Issue - meetings

1.      The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 25/01669/FUL &  25/01670/LBC in respect of conversion of buildings to form 3 residential dwellings, extension to garage and associated works. (Reconsideration of application reference 24/02422/FUL following the High Court Consent Order dated 9th July 2025).

2.      Ms Harriet Allen (Planning Officer) introduced the report to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy considerations and other material planning considerations. In conclusion the report detailed that the proposal was acceptable in planning terms and officers recommended that the Development Manager be authorised to grant planning permission and listed building consent, subject to the conditions outlined in the main and update reports.

3.      The Chairman asked Mr Paul Goddard (Principal Development Control Engineer) if he had any observations relating to the application.

·       The application followed a previous one that was quashed, but there were no highway issues with either application.

·       The access onto the B3421 and the sight lines were existing. While the sight lines to the south were not up to standard due to the bridge structure, the proposal would result in a substantial reduction in vehicle movements compared to the lawful office use.

·       This significant reduction in traffic would reduce the potential for harm and personal injury accidents, making it difficult to refuse the application on traffic and access grounds.

·       The construction management plan was sufficient for the scale of the proposed conversion works.

·       The site layout, car parking standards, cycle storage, and electric vehicle charging points were all compliant and satisfactory.

·       Highway Officers raised no objection to the application.

4.      In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mr Andy Moore, Town Council representative, Mr John Cole, objector, Mr Simon Pike and Ms Sharon Bovingdon, supporter, and Mr Fred Quartermain, solicitor for the Applicants, addressed the Committee on this application.

Town Council Representation

5.      Mr Moore addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here: Western Area Planning Committee – Recording

Member Questions to the Town Council

6.      Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Objector Representation

7.      Mr John Cole addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee – Recording

Member Questions to the Objector

8.      Members asked questions of clarification and were given the following responses:

·       The visibility splay to the south was 62m, which was below the recommended standard, whereas the northern exit was safer.

·       Mr Cole had not consulted directly with the Council’s Conservation Officer.

·       Regarding a question on how the objector would prevent future residents from using his business’s exit during opening hours. Mr Cole stated that if the application were approved, he would likely not police it in order to maintain good neighbourly relations.

·       He confirmed that there was water in the barn near the boiler

Supporter Representation

9.      Mr Pike and Ms Bovingdon addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee – Recording

Member Questions to the Supporter

10.   Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Agent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3