Agenda item

The application was for the demolition of the existing glass house and other buildings on site and the erection of a replacement building within A1 use. (Retrospective).

This application would have normally been determined under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation. However, the application had been reported to the Planning Applications Committee at the request of Councillor Victoria Wheeler due to concern that the proposal was inappropriate development within the Green Belt. Reference was made to the Castle Grove Nursery application and dismissed appeal (ref. 18/1118) having regard to the loss of glasshouses and the need for very special circumstances.

Members were advised of the following updates on the application:

“UPDATE

Opening hours – the applicant has clarified that the opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am – 6pm on Sundays. They have stated that small units such as these are not restricted under the Sunday Trading Act.

Occupation of the units - The applicant has advised also that one of the units has been recently occupied, and the tenant is a sustainable clothing retailer, although the unit has not been fully fitted out yet and the applicant advises that this is a temporary opening. The tenants for the remaining two units are not yet known.”

The officer recommendation to grant the application was proposed by Councillor Morgan Rise, seconded by Councillor Robin Perry and put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED that application 20/0494 be granted subject to the conditions in the officer’s report.

Note 1

It was noted for the record that:

                      i.        Councillor Victoria Wheeler declared that:

a)    She had met with the applicant onsite alongside other Ward Councillors and local residents;

b)    She had attended a Licensing Sub-Committee meeting in respect of a Licensing application for the site, but she came into the meeting with an open mind.

c)    She had been copied into correspondence between neighbours and the former restaurant manager regarding noise disturbance complaints;

                    ii.        Councillor Valerie White declared that:

a)    She had met with the applicant onsite alongside other Ward Councillors and local residents;

b)    She had attended a Licensing Sub-Committee meeting in respect of a Licensing application for the site, but she came into the meeting with an open mind.

Note 2

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 Officer Recommendation to grant the application:

Councillors Cliff Betton, Stuart Black, Mark Gordon, Edward Hawkins, David Lewis, Charlotte Morley, Robin Perry, Darryl Ratiram, Morgan Rise, and Graham Tapper.

Voting against the Officer Recommendation to grant the application:

Councillors Liz Noble, Pat Tedder, Victoria Wheeler and Valerie White.