Agenda item

Former Bus Station And Co-op Buildings Sites, Front Street, Stanley

The Committee considered a report of the Senior Planning Officer for the erection of an Aldi food store with associated vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access; car parking and landscaping at the Former Bust Station and Co-op Buildings Sites, Front Street, Stanley (for copy see file of Minutes).

Mr Binny, local resident addressed the committee to speak in support of the application. He advised that Stanley Town Centre had seen major changes in its characteristics and economic and social aspects in past years and the area was run down and desperately in need of investment. The application to bring Aldi to Stanley would have both a positive social and economic impact and create jobs, introduce competition for other retailers and produce additional footfall in the town centre, hopefully helping to boost business for other retailers.

Mr Stamp, local resident addressed the committee to speak in support of the application. He noted that Stanley had become so run down in previous years and many people felt that Staley was the forgotten town in North West Durham. Most money was also thought to be spent in Consett and focus had always been around the loss of jobs at the Steelworks, however over 6,000 jobs had also been lost in Stanley over the years and there had been little investment in the area since. He added that he would welcome any new store to the area which would provide more choice for local residents.

Councillor Marshall as local member commented that he was proud of the residents who had spoken today and their support given to the application. The application could only be seen as a positive for the area as the town centre was so desperate for investment. He further added that he whole heartedly welcomed the application and hoped that if approved would act as a catalyst for other traders to invest in the area.

He further commented that he wished to thank Aldi for the work undertaken to date and for the consultation events with public which had taken place prior to submission of the application.

Councillor Jewell commented that the issues in Stanley Town Centre were well documented and he found the application to be extremely positive for the area. He further agreed that Stanley did once have a vibrant town centre and hoped that this application would encourage further development of the area. As a point of clarification, Councillor Jewell asked what the arrangements for delivery access would be and how the parking would work at plot 2. In conclusion he thanked the residents for their attendance.

Councillor Shield queried why there were no comments from Stanley Town Council within the report. He added that the only concerns he had were relating to the number of car parking spaces provided and asked what provision there was for staff parking and whether restricted time limits would be imposed. He also asked whether clarification could be given regarding safeguards for pedestrians crossing sites and to the existing business which were adjacent to the bus station.

In response, The Senior Planning Officer advised that the highway between the two plots would be narrowed and levelled. The taxi company who also used this access had been consulted and were happy with proposals. Regarding deliveries there would be unrestricted hours as it was considered that there would be little disruption to residents. The nearest property was approximately 40-50 metres away.

The issue of car parking had been discussed in depth and although the number of spaces to be provided was below the recommendations for the size of store there were access to numerous other car parks in the town centre. The Senior Planning Officer further advised that based upon experience it would be likely that parking time limit restrictions would be put in place.

Regarding comments received from Stanley Town Council, it was noted they were fully supportive of the application.

The Chair then welcomed S Plumb, Aldi to the meeting who provided a brief overview of the consultation which had been undertaken with business and residents.

He advised that the level of interest in the new store had surpassed any other store development in the north east area. Regarding parking, he advised that the level of car parking to be provided was felt to be adequate. As already stated numerous other car parking facilities were available in the area and in addition excellent pedestrian access was to be provided, with open access onto Front Street. Most shoppers spent on average 30 minutes in the store however it was likely that any time limit enforced on parking would be 90 minutes. Aldi also had in place a green travel plan for staff, although it was hoped that the majority of staff employed at the store would live locally.

Councillor Temple added that he to welcomed the application and agreed that the store could potentially be of enormous help to existing businesses in the town centre.

Councillor Jewell MOVED and Councillor Cordon SECONDED that the application be approved.

Resolved:

That the application be approved subject to the conditions outlined in the report.