Agenda item

To consider an application for the change of use from shop (use class A1) to a hot food takeaway/restaurant (use class A3) and installation of new shop front  (copy attached).

 

An application was submitted for the change of use from shop (use class A1) to a hot food takeaway/ restaurant (use class A3) and installation of new shop front.

 

General debate –

 

Councillor Alan James understood that concerns had been raised regarding the highway in front of the retail unit however, the building had been vacant for a long time and would inevitability start to deteriorate. Retail and the use of highstreets had changed over recent years and the application for the change of use was a way of revitalising and bringing the property back into use. Councillor Alan James proposed that the application be GRANTED in accordance with Officer recommendations.

 

Councillor Gareth Sandilands stated that he was aware of the location of the retail unit and had concerns about the busy highway and illegal parking causing limited visibility to passing vehicles. It was also raised that there was an intensification of takeaway outlets in the immediate area.

 

Councillor Ellie Chard further expressed her concerns regarding the highway and the location of the property.

 

The Development Manager explained that parking was available around the town centre and any illegal parking was a matter for the Police. The Planning Team had received an increase in applications for the changes of the use of empty former retail properties in town centres and there was a need for balance when considering these applications.

 

The Chair referred to the concerns raised by the Health Board regarding the proliferation of hot food usage and the impact on the wellbeing and health of a community. The Development Manager stated that officers could not isolate the change of use of this building having a significant negative impact that would justify refusing the application.

 

Councillor Andrea Tomlin further raised concerns regarding the location and the highway and stated that granting the application would further exacerbate the traffic problems that existed already.

 

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts questioned if an alternative use for the property under its current A1 category use, for example a Chemist could be opened and there would be no planning conditions for this. The Development Manager stated that there were many retail options available under the current A1 category use and Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts was correct in stating that no planning conditions would be needed. This would raise the same concerns around vehicles using the highway.

 

Councillor Terry Mendies stated that the Committee should not focus on the possible concerns/ issues in the future. The application was for the change of use of a property and that should be considered on its own merits. Councillor Terry Mendies SECONDED that the application be Granted in accordance with Officer recommendations.

 

Vote –

For – 6

Against – 8

Abstain – 1

 

RESOLVED: Not to grant the planning application in accordance with the officer recommendations.

 

Councillor Andrea Tomlin PROPOSED that the application be refused due to highway safety concerns.

 

Councillor Ellie Chard SECONDED that the application be refused and added a reason for refusal due to the proliferation of A3 class uses potentially being damaging to the health of the community.

 

The Committee took a vote on the reasons proposed for the refusal of the application.

 

Vote –

For – 3

Against – 9

Abstain – 3

 

RESOLVED:  Not to refuse the planning application for the two reasons put forward by Councillor Andrea Tomlin and Councillor Ellie Chard.

 

Councillor Andrea Tomlin PROPOSED that the application be refused on the grounds of highway safety concerns only based on the close proximity of the premises to a busy road junction, SECONDED by Councillor Chris Evans.

 

Vote –

For – 11

Against – 2

Abstain – 2

 

RESOLVED: that the application be REFUSED against officer recommendations on the grounds of highway safety concerns.