Agenda item

Change of use from B1 to A1 retail sales, selling horticultural products, plants, composts, sundries to both trade and the general public

The Planning Officer presented his report to the Committee with the aid of a powerpoint presentation. He advised members of a significant update to the report and pointed out that he was now recommending that the Committee approve the planning application, subject to a condition restricting the items to be sold at the premises.

He informed the Committee that the application was for the loss of an employment unit which was not normally supported by the Economic Development team, however further information had been received which specified the nature of the proposed use class, which was namely bulky horticultural goods which are not best suited on the high street.

Howard Ellard, a representative of the Town Council addressed the Committee and spoke in favour of the application. He highlighted to Members that the unit had been empty for some time on what was a vibrant industrial estate.

Mr Andrew Cole, applicant, addressed the Committee. He informed the Committee that the items intended to be sold were horticultural garden centre items and crystals.

Councillor Colin Winder, Ward Member, spoke in support of the application as it was his belief that the goods to be sold were not suitable for Wincanton High Street.

Councillor Nick Colbert, Ward Member, spoke in support of the application and questioned the need for a condition to restrict the items which could be sold.

Following a short discussion, it was proposed and seconded to approve the planning application as per the officer’s revised recommendation with the omission of the restrictive condition, but subject to the following conditions;

·         Time limit condition

·         Approved plans conditions

·         Parking condition

On being put to the vote, the proposal was carried 8 in favour, 0 against with 1 abstention.

RESOLVED:

That planning application 15/04744/COU be approved as per the officers recommendation, subject to conditions.

Justification

01.       It is considered that the loss of empty B1 unit to A1 has been justified and would not be harmful to the ongoing provision of employment opportunities in Wincanton. As such the proposal complies with policy EP3 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006-2028 and the policies contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:

01.       The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason:  To accord with the provisions of section 91(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

02.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: Location Plan and Car Parking Spaces Plan received 21 October 2016, and Site Plan and Floor Plan received 2 November 2016.

Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

03.       The area allocated for parking on the submitted Car Park Spaces plan received 21 October 2016 shall be kept clear of obstruction and shall not be used other than for the parking of vehicles in connection with the development hereby approved.

Reason: In the interests of highway safety further to Policy TA5 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

(Voting: 8 in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention)