Agenda item

Application Proposal: S73 Application to vary conditions 1 and 4 of approval 12/00971/S73, to allow for an increase in permitted retail sales area

The Area Lead (North/East) presented his report to members with the aid of a powerpoint presentation.  He updated that a further letter had been received from a local resident objecting to the proposal raising concerns over the impact on the viability of the high street.  He advised that the Area Development Officer had provided comments echoing concerns over the adverse effect on the town centre.   The Area Lead North/East’s recommendation was for approval.

The Committee was addressed by John Smith, Chairman of Wincanton Chamber of Commerce.  He advised that Boots had been contacted asking for assurances that their High Street shop would not close but no response had been received.  He questioned if the High Street store didn’t make a profit how long would it remain open?  He sought assurances that if the application were to be approved, the District Council would work with the Chamber of Commerce to keep the high street going.

The Applicant’s Agent, Malcolm Honour stated that Boots had no intention of closing the High Street store and that it was common for Boots to have more than one store in a town. 

The Committee was then addressed by David Morton, Estate Manager for Boots.  He commented that the High Street store was profitable and that there were no proposals to close the store.   

Ward Member, Cllr. Nick Colbert commented that he was unable to support the proposal due to the impact on the high street.

The other Ward Member, Cllr Colin Winder was of the view that the proposal was contrary to planning policy guidance for town centre frameworks and that Boots were continuing to try to make a non-viable project viable.

The Area Lead (North/East) advised that the application was not for change of use and only related to an increased sales area and no variation to the range of products to be sold was being sought and that all conditions would remain the same. 

During discussion on the item, one member expressed concerns over the impact on the High Street and that no need for an additional sales area had been demonstrated.  It was felt that the social benefit of coming to the High Street outweighed the benefits of locating a pharmacy outside the community.  Some members were of the view that a commitment from Boots to remain in the High Street for at least five years could address members concerns.

Following discussion, it was proposed and seconded to approve the application as per the Planning Officer’s recommendation.  On being put to the vote the proposal was lost 3 in favour and 5 against.  It was subsequently proposed to defer the application to enable more information to be provided about the impact on the existing store on the High Street.  On being put to the vote the proposal was carried 7 in favour and 2 abstentions.