Change of use to mixed use of B2 (General Industry) and B8 (Storage or distribution), with up to 10% B1 (Business).

Change of use to mixed use of B2 (General Industry) and B8 (Storage or distribution), with up to 10% B1 (Business).

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr. Hodgeson spoke in support of the application.

Councillor Mrs. P.A. Andrews, a Local Ward Member, noted that the lawful use of the entire site was for general industrial purposes and that there were no conditions restricting operating hours or delivery.  Therefore, she felt that there were no planning reasons to warrant refusal of this application.

Councillor Ms. A.M. Toon, also a Local Ward Member, commented that she did not have any objections in principle but noted local residents’ concerns and questioned whether further conditions could control noise levels.  In response, the Central Team Leader commented on the long established use of the site and advised that such restrictions might not be reasonable, particularly as no objections had been received from Environmental Health and Trading Standards.  He added that excessive noise might be considered statutory nuisance but this was dealt with under separate legislation.

In response to comments made by Members about potential noise disturbance, the Development Control Manager re-iterated that there were no restrictions on the existing lawful use of the site.  The Chairman added that the existing use could be restarted at any time.  In response to comments about traffic generation, the Development Control Manager commented that the change of use to storage and distribution would result in different patterns of traffic and that a routing agreement could be included as part of the Travel Plan under recommended condition 4.

Councillor A.C.R. Chappell commented on the potential economic benefits of the proposal and noted the need for appropriate traffic calming measures and crossings in the vicinity of the site.

Some Members commented that significant additional traffic could be generated in the area as a result of the Unitary Development Plan proposals for Holmer.

Councillor R.I. Matthews commented on the history of the site and felt that there should not be too many restrictions.

Councillor Wilcox questioned whether contributions towards College Road/Venns Lane/Old School Lane junction improvements could be sought.  The Development Control Manager advised that contributions might not be justified on the basis that the proposal would not result in substantial increases in floorspace and no objections had been received from the Traffic Manager.

RESOLVED:

Subject to no further objections raising additional material planning considerations by the end of the consultation period and subject to there being, the Officers named in the Scheme of Delegation to Officers be authorised to approve the application subject to the following conditions and any further conditions considered necessary by Officers:

1.      A01 (Time limit for commencement (full permission)).

         Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2.      A11 (Change of use only details required of any alterations).

         Reason: To define the terms under which permission for change of use is granted.

3.      H29 (Secure cycle parking provision).

         Reason: To ensure that there is adequate provision for secure cycle accommodation within the application site, encouraging alternative modes of transport in accordance with both local and national planning policy.

4.      Within three months of the date of first occupation of any part of the building in connection with the planning permission hereby permitted, a Travel Plan containing measures to promote alternative modes of transport for employees including a schedule for its implementation shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority and implemented as approved. The Travel Plan shall also include details of traffic routing to and from the development to minimise the amount of traffic and particularly HGV's travelling south from the application site.  A detailed written record shall be kept of measures undertaken to promote sustainable transport initiatives and shall be made available for inspection by the local planning authority upon reasonable request so as to enable monitoring of the plan to be routinely carried out.

         Reason: In the interests of highway safety and to ensure that a range of sustainable transport initiatives are available to employees.

5.      Any conditions considered necessary by the Head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards.

Informative:

1.      N15 - Reason(s) for the Grant of Planning Permission.