Agenda item

Mr R Chan spoke upon the application on behalf of the applicant. A copy of the agent’s representations is filed together with this minute at Appendix 1.

The Vice-Chair spoke upon the application. A copy of the Vice-Chair’s representations is filed together with this minute at Appendix 2.

Having declared a non-pecuniary interest, the Vice-Chair left the Chamber and took no part in the debate on the item of business and voting thereon.

The Committee gave consideration to the report (as set out at pages 39 - 49) which asked it to determine a planning application for a change of use from a shop (A1) to a laundrette (sui-generis) and use of a first floor for service washes.

A debate thereon was had whereby Members agreed that, on balance, the regenerative impact of the proposed change of use would positively contribute to the town centre’s vitality and viability insofar as it was hoped to facilitate, amongst other things, a service that would promote net additional visits to The Parade, encourage more in-town centre living and avoid the prospect of a dead frontage. It was also acknowledged that the commercial viability of the applicant’s proposed use was not a material planning consideration to which the Committee could have due regard.

In reaching its decision, it was reported that no residential properties were located in close proximity of the unit, it had not been proposed that a dry-cleaning operation was to be carried out and that the service-wash element of the business was to primarily operate via the unit’s rear entrance. As such, no justifiable need was apparent, or capable of being enforced, to either limit further the laundrette’s opening hours, to regulate any noxious emissions or to control the unit’s access and egress respectively by condition(s): in any case, if related concerns did materialise in the future, it was said that these could be dealt with by statutory nuisance or other regulatory enforcement measures. The Committee was also advised that, if it was minded to permit planning permission, this could not be granted in personam.

To mitigate other concerns as raised by Members, it was further agreed that, by way of condition, the ground floor of the unit was to incorporate an appropriate window display or applique to the frontage glazing in order to screen the visible appearance of laundry machinery within the unit and, by way of a note, it be recommended that the applicant ensured that the building’s structure was adequate to support the static and dynamic loads arising from the installation and use of laundry machinery.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor J Kaufman and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

(i)       The application be GRANTED planning permission in accordance with the submitted documents and plans and subject to the prescribed conditions (as amended);

(ii)     A planning condition be added requiring that prior to first occupation of the ground floor of the premises, details of an appropriate window display or applique to the frontage glazing shall be submitted to and approved in writing and thereafter be maintained throughout the use of the premises as a launderette; and

(iii)   A note to the applicant be added recommending that before occupying the building as hereby permitted, the applicant ensures that its structure is adequate to support the static and dynamic loads (weight and vibration) that will arise from the installation and use of laundry machinery.

The Vice-Chair returned to the Chamber.