Agenda item

Planning Application Documents.

The Planning Officer presented the report relating to the proposed demolition of an existing bungalow to create additional car parking for the Co-op Foodstore on Leckhampton Road.  The application was at committee at the request of Cllr Horwood.  The Parish Council had also objected to the revised plans.  An additional 8 car parking spaces would be created bringing the total number of spaces to 15.

There were no speakers for this item.  In response to Member questions, the Officer made the following comments:

·         There were no details of any other sites that had been considered for car parking in lieu of just assuming it was alright to demolish the bungalow. 

·         The comments of the Highways Officer about the increase of 8 parking spaces were in the report.

·         The extra cycle storage racks were predominantly for shoppers but there was no reason why staff could not use them and the Highways Officer had put a condition for a minimum of 6 spaces for bikes.

·         Regarding other developments nearby which could lead to this shop becoming bigger and more like a supermarket, a member would address this in the debate.

·         A member noted that in the current car park, cars were parking on the roots of trees of the next building.  The Officer confirmed that there was much concern about cars parking dangerously and on the footpaths and this was one reason why it was at committee.

There being no further questions, the Chair moved to debate and members made the following points:

·         Since the Co-op had been rebuilt some 10-15 years ago the car park had become very insufficient and had led to traffic problems and safety issues.  Pressure was put on the Co-op to purchase the bungalow by the Parish Council to try and alleviate this situation and this current proposal went someway to doing this and making it safer.

·         The question of any new development was irrelevant as this was one of the most heavily driven to Co-ops, a member knew of.

·         Could not support the loss of a residential building for 8 parking spaces.

·         Unconvinced this would help the traffic situation – felt it would generate even more traffic in and out of the site.

·         Be even more vehicles on the pavements endangering pedestrians.

·         Proliferation of a commercial development on a residential street.

·         No representations from local residents in favour of scheme, most against.

·         This was a convenience store and should be used by the locals; increasing parking space will increase the problem, make things worse together with the loss of a good dwelling.

·         Arguments on both sides – there is very little parking in that area, with a large development around Kidnappers Lane with a huge number of new houses with very few shops.  There is a need for people to use this shop, but also the need to maintain the bungalow which is in a good position.

·         Supportive of the increase in cycling provision and if parking area full, people may drive further away to a larger supermarket.

·         New developments would outweigh the loss of one bungalow.

·         Difficult to support – need housing and should be encouraging people to walk and cycle.  Approving demolition of a bungalow for a car park is not going to help climate change and will accentuate car use. 

·         Proposed to refuse on grounds of HM3 loss of accommodation and SL1 impact on loss of neighbourhood amenity, plus Council’s policy on bio-diversity and climate change.

There being no further comments the Chair moved to vote on the substantive to permit.

FOR : 3

AGAINST : 7

ABSTAIN : 1

LOST

Moved to vote for refusal on grounds of HM3 loss of housing and SL1 loss of amenity on neighbourhood. 

FOR: 7

AGAINST : 3

ABSTAIN : 1

APPROVED TO REFUSE on grounds as mentioned.