Agenda item

Erection of 9no. B2/B8 blocks together with associated car parking and service areas

The Committee considered a report of the Senior Planning Officer regarding an application for the erection of 9 B2/B8 blocks together with associated car parking spaces and service areas on the former LG Philips Site, Belmont Industrial Estate, Durham (for copy see file of Minutes).

H Jones, Principal Planning Officer provided a detailed presentation which included a site location plan, aerial photograph of the site, site photographs, site layout and typical elevations.

David Marjoram of ELG Planning addressed the Committee in support of the application.  Mr Marjoram fully endorsed the recommendation of the planning officer to approve the application.  The application was for the same uses as the most recent permission and the floor space had reduced from 21,073 square metres to 20,425 square metres because some of the larger format sheds had been replaced by hybrid units which had been very popular with smaller businesses and start-ups.  There were no objections from any technical consultees and on the matter of drainage the applicant had worked to resolve the matter up front so that compliance conditions could be attached as opposed to conditions to discharge.  The design of the units had already been approved on the southern part of the site.  The addition of a substation was required by Northern Powergrid.

Councillor Martin considered this to be a straightforward application.  The County needed more smaller, modern industrial units and Councillor Martin welcomed the developers move towards the provision of these.  Councillor Martin moved that the application be approved.  This was seconded by Councillor McKeon.

Resolved:

That the application be approved subject to the Conditions contained in the report.