Agenda item

Extension of existing garden centre.

The Senior Planning Officer, Barry Gavillet gave a detailed presentation on the report relating to the abovementioned planning application, copies of which had been circulated (for copy see file of minutes).  Members noted that the written report was supplemented by a visual presentation which included photographs of the site.  The application was for extension of an existing garden centre.

The Chairman introduced Mrs P Stubbs, the Applicant and owner of the garden centre, having 5 minutes to address the Committee. 

Mrs P Stubbs thanked the Committee for the opportunity to speak in respect of the application and noted that her company owned 9 garden centres across the country, however, the company was a family company and not a corporate chain. 

Mrs P Stubbs noted that their company had taken on their first garden centre in 1990 and built up their company to a business with a turnover of approximately £4.5 million and with 84 full-time equivalent employees.  Mrs P Stubbs noted that their company had previously brought run-down garden centres up to a high quality and would invest to ensure the centre was operational as soon as possible, then to bring additional features over time.  Mrs P Stubbs explained that her company had never once made anyone redundant and that the company would work hard to improve the centre to make it the heart of the community.  Mrs P Stubbs reiterated that her company was a family firm and would utilise local firms in the refurbishment, and that there was potential for up to 50 jobs with various positions including customer service staff, a chef, administrative staff, an accountant and a manager, helping to develop various skill in the local area.

The Chairman thanked the Speaker and asked Members of the Committee for their questions and comments on the application.

Members debated the issues raised by the Speaker and Officers and Councillor A Laing noted she supported the application.  Councillor J Clark asked whether there were opportunities for apprentices or trainees at the refurbished garden centre.  Mrs P Stubbs noted that her company worked with industry agencies and there were opportunities to train on-site and, with there being a shift system in operation, there was flexibility to suit different potential employees.  Councillor B Moir asked whether the site was accessible by young people and those without access to a motor vehicle.  It was confirmed that the application site was on a regular bus route.

Councillor A Laing moved that the application be approved; she was seconded by Councillor B Moir.

RESOLVED

That the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions detailed in the

Officer’s report to the Committee.