Agenda item

To consider a planning application for a change of use to provide veterinary clinic to include the demolition of existing single storey rear extension, erection of small two storey rear extension, enlarged existing single storey rear extension and internal alterations.

The Committee gave consideration to a report of the planning officer in relation to an application for change of use to provide a veterinary clinic to include the demolition of existing single storey rear extension, erection of small two storey rear extension, enlarged existing single storey rear extension and internal alterations. 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 Roger Newbrook of 3 Lovaine Terrace, North Shields was granted permission to speak to the Committee. Mr Newbrook also spoke on behalf of T Burgo of 8 Lovaine Terrace and S Snowdon of 32 Brightman Road. Mr Newbrook outlined the objections of neighbouring residents on the grounds that the location of the building in a residential area was inappropriate for a commercial development, the proposed vehicular access for customers and deliveries via a back lane would be a risk to health and safety and the amenity of neighbouring residents would be affected by noise and a lack of privacy.

Councillor Matt Wilson, ward councillor for the Preston Ward, had been permitted to speak to the Committee. As he was unable to attend Councillor Cath Davis spoke on his behalf.  She expressed concerns regarding the impact of the development on the Camp Terrace Conservation Area and the likely disruptive and detrimental effect the development would have on the amentiy of neighbouring residents in terms of increased traffic and noise.

Karen Armstrong and Karen Wakefield of Ayres Terrace Veterinary Hospital were permitted to address the Committee to respond to Mr Newbrook’s and Councillor Davis’ comments. They explained that the hospital had operated from its premises in Ayres Terrace for 60 years without any complaints. The hospital was not being expanded but the relocation would be to more accessible, soundproofed premises with on site car parking for its customers. There would be no increase in the number of customers and staff would not use the parking places. The frequency and nature of deliveries to the practice were outlined together with a description of how the dog run to the rear of the premises would be operated.  

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

a)    the impact of the development on highway safety particularly how deliveries to the premises would be managed;

b)    how the development would enhance the Conservation Area;

c)    the proposed operation of the hospital overnight and the dog run to the rear of the premises and the measures to be taken to minimise the risk of noise affecting neighbouring residents.

Following questioning it was agreed that if the Committee were to grant the application, the permission be granted subject to an additional condition requiring the applicant to submit to the Council for approval a service management scheme, incorporating provision for a banksman, in order to minimise danger, obstruction and inconvenience to users

of the highway and of the access.

Resolved that the application be permitted, subject to the conditions set out in the planning officer’s report and the additional condition agreed by the Committee and described above, as the development was considered to be acceptable in terms of the principal of development, its impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area, the amenity of surrounding occupiers, trees and highway safety in accordance with the relevant policies contained in the National Planning Policy Framework and the Local Plan 2017.