Issue - meetings

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for demolition of existing buildings and erection of 2no. buildings for use as a builders' merchant (sui generis) for display, sale and storage of building timber and plumbing supplies, plant and tool hire, including outside display and storage area along with storage racking, along with access and servicing arrangements, car parking, landscaping, means of enclosure and associated works.

The Planner updated his report by referring to updated Condition 13 wording and the additional condition details on the amendment sheet.

The Area Development Manager further amended the additional condition by stating it should include the implementation of the routing plan.

Mr Rainbird (Applicant’s Agent) addressed the Committee in support of the application.

Councillor Ashton (Ward Councillor) addressed the Committee about the application:

i.                Local residents did not see any benefits from the application.

ii.               The application would exacerbate existing traffic issues. There would be extra traffic and vehicle movements.

iii.             There was another retail unit on this site, which would further negatively impact traffic flow. Took issue with Highways Authority comments that issues would be mitigated.

iv.             Referred to concerns raised by the Traffic Officer and Drainage Officer.

v.              A periphery road could mitigate traffic issues. Queried if developers would put in a proposal for an appropriate route to their sites.

vi.             Had no issue with builders’ merchants, but queried if this was an appropriate use for the site.

vii.           A similar proposal (Peterhouse Technology Park) was turned down in Cherry Hinton as it was considered overbearing and would cause traffic issues.

Councillor Porrer proposed an amendment to the Officer’s recommendation to include an informative requesting parking provision for cargo bikes and tricycles.

This amendment was carried unanimously.

The Committee:

Resolved (by 3 votes to 1) to grant the application for planning permission in accordance with the Officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the Officer’s report, subject to:

      i.          the planning conditions set out in the Officer’s report and amendment sheet (updated Condition 13 wording and the additional condition including the implementation of the routing plan);

     ii.          an informative be included on the planning permission  requesting parking provision for cargo bikes and tricycles.