Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors M Hoare and Meredith.

The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 15 December 2009 were signed by the Chair.

RESOLVED: (1) That Mr Dooley be granted leave to address the Committee in respect of Application No N/2009/0911 – Proposed New Entrance Together With Alterations to Create Additional Consulting Room, new Disabled Parking Bay and Vehicular Cross Over at Queens View Medical Centre, Thornton Road (as amended by revised plans received on 3 December 2009).

                        (2) That Mr M Bryce, Mrs P Hobbs and Councillor Crake be granted leave to address the Committee in respect of Application No N/2009/0955 – Variation of Condition 7 Requesting Four Yearly Social Events Until 24:00 Hours (Midnight) at Collingtree Primary School, Lodge Avenue (as amended by revised plan received on 3 December 2009).

                        (3) That Messrs Fruish and Abrams and K Warren be granted leave to address the Committee in respect of Application No N/2009/0968 – Conversion into 2no One Bed Flats, 4no new One Bed Flats and 2no New Bed Semi-Detached Dwellings at 54 Adams Avenue (Resubmission of Application No N/2007/1461).

                        (4) That J Pidgeon and Councillors Hollis and Woods be granted leave to address the Committee in respect of Application No N/2009/0179 – Outline Planning Permission for Residential Development on Land (all matters reserved other than means of access) at Former Northampton Middle School and Green Oaks Lower School (use Class C3 – Dwelling Houses) at Former Northampton Middle School and Green Oaks Lower School – Bective Road.

Councillor Church declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Application Nos N/2009/1008, 1009, etc through to 1020 as being the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration.

Councillor Woods declared a personal interest in Application Nos N/2009/1008, 1009, etc through to 1020 as being a Board member of WNDC.

Councillor Woods declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Application No N/2009/0179 as having previously objected to the proposal.

Councillor Church declared a personal interest in respect of Application No N/2009/0179 as being a Board member of WNDC and a member of Kingsthorpe Management Board.

Councillor Collins declared a personal and prejudicial interest in respect of Item 12a – N/2009/0179 as his partner was an objector to the application.

Councillor Mason declared a personal interest in respect of Application No N/2009/0179 as having been a member of the Committee where the potential use of this site had been previously discussed.

Councillors Church and Woods declared personal interests in Application Nos N/2009/0731 and N/2009/0744 as Board members of WNDC.

Councillors Collins, J Conroy, Malpas and Mason declared a personal interest in respect of Application No N/2009/0744 as being members of the Committee which had considered the outline consent.

Councillors Collins, Lane and Malpas declared a personal interest in respect of Application No N/2009/0179 as being members of the Planning Committee that had considered the application previously.

None.

Report of Head of Planning (copy herewith)

The Head of Planning submitted a report and elaborated thereon.  

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

None.

None

None.

Report of Head of Planning

(copy herewith)

Ward: Eastfield

The Head of Planning submitted a report and referred to the Addendum, which requested that as the advertisement period did not expire until 14 January 2010, and if the Committee were to find the proposal acceptable, the decision be delegated to the Head of Planning subject to no further material considerations being raised. 

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED: That subject to no further material considerations being raised, the Head of Planning be delegated authority to approve the application following expiry of the advertisement period on 14 January 2010 as the proposed development would not have an undue detrimental impact on the visual or residential amenity of the area and complied with Policy E20 of the Northampton Local Plan and advice PPS1 and PPG24.

(NB: Councillor Church left the meeting in accordance with his declaration of interest.)

Report of Head of Planning

(copy herewith)

Ward: Castle

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/1008 and referred to the Addendum and noted that the advertisement period did not expire until 14 January 2010 and therefore requested that if the Committee found the proposal acceptable that the decision be delegated to the Head of Planning subject to no further material considerations being raised in order that the application could be referred to the Secretary of State.  The Head of Planning also referred to comments received from English Heritage that the application should be determined on the basis of specialist conservation advice and in accordance with national planning guidance.

