Agenda item

To determine a full planning application from Gurteen Transport for extension to existing commercial unit to form additional warehousing space, extension to car park.

Speaking rights have been granted to:

·         Councillors Peter Earley, Lisa Ferasin and Tracy Hallway, Camperdown Ward Councillors

·         A representative for the applicants, Gurteen Transport

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 Gurteen Transport for an extension to existing commercial unit to form additional warehousing space, extension to car park.

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

In accordance with the Committee’s Speaking Rights Scheme, Councillor Peter Earley, ward councillor for the Camperdown Ward, had been granted permission to speak to the Committee. Councillor Earley stated that he was speaking on behalf of around 24 local residents and all ward councillors in opposing the application. Their objections were based on the current operation of the premises which were a relevant indicator of how any extension of the premises was likely to have an impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents. Residents currently experienced noise and light pollution from the site, which operated beyond its permitted hours of 8am to 6pm. They were not confident that the proposed mitigating measures including an acoustic fence would be satisfactory. There were also concerns regarding an increase in traffic reversing into the site from Mylord Crescent and further car parking congestion in the area.

Maria Ferguson addressed the Committee on behalf of Gurteen Transport to respond to the speakers’ comments. She stated that the site was allocated in the Local Plan 2017 as reserved employment land, it was imperative that the business had space to grow and in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework the Committee should approve development proposals that accord with an up-to-date development plan without delay. The proposed development represented an increase in warehousing space, not an increase in activity and it would provide greater space to allow vehicles to enter and leave the site in a forward gear. She outlined the measures to be taken to mitigate against any impact on neighbouring residents including planting, acoustic measures and traffic management. On this basis she considered that there were no justifiable reasons for refusal and hoped the Committee would grant permission.

Members of the Committee were given the opportunity to ask questions of Councillor Earley and the applicant.

(At this point in the meeting Councillor Peter Earley withdrew from the meeting room and took no part in the discussion or voting on the application.)

The Committee discussed the merits of the application and gave particular consideration to the nature of the activity on site, the proposed improvements to the vehicular access and car parking on site and other mitigating measures and the allocation of the site for employment use.

The Chair proposed acceptance of the planning officer’s recommendation.

On being put to the vote, 8 members of the Committee voted for the recommendation and none voted against.

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

(2)     the Director of Regeneration and Economic Development be authorised to issue a notice of grant of planning permission following expiry of the consultation period subject to:

i)         the conditions set out in the planning officers report and addendum;

ii)       the addition, omission or amendment of any other conditions considered necessary by the Director of Regeneration and Economic Development; and

iii)      any issues or objections arising from the consultation which, in the opinion of the Director of Regeneration and Economic Development, were not previously considered by the Committee then the application be referred back to the Committee for reconsideration.

(Reasons for decision: The Committee concluded that, having regard to the relevant policies contained in the Council’s Local Plan 2017 and National Planning Policy Framework, the proposed development was acceptable in terms of the principle of development its impact on residential amenity and highway safety.)