A hybrid planning application comprising: An application for full planning permission for the erection of a Day Nursery (Use Class E (f)) and Foodstore (Use Class E (a)) including access, car parking landscaping and associated work; & an application for outline planningpermission for the erection of a medical centre (Use Class E(e)), withaccess to be determined and all other matters reserved.

Application approved with a change to conditions.

Councillor Stef Simmons left the committee to act as the local ward member for the following application

The principal planning officer provided a presentation on the application and the updates/representations received following the publication of the agenda.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Ingram, from the Cooperative group, and Ms Stephenson, local resident, spoke in objection to the application and Mr. Mitchell spoke in support.

In accordance with the council's constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, she explained that in principle the local community supported the provision of a  medical centre and nursery. It was recognised that there was a need for better healthcare facilities in Ledbury. It was further recognised that a food store could bring benefits as the location of the new shop would provide for new developments within that part of the town and bring more jobs. It was acknowledged that a new shop on the outskirts of Ledbury would result in the loss of some trade from shops within the centre of town.

There was an adjournment at 11:07 a.m.; The meeting reconvened at 11:32 a.m.

Councillor John Stone left the meeting at 11:32 a.m.

Following the adjournment the local ward member continued her address to the committee. It was recognised that there were access issues concerning the site that required finalisation. Noise impact concerns remained with the site and the committee was asked to clarify with officers how this would be conditioned. The recommendation of the case officer was accepted.

In accordance with the council's constitution the adjoining ward member spoke on the application. In summary, she explained that the new store would have an adverse impact on the vitality of local retail and the viability of Ledbury town centre. The impact of the application was a deep concern to business owners in Ledbury and there was no adequate mitigation proposed to address this impact. Submissions by the local trade association and the ALDI supermarket were of significance and should be given due weight by the committee. The credibility of the retail impact assessment was questioned given the data used in calculation but assessments of the impact of the new shop on businesses in Ledbury demonstrated an adverse effect. The potential use of private financial initiative (PFI) for the health centre and its relocation out of the centre of Ledbury was questioned. The committee was urged to reject the application due to the adverse impact on Ledbury town centre which was contrary to: core strategy policies SS1, LB1; Ledbury neighbourhood development plan policy EE 3.1; and paragraphs 85 to 90 of the national planning policy framework.

The committee debated the application; during the debate the following principal points were raised:

• support for the new store had been expressed by local residents;
• the absence of a noise condition was questioned;
• the construction of a new healthcare facility in the town was a benefit in the locality;
• it was felt that the new store would serve new housing developments  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28