Agenda item

Erection of retail development (Use Class A1) with associated access, parking and landscaping (with all matters reserved except for access).

The Senior Planning Officer, CS 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 an outline application for erection of retail development (use Class A1) with associated access, parking and landscaping (with all matters reserved except access) and was recommended for approval, subject to conditions and a Section 106 Legal Agreement.

The Senior Planning Officer, CS noted that Phase One of development in the immediate area had included Kwik Fit and a number of trade units.  He added that in the wider area there was the context of the Durham City Retail Park, Damson House development and former Mono Containers site.  Members noted no objections from statutory or internal consultees subject to conditions and a Section 106 Agreement securing contributions towards a Retail Park Relief Road.  The Senior Planning Officer, CS added there were no objections received from members of the public.  He added that the scheme proposed sale of bulky goods and therefore did not impact upon town and district centres, and the application was proposed for approval as set out within the report.

The Chairman thanked the Senior Planning Officer, CS and asked Mr J Taylor, Agent on behalf of the Applicant to speak in support of the application.

Mr J Taylor thanked the Committee for the opportunity to speak and reiterated the points made by the Officer and set out within the report.  He noted the loss of Kerry Foods at the site as an employer in the local area and that while the Kwik Fit were operating very well and there were also a number of trade units, there was no further demand for those particular types of use.  It was explained that the use proposed in terms of bulky goods would not impact upon retail centres, and the proposed “drive-thru” restaurant would have a pedestrian link to the nearby Tesco, and the proposals would add to the overall experience and integration of the sites.  Mr J Taylor noted the benefits to the highway network, with financial contributions, and improvements that would help reduced congestion.

The Chairman thanked Mr J Taylor and asked Members of the Committee for their comments and questions.

Councillor D Freeman noted that he was not opposed to the development and indeed it appear to have several benefits.  He noted the proposed link road was much needed, however, he noted issues and similar examples where development was approved and there was still a shortfall in the total amount of funds required to complete such highways improvements or relief roads.  Councillor D Freeman added that he did not see any reference to future end users of the development, and the nearby Durham City Retail Park had empty units, the Committee having considered an application at its last meeting.  He added that bearing all this in mind he was still supportive of the application.

Councillor M Davinson proposed that the application be approved, he was seconded by Councillor J Clark.

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.