Agenda item

240480 - ST DAVIDS HALL, SYMONDS STREET, HEREFORD, HEREFORDSHIRE, HR1 2HA

To extend the permission to retain the mobile building on site as a shelter for temporary homeless for a further 5 years.

Decision:

Application approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

Minutes:

The Senior Planning Officer provided a presentation on the application.

 

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, a statement from Mr Lane, in objection to the application, was read to the meeting.

 

In accordance with the council’s constitution, the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, she explained that the change of use of the building to a homeless shelter had been accepted and it was queried whether a site management plan could be imposed in the conditions.

 

The committee debated the application and the following principal points were raised:

 

·       The application had established the need for the facility and its continued operation.

·       It was noted that the application was for temporary permission and it was urged that the local authority seek a permanent, long-term provision.

·       The visual impact of the building upon the local area was raised and consideration of screening of the development was encouraged in future.

·       A change to the conditions to limit the length of the permission from a period of 5 years to expiration in 2026 was raised to provide an impetus to the local authority to advance plans for a permanent facility. The proposed change to the conditions was not seconded and therefore was not moved.

 

 

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.

 

Councillor Richard Thomas proposed and Councillor Simeon Cole seconded the approval of the application in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

 

The motion was put to the vote and was carried unanimously.

 

RESOLVED: That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions and any other further conditions considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers:

 

1.

The development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans set out below, except where otherwise stipulated by conditions attached to this permission.

 

Approved Plans:

·       Location Plan - 7NA2 Rev V2;

·       Existing site plan - 7NA2 PODS 1.1 V4;

·       Existing layout plan - 7NA2 1.2 V1;

·       Existing layout elevations - 7NA2 1.3 V1;

 

Reason: To ensure adherence to the approved plans in the interests of a satisfactory form of development and to comply with Policy SD1 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

2.

No surface water from any increase in the roof area of the building /or impermeable surfaces within its curtilage shall be allowed to drain directly or indirectly to the public sewerage system.

 

Reason: To prevent hydraulic overloading of the public sewerage system, to protect the health and safety of existing residents and ensure no pollution of or detriment to the environment and to comply with policies SD3 and SD4 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework

 

3.

This permission shall expire 5 years from the date of this permission, after which the use hereby approved shall permanently cease.

 

Reason: To enable the local planning authority to give further consideration to the acceptability of the proposed use after the temporary period has expired and to comply with Policy (specify) of the Herefordshire Local Plan- Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

INFORMATIVES:

 

1.

A The Local Planning Authority has acted positively and proactively in determining this application by assessing the proposal against planning policy and any other material considerations, including any representations that have been received. It has subsequently determined to grant planning permission in accordance with the presumption in favour of sustainable development, as set out within the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

2.

The Authority would advise the applicant (and their contractors) that they have a legal Duty of Care as regards wildlife protection. The majority of UK wildlife is subject to some level of legal protection through the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981 as amended), with enhanced protection for special “protected species” such as all Bat species (roosts whether bats are present or not), Badgers, Great Crested Newts, Otters, Dormice, Crayfish and reptile species that are present and widespread across the County. All nesting birds are legally protected from disturbance at any time of the year. Care should be taken to plan work and at all times of the year undertake the necessary precautionary checks and develop relevant working methods prior to work commencing. If in any doubt it advised that advice from a local professional ecology consultant is obtained.

 

Councillor Catherine Gennard resumed her seat on the committee.

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