Agenda item

Recommendation: Conditional approval subject to legal agreement

Proposal: Full application for the proposed erection of a new 3No storey commercial building following partial demolition of existing building and reconfiguration of site to include additional parking

Applicant: Apacor Ltd

The Committee considered a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 17 to 56.

The Committee were advised that updates contained within the Supplementary Planning Agenda included:

·           Amendment to condition 12;

·           Updated paragraph 30 in relation to car parking.

Tom Sadler, on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support of the application. Tom stated that the applicant was the owner and occupier of the premises, and manufactured a range of diagnostic equipment which were key in the fight against Covid-19. Tom added that the company was at critical capacity and required additional space in order to increase production capabilities. Tom stated that the proposals were in accordance with planning policy, and the quicker the extension works could be carried out the better outcome for everybody.

Carl Doran queried whether any additional jobs would be created or lost as a result of the proposals, and queried the height of the surrounding buildings. Baldeep Pulahi, case officer, stated that there were no proposed changes to the numbers of full time equivalent staff. Baldeep added that given the context and location of the area, the increase in building height of the proposal would not be a detriment to the surrounding area.

Andrew Mickleburgh queried where the intended entry and exit points would be located as this may have implications on the location on the bin storage area, in order to allow refuse vehicles to be able to exit the site without the need to reverse onto Fishponds Road. Baldeep Pulahi confirmed that the bin storage was secured by condition, and the final location had not been finalised and the ease of collection would be a consideration when deciding this. Chris Easton, Head of Transport, Drainage, and Compliance, stated that some swept path analysis had been provided, and the site would be serviced via a private refuse collection service. Chris added that the likely location would not be too dissimilar to now, and the refuse vehicles currently reversed into the site.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey queried how many local apprentices would be employed at the site. Baldeep Pulahi stated that these details would be secured by the employment skills plan.

Angus Ross queried why the proposals included an additional 27 car parking spaces whilst staff numbers were not proposed to increase. Chris Easton stated that the proposed increase in car parking spaces complied with the typical use for a B2 use case. Tom Sadler commented that the proposals would not lead to any loss of staff, and there were possibilities to increase staffing number once the expansion had been approved and completed. Tom added that the additional car parking space would future proof the site.

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey commented that she was pleased to see the site being retained as an employment space.

Stephen Conway commented that he was not in favour of any restrictions to the number of employees allowed to work on the site. Stephen added that he was pleased with the proposals, and felt that the building was located in a sustainable location and the proposals were in keeping with the surrounding area.

RESOLVED That application number 212350 be approved, subject to conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 18 to 25, and amended condition 12 as set out in the Supplementary Planning Agenda.