Issue - meetings

Change of use of B2/B8 (general industry/storage or distribution) arches at 196-198 Morning Lane to A1 and physical refurbishment of existing arches at 189-222 Morning Lane, including installation of new elevations (brickwork and glazing), extensions (to north of arches 216-219 and to the south of 202-210), internal improvements and resurfaced access and parking arrangements to the Morning Lane frontage between arches 193-198.

14.1  The Planning Officer introduced the report, as detailed within the agenda.  Reference was made to the addendum and that 20 additional letters of objection had been received from occupiers of the affected arch units.  The main points of objection were detailed within the addendum.

14.2  Councillor Mulready spoke in objection to the scheme, on behalf of residents, her comments are summarised as follows:-

§  Lack of knowledge and consultation, especially as the vast majority of occupiers are Turkish speaking.

§  Network Rail unwilling to engage with the occupiers and the Council.

14.3  Tundai Mautsi spoke in objection to the scheme, his comments are summarised as follows:-

§  Occupiers were not given 21 days notice of the application.  They received no plans until 20 May and therefore were given insufficient time to respond.

§  Concerned about where the existing businesses would be located.

§  23 trees will be taken down as a result of the development.

§  Lack of information given on the website.

14.4  In response to the concern raised about the loss of trees, both the Planning Officer and Network Rail were unaware of any trees being lost.

14.5  Discussion took place surrounding the issue of relocation of existing businesses and Steve Taylor (Network Rail) explained that they would try and relocate businesses, where possible, and that this was an ongoing process.   He added that they had approximately 30-40% of arches vacant in their portfolio.

14.6  Members requested that the existing businesses be relocated before work on the new development commenced.  It was therefore requested that Network Rail submit a management plan for decanting existing tenants and re-locating them, for approval before work commenced.  This was AGREED.

14.7  Councillor Webb raised concern about the scheme and that there appeared to be a lack of consideration for the existing hard working businesses, although she recognised the need to regenerate the area.

(Councillor Webb voted against the recommendation).

RESOLVED that:-

1.  SCB0 – Development in accordance with plans

  The development hereby permitted shall only be carried out and completed strictly in accordance with the submitted plans hereby approved and any subsequent approval of details.

  REASON: To ensure that the development hereby permitted is carried out in full accordance with the plans hereby approved.

2.  SCB1 - Commencement within three years

  The development hereby permitted must be begun not later than three years after the date of this permission.

  REASON: In order to comply with the provisions of Section 91(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended.

3.  SMC6 – Materials to be approved (entire  ...  view the full decision text for item 14

Change of use of B2/B8 (general industry/storage or distribution) arches at 196-198 Morning Lane to A1 and physical refurbishment of existing arches at 189-222 Morning Lane, including installation of new elevations (brickwork and glazing), extensions (to north of arches 216-219 and to the south of 202-210), internal improvements and resurfaced access and parking arrangements to the Morning Lane frontage between arches 193-198.

14.1  The Planning Officer introduced the report, as detailed within the agenda.  Reference was made to the addendum and that 20 additional letters of objection had been received from occupiers of the affected arch units.  The main points of objection were detailed within the addendum.

14.2  Councillor Mulready spoke in objection to the scheme, on behalf of residents, her comments are summarised as follows:-

§  Lack of knowledge and consultation, especially as the vast majority of occupiers are Turkish speaking.

§  Network Rail unwilling to engage with the occupiers and the Council.

14.3  Tundai Mautsi spoke in objection to the scheme, his comments are summarised as follows:-

§  Occupiers were not given 21 days notice of the application.  They received no plans until 20 May and therefore were given insufficient time to respond.

§  Concerned about where the existing businesses would be located.

§  23 trees will be taken down as a result of the development.

§  Lack of information given on the website.

14.4  In response to the concern raised about the loss of trees, both the Planning Officer and Network Rail were unaware of any trees being lost.

14.5  Discussion took place surrounding the issue of relocation of existing businesses and Steve Taylor (Network Rail) explained that they would try and relocate businesses, where possible, and that this was an ongoing process.   He added that they had approximately 30-40% of arches vacant in their portfolio.

14.6  Members requested that the existing businesses be relocated before work on the new development commenced.  It was therefore requested that Network Rail submit a management plan for decanting existing tenants and re-locating them, for approval before work commenced.  This was AGREED.

14.7  Councillor Webb raised concern about the scheme and that there appeared to be a lack of consideration for the existing hard working businesses, although she recognised the need to regenerate the area.

(Councillor Webb voted against the recommendation).

RESOLVED that:-

1.  SCB0 – Development in accordance with plans

  The development hereby permitted shall only be carried out and completed strictly in accordance with the submitted plans hereby approved and any subsequent approval of details.

  REASON: To ensure that the development hereby permitted is carried out in full accordance with the plans hereby approved.

2.  SCB1 - Commencement within three years

  The development hereby permitted must be begun not later than three years after the date of this permission.

  REASON: In order to comply with the provisions of Section 91(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended.

3.  SMC6 – Materials to be approved (entire  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14