Agenda item

DM/17/01168/FPA - Co-operative Buildings , Prince Charles Avenue, Bowburn

Redevelopment of Co-operative building to include change of use of one downstairs unit into A5 hot food takeaway and creation of A3 unit with new shop front to the ground floor; change of use of the upper floors into 11 no. self-contained flats and two rear extensions; new lobby access to the ground floor to access the upper floor flats; and 27 new bay parking facilities.

Minutes:

The Senior Planning Officer, C Baxter gave a detailed presentation on the report relating to the abovementioned planning application, a copy 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 the redevelopment of Co-operative building to include change of use of one downstairs unit into A5 hot food takeaway and creation of A3 unit with new shop front to the ground floor; change of use of the upper floors into 11 no. self-contained flats and two rear extensions; new lobby access to the ground floor to access the upper floor flats; and 27 new bay parking facilities.

 

The Senior Planning Officer, C Baxter noted that a local Councillor had been in contact to ask if it were possible to include a condition to stipulate high kerbing to prevent people driving over the grass at the site and added that if Members were so minded a condition to request details to be submitted and agreed by the Council could be included.

 

Members noted there had been no objections from the statutory and internal consultees and Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council had been supportive of the application, though noted concern in terms of bin collection and therefore further information on this would be requested.

 

The Senior Planning Officer, C Baxter noted that in principle the site was considered sustainable, there would be no adverse impact visually, to amenity or in highways terms.  Members noted contributions would be secured by a Section 106 Legal Agreement towards public art and open space and recreational space in the Division.

 

The Senior Planning Officer, C Baxter concluded by noting that the application was recommended for approval, subject to conditions and the Section 106 Legal Agreement, and an additional condition in terms of high kerbing, should the Committee be minded to include such an additional condition.

 

The Chairman thanked the Senior Planning Officer, C Baxter and noted the three Local Members, Councillors J Blakey, S Dunn and M McKeon were in attendance and wished to speak in respect of the application.

 

Councillor J Blakey thanked the Chairman and noted she welcomed the proposals in terms of redevelopment of the Co-operative Buildings, which had become run down over the years, and with fewer and fewer shops, businesses having tried and failed.  She added that in terms of the car park the inclusion of higher kerbing could help alleviate potential issues. 

 

Councillor J Blakey explained that works to improve the frontage of many of the shops had been carried out, supported by Regeneration, though there had not been sufficient funding available to complete all shop fronts.  Councillor J Blakey asked the Committee to support the recommendation to allow further regeneration and build upon what was already done.

The Chairman thanked Councillor J Blakey and asked Councillor S Dunn to speak in respect of the application.

 

Councillor S Dunn noted he echoed the comments of Councillor J Blakey in respect of the application, in that it would help to regenerate a tired arcade and that shops were essential for the local area.  He added that the paths in the area were currently of a poor quality and noted the introduction of parking and new shops was welcomed.  Councillor S Dunn concluded by noting improvements to the visual aspect would be welcomed, and he hoped the applicant would do as much to maintain a food store at the site.

 

The Chairman thanked Councillor S Dunn and asked Councillor M McKeon to speak in respect of the application.

 

Councillor M McKeon noted she only wished to add that the application proposed a housing type that would help to fill a gap in the local property offer and the application was welcomed.

 

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

 

Councillor A Laing moved that the application be approved; she was seconded by Councillor K Corrigan.

 

 

RESOLVED

 

That the application be APPROVED subject to the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement and the conditions detailed in the Officer’s report to the Committee, with a further condition in respect of high kerbing.

 

Councillor A Surtees left the meeting

 

 

 

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