Issue - meetings

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for amendments to planning permission reference 17/2157/FUL for redevelopment of site to provide 2no. ground floor commercial units comprising Use Class A1 (shop), A2 (financial and professional) - in the alternative, with 8no. apartments, cycle parking and associated infrastructure - to allow A4 use (drinking establishments) at ground floor and basement with associated B2 use (microbrewery).

Councillor Tunnacliffe (West Chesterton Ward Councillor) addressed the Committee about the application and then withdrew from the debate:

      i.          Was speaking on behalf of objectors.

     ii.          The area was heavily populated with drinking establishments such the Fort St George, Portland Arms, The Waterman, Thirsty, The Boat House (considerable in size) and The Old Spring.

   iii.          All the named public houses were within fifty to seventy-five yards of the application creating a dense provision which should be taken into consideration.

   iv.          Residents have reported the area is subjected to anti-social behaviour believed to derive from drinking.  Also parallel to Chesterton Road off Trafalgar Road was an alleyway which was a known spot for drug taking which also increased the anti-social behaviour in the area.

    v.          Pavements in the area were narrow, this is highlighted by the establishment Thirsty which is twenty yards from the application. This had a heavily used outside drinking area which made it difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to keep to the pavements going east and east west. 

   vi.          Due to the current climate of COVID-19 it would be reasonable to assume that drinking would take place outside creating further obstructions with additional street furniture and individuals.

The Committee:

Resolved (by 6 votes to 0) to defer the consideration of the application, pending the submission of further detailed and technical drawings by the applicant to show the redesign of the basement layout (including the toilets) and explore the issue of disabled access and an assessment of it from the Access Officer.

Councillor Tunnacliffe withdrew from the meeting for this item following addressing the Committee by speaking on behalf of objectors to the application and subsequently took no part in the discussion or decision making which concluded with the decision to defer it.

Item adjourned until 10 September committee.