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED: That subject to no further material considerations being raised the Head of Planning be delegated to approve the application in principle at the expiry of the advertisement period on 14 January 2010 for submission to the Secretary of State as the proposal would not unduly impact upon the fabric, character and appearance of various listed buildings within Northampton’s Market Square.  Furthermore the proposal would enhance the appearance of the listed buildings through a greater promotion of the buildings’ distinct architecture.  The proposal therefore complies with PPG15 (Planning in the Historic Environment) and Policies E20 and E26 of the Northampton Local Plan.

Report of Head of Planning

(see report for 9B)

Ward: Castle

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/1009 and referred to the Addendum and noted that the advertisement period did not expire until 14 January 2010 and therefore requested that if the Committee found the proposal acceptable that the decision be delegated to the Head of Planning subject to no further material considerations being raised so that the application could be referred to the Secretary of State.

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED: That subject to no further material considerations being raised the Head of Planning be delegated to approve the application in principle at the expiry of the advertisement period on 14 January 2010 for submission to the Secretary of State as the proposal would not unduly impact upon the fabric, character and appearance of various listed buildings within Northampton’s Market Square.  Furthermore the proposal would enhance the appearance of the listed buildings through a greater promotion of the buildings’ distinct architecture.  The proposal therefore complies with PPG15 (Planning in the Historic Environment) and Policies E20 and E26 of the Northampton Local Plan.

Report of Head of Planning

(see report for 9B)

Ward: Castle

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/1010 and referred to the Addendum and noted that the advertisement period did not expire until 14 January 2010 and therefore requested that if the Committee found the proposal acceptable that the decision be delegated to the Head of Planning subject to no further material considerations being raised so that the application could be referred to the Secretary of State.

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED: That subject to no further material considerations being raised the Head of Planning be delegated to approve the application in principle at the expiry of the advertisement period on 14 January 2010 for submission to the Secretary of State as the proposal would not unduly impact upon the fabric, character and appearance of various listed buildings within Northampton’s Market Square.  Furthermore the proposal would enhance the appearance of the listed buildings through a greater promotion of the buildings’ distinct architecture.  The proposal therefore complies with PPG15 (Planning in the Historic Environment) and Policies E20 and E26 of the Northampton Local Plan.

Report of Head of Planning

(see report for 9B)

Ward: Castle

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/1011 and referred to the Addendum and noted that the advertisement period did not expire until 14 January 2010 and therefore requested that if the Committee found the proposal acceptable that the decision be delegated to the Head of Planning subject to no further material considerations being raised so that the application could be referred to the Secretary of State.

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED: That subject to no further material considerations being raised the Head of Planning be delegated to approve the application in principle at the expiry of the advertisement period on 14 January 2010 for submission to the Secretary of State as the proposal would not unduly impact upon the fabric, character and appearance of various listed buildings within Northampton’s Market Square.  Furthermore the proposal would enhance the appearance of the listed buildings through a greater promotion of the buildings’ distinct architecture.  The proposal therefore complies with PPG15 (Planning in the Historic Environment) and Policies E20 and E26 of the Northampton Local Plan.

Report of Head of Planning

(see report for 9B)

Ward: Castle

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/1012 and referred to the Addendum and noted that the advertisement period did not expire until 14 January 2010 and therefore requested that if the Committee found the proposal acceptable that the decision be delegated to the Head of Planning subject to no further material considerations being raised so that the application could be referred to the Secretary of State.

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED: That subject to no further material considerations being raised the Head of Planning be delegated to approve the application in principle at the expiry of the advertisement period on 14 January 2010 for submission to the Secretary of State as the proposal would not unduly impact upon the fabric, character and appearance of various listed buildings within Northampton’s Market Square.  Furthermore the proposal would enhance the appearance of the listed buildings through a greater promotion of the buildings’ distinct architecture.  The proposal therefore complies with PPG15 (Planning in the Historic Environment) and Policies E20 and E26 of the Northampton Local Plan.

