceptable impact on residential amenity and was contrary to policy SD1 and paragraph 180 of the National Planning Policy Framework was carried on the Chairperson’s casting vote.

RESOLVED:  (on the Chairperson’s casting vote) That planning permission be refused on the grounds that the development would have an unacceptable impact on residential amenity and was contrary to policy SD1 and paragraph 180 of the National Planning Policy Framework and officers named in the Scheme of Delegation to officers be authorised to detail the reasons put forward for refusal by the committee.