Agenda item

The application was for the subdivision of existing retail unit to provide 3 No. retail units to be used for the following: one unit for the sale of bulky goods and goods relating to outdoor pursuits with ancillary travel clinic (Class A1); one unit for the sale of bulky goods with ancillary pet care, treatment and grooming facilities and installation of mezzanine floor (Class A1); and one used as a cafe/restaurant (Class A3).

Members were advised of the following updates:

‘The applicant has provided further evidence of the impact of the proposal on local/town centres, particularly in relation to the proposed Cotswold Outdoor (Unit 2A) outlet.  The unit would be seen as a flagship store which, whilst providing a similar range of products to other Cotswold Outdoor stores, would extend the range to include a library and travel clinic.  The clinic would provide travel advice together with associated products including travel guides, maps, dietary suggestions, insect guards, creams, etc.  Cotswold Outdoor has specialist brands (Runnersneed, CycleSurgery and Snow + Rock) which would be provided under one roof.  All of this differentiates the proposed Cotswold Outdoor outlet from its rivals.

A schematic layout has been provided which indicates that clothing and footwear would be provided on 56% of the floorspace provided for retail sales but it is noted that product ranges will change, influencing changes to the retail floor layout, because of the seasonality of the product demands.   As such, it is recommended to adjust the maximum floorspace for the sale of clothing and footwear, as outlined in Condition 1, to 70%, and this has been agreed as the maximum that should be provided by the Council’s Retail Adviser.

The applicant has confirmed that they do not want any restriction and formally requests that the application is deferred to allow further negotiations.

Three further objections have been received raising the following additional concerns:

·        John Lewis should extend their Waitrose development into this store

·        Café will not be productive (profitable) with other nearby cafes

·        Highway safety impact, with other developments in the area

·        Impact from air quality (dust and fumes) - a new report is required

·        Impact on Bagshot centre

·        Impact on infrastructure, community and other services

·        Provision of vet facilities

·        Development is marketed as the “Bagshot Retail Park” and suggests that the developer’s vision is complete

·        Lack of parking provision

CHANGE TO CONDITION 1:

Unit 2a, as defined on the approved plan 13001/96, with a total net sales area of 1,201 square metres shall only be used under Class A1 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 as amended (or any order revoking or re-enacting that Order) for the sale of goods, as listed below:

(a) outdoor and leisure clothing, accessories, equipment, footwear and services for walking running, camping, trekking, climbing, canoeing, water sports, cycling and winter sports with ancillary travel clinic;

(b) home improvement products and materials including hardware and DIY;

(c) garden centre goods including garden furniture, plants, BBQ and associated equipment;

(d) furniture, lighting, carpets and floor coverings;

(e) household textiles, housewares and haberdashery including furnishing, fabrics, cushions and curtains; bedding and linen; blinds and poles; clocks, pictures and mirrors and related accessories;

(f) pets, pet foods and related products and services, including ancillary pet care, treatment and grooming facilities;

(g) bulky electrical and gas kitchen items;

(h) motor goods, cycles, cycle products and accessories; and

(i) bulky leisure goods e.g. kayaks, tents, boats.

Under part ‘a’ of this condition no more than 70% of the net retail sales floorspace within the unit shall be used for the sale of outdoor clothing and footwear and should not include any fashion clothing or footwear.  The goods listed under part ‘a’ of this condition shall only enure for the benefit of the first occupier.

Reason: In the interest of the vitality and viability of Bagshot centre and Camberley Town Centre and to comply with Policies CP1, CP10 and DM12 of the Surrey Heath Core Strategy and Development Management Policies 2012 and the National Planning Policy Framework.’

Members were advised of a further update stating that the applicant had agreed the 70% limitation on outdoor clothing and footwear and would not be seeking a deferral.

Some Members were concerned that the extra retail units on this site would detract from Camberley Town Centre and Bagshot Village Town Centre.  Other Members felt that the proposal would provide what Notcutts had previously supplied.

There was concern regarding staff parking in the residential areas around the site but Members were informed that the County Highways Agency had raised no objections.

Resolved that application 16/1041 be approved as amended subject to the conditions as set out in the report of the Executive Head – Regulatory.

Note 1

It was noted for the record that Committee Members declared that they had been contacted by residents, the applicant and the developer.

Note 2

The recommendation to approve the application as amended was proposed by Councillor Jonathan Lytle and seconded by Councillor Richard Brooks.

Note 3

In accordance with Part 4, Section D, paragraph 18 of the Constitution, the voting in relation to the application was as follows:

Voting in favour of the recommendation to approve the application as amended:

Councillors Richard Brooks, Nick Chambers, Vivienne Chapman, Edward Hawkins, Jonathan Lytle, Katia Malcaus Cooper, David Mansfield, Max Nelson, Adrian Page, Ian Sams, Conrad Sturt, Pat Tedder and Victoria Wheeler.

Voting against the recommendation to approve the application:

Councillor Paul Ilnicki.