Issue - meetings

Recommendation: Conditional approval subject to legal agreement

Proposal: Full application for the proposed erection of a workshop including associated office accommodation and storage following demolition of existing outbuildings

Applicant: Mr Lyon

The Committee received and reviewed a report, set out in agenda pages 57 to 78.

The Committee were advised that the Members’ Update included:

·           Confirmation that the overall volume increase on site would be net zero, as the other buildings on site were due to be demolished;

·           The previous appeal decision.

Simon Weeks commented that some Committee Members would have visited this site previously. Simon added that the current proposals were now single storey, well set back from the road, and there was clear guidance from the Inspector’s report with regards to this application.

Members were asked in turn for any comments or queries on this application. Specific comments or queries are summarised below.

Carl Doran queried whether additional landscaping would be required on site, and whether condition 2 would restrict the usage of the outside area of the site. Mark Croucher, case officer, stated that additional landscaping would not be required as there was already sufficient screening from the Bath Road and the standard landscape plan would suffice. With regards to usage of the outside area of the building, Mark stated that the previous owners had used this area for storage, however it would not be appropriate for the outside areas to be used for more general B2.

Abdul Loyes asked for clarification as to whether car breaking could be allowed on site under the proposed B2 classification. Justin Turvey, Team Manager (Development & Regeneration), stated that car breaking would solely be a suis generis use which would not be covered under B2. In addition, the owner restored classic cars in a forensic and calculated operation, and it was very unlikely that any car breaking would be considered within this operation.

Andrew Mickleburgh whether any additional parking spaces would be required on site, and whether additional screening would be required on parts of the site away from the entrance. Mark Croucher stated that the proposed 20 additional staff would be accommodated by the existing car parking on site, which currently had a good amount of extra capacity above 20 spaces. Mark stated that the proposals amounted to a relatively discreet development and it was felt that additional landscaping would not be required.

Malcolm Richards asked for further clarification with regards to the demolition condition. Mark Croucher clarified that occupation of the proposed building could not take place until the other building had been demolished.

RESOLVED That application number 193047 be approved, subject to conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 57 to 62, and subject to completion of a legal agreement.