Proposed alterations to and change of use of existing building to allow occupation for Class E(b)/sui generis (hot food takeaway) use, including the provision of designated car parking area and alterationsto existing elevations.

Application approved, in accordance with the officer recommendation and a change to to the conditions.

Councillor Mark Woodall acted as local ward member for the following application.

The senior 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 Ms Hannah, spoke on behalf of Leominster Town Council and Mr Peach, the applicant's agent, spoke in support of the application.

Councillor Dave Davis left the meeting at 12:24 p.m.

In accordance with the council’s constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, he explained that the application saved a prominent and historic building in Leominster. The new restaurant in Leominster would also help to create footfall in the town and provide a social location for people to meet in the town. There were concerns regarding the application relating to traffic, litter, pests, noise and impact on dietary health. A number of mitigations or conditions were in place to overcome concerns relating to noise, litter and pests. However, concerns regarding the impact on public health posed by fast food remained. It was understood that the food franchise responsible for the application was developing a healthier menu. It was noted that there were a number of other takeaways in the locality but the present application was exempt from rules relating to the concentration of fast food restaurants due to its location within the town centre. The additional highway movements that the restaurant would generate would be in a location which was already busy with traffic attending supermarkets and nearby car parks; the speed of cars within the area was generally slow. The small car park attached to the restaurant was not for customer parking and would ensure that there was no deliveries or service vehicles for the restaurant utilising the public highway. There was concern regarding the noise impact from the site, in particular deliveries occurring overnight causing a disturbance and adversely impacting residential amenity. It was requested that a condition be added to restrict nighttime delivery. It was explained that the building had been in a very poor condition and that the current proposal would ensure that the historic building was restored with elements that were sympathetic with the original design and distinctiveness of the building. It was noted that the proposal was compliant with the Leominster NDP.

In accordance with the council's constitution, the adjoining ward member spoke on the application. In summary, she explained that a number of representations had been received locally for and against the application. It was pleasing the building would be restored and occupied and further applications that would make use of the foyer and frontage. Conditions concerning car parking at the rear of the building, noise, litter and pests were supported. The timings of deliveries to the store and the impact on local residential amenity were concerning. It was noted that the local water provider had recommended grease traps to avoid grease from the restaurant entering the local drainage system; a condition to require the installation of grease traps was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53