Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed the Committee members and officers to the virtual Planning Committee meeting being held via Skype.  The Chair explained that the meeting was being live streamed on the Council’s YouTube channel to enable members of the public to observe the committee.  It was noted that the registered public speaker on agenda item 6 would not be participating in the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Jennifer Wheeler.  Councillor Mark Shurmer attended as substitute for Councillor Wheeler.

To invite Councillors to declare any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests and / or Other Disclosable Interests they may have in items on the agenda, and to confirm the nature of those interests.

Councillor Michael Chalk declared an Other Disclosable Interest in relation to agenda items 7 and 8, namely that the applicant was known to him as an acquaintance.  Councillor Chalk remained in the meeting and participated in the debate and vote on both agenda items.

The legal advisor, Amar Hussain, declared an interest as an officer in relation to agenda item 6, in that the registered public speaker and the applicant were both known to him.

RESOLVED that

The Minutes of the Planning Committee held on 15^th July 2020 be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

To note Update Reports (if any) for the Planning Applications to be considered at the meeting (circulated prior to the commencement of the meeting)

It was noted that there was no update report.

Change of use from Class A1 retail use to Class A3 Food and Drink Restaurant and Class A5 food take away

Officers outlined the application for the change of use to enable the unit at number 57 which was currently empty to be converted to a restaurant and take away.

Officers had assessed the principle of the change of use to be acceptable in the location and compliant with policy.  Officers had also considered whether there would be any unacceptable noise and disturbance to adjacent residential occupiers.  It was noted that the works would include the installation of an appropriate ventilation system to allow for odour and noise abatement which would be secured by a condition.  As such there was no objection from WRS (Worcestershire Regulatory Services) or any other statutory consultees.

In debating the application Members welcomed the re-use of the unit.

RESOLVED that

Having regard to the development plan and to all other material considerations, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions and informatives set out on pages 14 to 16 of the main agenda

[The legal advisor, Amar Hussain, declared an interest as an officer in relation to agenda item 6, in that the registered public speaker and the applicant were both known to him]

Retrospective planning application for conversion of former plant hire sales and services premises and associated yard, to one retail unit and one beauty/ hair dressing salon

Officers outlined the application and explained that the applicant was seeking retrospective permission for changes following the cessation of the previous use of the site for a plant hire business.

The hair dressing/beauty and retail uses had required only limited physical changes to the fabric of the building and it was noted that there were existing shop fronts.  Officers considered the retail development to be appropriate for the location.

It was noted that the standard preamble wording to the decision had been omitted from the committee report on page 19 and this would need to be included as part of the decision and added into the minutes.

RESOLVED that

Having regard to the development plan and to all other material considerations, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions and informatives set out on pages 19 and 20 of the main agenda

[Councillor Chalk declared an Other Disclosable Interest in relation to this application, namely that he was acquainted with the applicant.  Councillor Chalk remained in the meeting and participated in the debate and vote.]

Retrospective planning application for conversion of office of previous plant hire business to a single bedroom dwelling

Officers outlined the application for retrospective permission for changes following the cessation of the previous use of the site for a plant hire business.

There had been very little change to the appearance of the former office as a result of the conversion and the plans included 2 parking spaces and an amenity area.  Officers had assessed the application as being policy compliant and were recommending approval.

It was noted that the standard preamble wording to the decision had been omitted from the committee report on page 22 and this would need to be included as part of the decision and added into the minutes.

In response to questions from Members, officers clarified that the conditions were time limited due to the retrospective nature of the application, and that it would be for the applicant to decide on the exact details for the provision of secure cycle storage and electric vehicle charging point.

RESOLVED that

Having regard to the development plan and to all other material considerations, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions and informatives set out on pages 22 and 23 of the main agenda.

[Councillor Chalk declared an Other Disclosable Interest in relation to this application, namely that he was acquainted with the applicant.  Councillor Chalk remained in the meeting and participated in the debate and vote.]