Change of use from existing vacant tyre fitting depot to indoor soft play based family entertainment centre with proposed extension.

Change of use from existing vacant tyre fitting depot to indoor soft play based family entertainment centre with proposed extension.

The Principal Planning Officer reported the following:-

§      A letter of objection had been received from Norris and Stewart Cars (the concerns were summarised).

§      A letter of support had been received from Jonathan Bretherton, Chief Executive of Edgar Street Grid Ltd. and a number of recommendations would be included as part of any planning permission granted, including improvements to provide a pedestrian corridor to land at the rear of the site.

§      The Traffic Manager had expressed concerns about lack of on site parking but noted the availability of public car parks near the site.  Therefore, no on site parking was required but the drop-off and collection point would be retained.

§      Discussions were continuing with the Environment Agency regarding flood risk but there were no known historic records of flooding in relation to this site.

§       The Economic Development Manager supported the proposal, in line with the comments of Edgar Street Grid Ltd..

§      The Forward Planning Manager supported the proposal.

§      Suitably amended plans were required to ensure a higher standard of design and materials for the existing and new building

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

The Chairman, speaking in his capacity as Local Ward Member, felt that the proposal would be an improvement on the existing building.  He noted that the building would become more prominent with the regeneration of the Edgar Street Grid and, therefore, the design and materials had to be appropriate.  He noted that on site parking would be difficult to achieve and that it was anticipated that clientele would walk to the facility.

A number of Members spoke in support of the proposal, particularly given the popularity of such entertainment centres. 

Councillor P.J. Edwards noted the need to develop the Edgar Street Grid in an holistic manner and with a high quality design approach.

Councillor D.B. Wilcox noted that traffic calming measures proposed for Widemarsh Street would improve highway safety in the vicinity of the site.

In response to a question by Councillor Mrs. S.P.A. Daniels, the Principal Planning Officer advised that formal comments were awaited from the Environmental Health Manager and any appropriate conditions could be included as part of the planning permission if granted.

RESOLVED:

Subject to the receipt of suitably amended plans and no further objections from statutory consultees raising additional material planning considerations by the end of the consultation period, the officers named in the Scheme of Delegation to Officers be authorised to issue planning permission subject to the following conditions and any additional 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       A09 (Amended plans).

         Reason: To ensure the development is carried out in accordance with the amended plans.

3       B01 (Samples of external materials).

         Reason: To ensure that the materials harmonise with the surroundings.

4       E06 (Restriction on Use).

         Reason: The local planning authority wish to control the specific use of the land/premises to ensure the use remains in accordance with policy TCR21R of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan (Revised Deposit Draft).

5       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.

6       A new gated pedestrian/cycle access shall be provided in the south eastern corner of the site prior to first use of the development hereby permitted.  Details of the proposed means of providing a pedestrian/cycle access shall be provided within 2 months of the commencement of the development hereby permitted.  The access shall be created in accordance with the approved details.

         Reason: To provide a pedestrian/cycle link between the site and the Edgar Street Grid Canal Basin and Historic Core area as required by Policy TCR21R of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan (Revised Deposit Draft).

7       G01 (Details of boundary treatments).

         Reason: In the interests of visual amenity and to ensure dwellings have satisfactory privacy.

Informatives:

1       N08 – Advertisements.

2       N15 - Reason(s) for the Grant of PP/LBC/CAC.