Agenda item

To consider a full planning application from BP Oil Ltd & Highbridge Business Park Ltd for the erection of a petrol filling station (Sui Generis) with associated retail kiosk (Use Class E) and drive-thru coffee shop (Use Class E) with associated car parking, service arrangements, landscaping and access including the provision of a new roundabout.

The Committee considered a report from the planning officers, together with an addendum circulated prior to the meeting, in relation to a full planning application from BP Oil UK Ltd & Highbridge Business Park Ltd for the erection of a petrol filling station (Sui Generis) with associated retail kiosk (Use Class E) and drive-thru coffee shop (Use Class E) with associated car parking, service arrangements, landscaping and access including the provision of a new roundabout.

A planning officer presented details of the application with the aid of various maps, plans and photographs.

Members of the Committee asked questions of officers and made comments. In doing so the Committee gave particular consideration to:

a)    the number of full time equivalent jobs (41) to be created by the proposed development;

b)    the impact, in planning terms, of similar existing and proposed facilities being located in close proximity to the site;

c)    the impact of the proposed new access roundabout on the local highway network;

d)    the balance which had to be struck between the standard of the proposed pedestrian and cycling connections to the adjacent wagonway and minimising their impact on landscaping and biodiversity;

e)    the Government’s guidance to local authorities for cycle infrastructure design as set out in local transport note LTN 1/20. It was suggested that members of the Committee receive a further briefing on the guidance at a future training event;

f)     the likely impact of the proposed development on the adjacent local wildlife site and local nature reserve;

g)    whether the proposed development would be in accordance with the criteria set out in Policy DM2.3 of the Local Plan relating to the loss of employment land;

h)    the impact of the development on the vitality and viability of town and district centres;

i)      the extent to which the nature of the proposed development was consistent with the Council’s commitments contained within its Climate Emergency Action Plan.    

Resolved that (1) the Committee is minded to grant the application;

(2) the Head of Housing, Environment and Leisure be granted delegated authority to determine the application subject to:

       i.    the conditions set out in the planning officer’s report and addendum and the amendment to, addition or omission of any other condition considered necessary; and

      ii.   following the completion of a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to secure the following;

·      Travel Plan monitoring fee £1, 250.00 (£250.00 per annum)

·      £18, 750.00 ecology and biodiversity: towards mitigating the impacts on the Local Wildlife Site.

(3) the Head of Law and Governance and the Head of Environment, Housing and Leisure be authorised to undertake all necessary procedures under Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980 to secure the following highways improvements:

            Provision of roundabout new accesses

Improved footpath links

Associated street lighting

Associated drainage

Associated road markings

Associated Traffic Regulation Orders

Associated street furniture & signage

c) the Head of Law and Governance and the Head of Environment, Housing and Leisure be authorised to undertake all necessary procedures under Section 247 and 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to formally close all roads and footpaths within the site that are no longer required.