Agenda item

This application was brought to the committee for determination at the request of Cllr Robinson. A previous planning application at the site was also presented to the Planning Committee for consideration.

An update sheet with additional information was published on the council’s website, this information only having become available after the original agenda was published. The committee considered the update sheet, which contained an additional consultation response from Lancashire County Council Highways confirming that they had no objections to the application, and an update to condition 2 to clarify the appropriate use(s) at first floor level.

The Planning Development Manager made it clear to the committee that though the application was a re-submission of a previously refused application, with the proposed use now involving a reduction in food and drink area and additional information having been submitted demonstrating how the visiting public would be limited to those who need to use the hydrotherapy pool or sensory room only, officers felt that the scheme could now be supported with the imposition of suitable conditions.

Sharon Sanderson, a parent who uses the facility, spoke in favour of the application.

Wyre Borough Ward Councillor for Hambleton and Stalmine, Cllr Robinson, was unable to attend the meeting, but had asked for written representations to be circulated before the meeting and her letter was read out in the meeting by the Chairman. She wrote in objection to the application.

Graeme Thorpe, the agent, spoke in favour of the application and addressed previous concerns of the committee.

Vicki Murray, the applicant, spoke in favour of the application. She clarified for members specifics of opening and closing times of various aspects of the facility.

The committee stressed the need for the facility for the community and that it was an asset to the borough. Some members had concerns over public use of the facility, highlighting previous advertising of the facility. The Chair reminded members of the update sheet, which included an update to condition 2, and the inclusion of condition 3, both of which would ensure the exclusivity of use of the facility.

The Head of Planning Services explained to members that the purpose of placing conditions is to serve a planning purpose.. He noted that members of the public using the facility who may not have such need for it would be a minor part of the visiting public, and that the prime use would be for those staying at the holiday cabins, and for those whom the facility meets their needs.

Following discussion, it was proposed by Cllr Ballard and seconded by Cllr Le Marinel, that the application be approved, as per the recommendations but with the amendment to condition 2, under the provisions of the Town and County Planning Act 1990.

Conditions: -

1.           The development shall be carried out, except where modified by the conditions to this permission, in accordance with the Planning Application received by the Local Planning Authority on 04.05.2021 including the following plans/documents:

·                         Site Location Plan (Received 06.08.2021)

·                         Proposed Site Plan - Drawing No. K480/5 (Received 02.08.2021)

·                         Proposed Floor Plan - Drawing No. K480/3 (Received 04.05.2021)

·                         Proposed Elevations - Drawing No. K480/4 (Received 04.05.2021)

The development shall be retained hereafter in accordance with this detail.

Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and so that the Local Planning Authority shall be satisfied as to the details.

2. The floor area of the building, hereby approved, shall only be used for those uses as shown on the submitted floor plan (ref: K480/3) and for no other purpose. There shall be no increase in floor space of the respective uses as coloured on the floor plan. The first floor level shall not be used for the consumption of food and drink sold on the premises or as a drinking establishment or function room (falling within Class E or Sui Generis of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020).

Reason: This planning permission relates to the use of the building as an expansion of the existing holiday accommodation business only. An alternative mix of uses or floor space configuration would require further consideration by the Local Planning Authority in accordance with Policies SP2, SP4, CDMP2, EP5 and EP8 of the Wyre Local Plan (2011-31).

3.           The building, hereby approved, shall only be used by guests staying at the holiday accommodation cottages on site or by people who are specifically using the Hydrotherapy Pool or Sensory Rooms facilities within the building, and by no other person(s).

Reason: This planning permission relates to the use of the building as an expansion of the existing holiday accommodation business only. The use of the building by members of the public outside that listed above would require further consideration in accordance with Policies SP2, SP4, CDMP2, EP5 and EP8 of the Wyre Local Plan (2011-31).

4.           A watching brief shall be undertaken during the course of the development works. The watching brief shall be undertaken by a suitably qualified person, with any significant contamination discovered reported immediately to the Local Planning Authority. The findings of the watching brief shall be reported in writing and submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to first occupation of the development.

Reason: In order to safeguard human health and the environment against potential contamination and in accordance with Policy CDMP1 of the Wyre Local Plan (2011-31).

5.           An electric vehicle recharging (EVCP) scheme shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority within 2 months of the date of this planning permission. The approved EVCP scheme shall be provided within 3 months of the date of receiving formal approval from the Local Planning Authority, and such EVCP scheme shall be maintained and retained for that purpose thereafter.

Reason: To ensure the provision of appropriate on-site mitigation to compensate for the impact on air quality caused by the development in the surrounding area in accordance with Policy CDMP6 of the Wyre Local Plan (2011-31).

6.           A plan indicating the positions, design, materials and type of boundary treatment to be erected around the overflow car park, shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority within 2 months of the date of this planning permission. The approved details shall be provided within 3 months of the date of receiving formal approval from the Local Planning Authority. The approved details shall thereafter be maintained and retained.

Reason: In the interests of the appearance of the locality and to prevent further encroachment of the car park into an undeveloped part of the site in accordance with policies SP4 and CDMP3 of the Wyre Local Plan (2011-31).