Agenda item

Councillor Mike Lewis and Councillor Henry Hobhouse declared a personal interest and left the room during discussion of the planning application.

The Planning Officer presented his report to members as detailed in the officer report, with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation.

He pointed out to members that he had received two more additional letters of objection from members of the public which raised concern over the amount of parking at the site and questioning whether Wincanton required another gym. He advised members that further information had been provided from the applicant in relation to the premises and how long the building had been vacant. He confirmed that the building had been vacant since August 2015 and that previous to this had been used for storage since 2009. 

Shaun Travers, planning agent, addressed the Committee. He advised members that the building had previously been used for storage which required no staff and no investment to the building. He explained that the applicants had been unable to find more suitable premises closer to the town centre and that this building, due to its size and high ceilings, would be perfect for use as a gym. It was his view that this use would provide a valuable facility to the town, in that jobs would be created and would encourage exercise. He pointed out that the location of the site was closer to the town than Wincanton Sports Centre and drew the Committee’s attention to a similar gym in Yeovil. He hoped that the Committee would approve the application.

Councillor Colin Winder, Ward Member, spoke in support of the application. Although he appreciates that parking is a problem on industrial estates, he didn’t think that a gym would be suited to the Town Centre.

Councillor Nick Colbert, Ward Member spoke in support of the application. He pointed out to the Committee that the Town Council were also in support of the proposal.

During the discussion, the planning officer confirmed that 9 parking spaces were proposed.

Following the discussion, it was proposed and seconded that planning permission be approved contrary to the officer recommendation.

On being put to the vote, this was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:  that planning permission be approved contrary to the officers recommendation for the following reason;

01.       The proposed development would not demonstrably harm Wincanton's supply of employment land or job opportunities nor would it be incompatible with existing surrounding uses. The scheme would also provide sufficient parking spaces. The proposal is therefore in accordance with Policy EP3 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan and the NPPF.

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITION(S):

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 received 15 January 2016 and parking spaces drawing received 24 February 2016.

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

03.       The area allocated for parking on the submitted plan 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 EQ2 and TA5 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

(Voting: Unanimous)