Report of Head of Planning

(see report for 9B)

Ward: Castle

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/1013 and referred to the Addendum and noted that the advertisement period did not expire until 14 January 2010 and therefore requested that if the Committee found the proposal acceptable that the decision be delegated to the Head of Planning subject to no further material considerations being raised so that the application could be referred to the Secretary of State.

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED: That subject to no further material considerations being raised the Head of Planning be delegated to approve the application in principle at the expiry of the advertisement period on 14 January 2010 for submission to the Secretary of State as the proposal would not unduly impact upon the fabric, character and appearance of various listed buildings within Northampton’s Market Square.  Furthermore the proposal would enhance the appearance of the listed buildings through a greater promotion of the buildings’ distinct architecture.  The proposal therefore complies with PPG15 (Planning in the Historic Environment) and Policies E20 and E26 of the Northampton Local Plan.

Report of Head of Planning

(see report for 9B)

Ward: Castle

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/14 and referred to the Addendum and noted that the advertisement period did not expire until 14 January 2010 and therefore requested that if the Committee found the proposal acceptable that the decision be delegated to the Head of Planning subject to no further material considerations being raised so that the application could be referred to the Secretary of State.

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED: That subject to no further material considerations being raised the Head of Planning be delegated to approve the application in principle at the expiry of the advertisement period on 14 January 2010 for submission to the Secretary of State as the proposal would not unduly impact upon the fabric, character and appearance of various listed buildings within Northampton’s Market Square.  Furthermore the proposal would enhance the appearance of the listed buildings through a greater promotion of the buildings’ distinct architecture.  The proposal therefore complies with (Planning in the Historic Environment) and Policies E20 and E26 of the Northampton Local Plan.

Report of Head of Planning

(see report for 9B)

Ward: Castle

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/1015 and referred to the Addendum and noted that the advertisement period did not expire until 14 January 2010 and therefore requested that if the Committee found the proposal acceptable that the decision be delegated to the Head of Planning subject to no further material considerations being raised so that the application could be referred to the Secretary of State.  In answer to a question, the Head of Planning noted that it might be possible for the Medallion to be lit from a street light standard.

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED: That subject to no further material considerations being raised the Head of Planning be delegated to approve the application in principle at the expiry of the advertisement period on 14 January 2010 for submission to the Secretary of State as the proposal would not unduly impact upon the fabric, character and appearance of various listed buildings within Northampton’s Market Square.  Furthermore the proposal would enhance the appearance of the listed buildings through a greater promotion of the buildings’ distinct architecture.  The proposal therefore complies with PPG15 (Planning in the Historic Environment) and Policies E20 and E26 of the Northampton Local Plan.

Report of Head of Planning

(see report for 9B)

Ward: Castle

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/1016 and referred to the Addendum and noted that the advertisement period did not expire until 14 January 2010 and therefore requested that if the Committee found the proposal acceptable that the decision be delegated to the Head of Planning subject to no further material considerations being raised so that the application could be referred to the Secretary of State.

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED: That subject to no further material considerations being raised the Head of Planning be delegated to approve the application in principle at the expiry of the advertisement period on 14 January 2010 for submission to the Secretary of State as the proposal would not unduly impact upon the fabric, character and appearance of various listed buildings within Northampton’s Market Square.  Furthermore the proposal would enhance the appearance of the listed buildings through a greater promotion of the buildings’ distinct architecture.  The proposal therefore complies with PPG15 (Planning in the Historic Environment) and Policies E20 and E26 of the Northampton Local Plan.

Report of Head of Planning

(see report 9B)

Ward: Castle

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/1017 and referred to the Addendum and noted that the advertisement period did not expire until 14 January 2010 and therefore requested that if the Committee found the proposal acceptable that the decision be delegated to the Head of Planning subject to no further material considerations being raised so that the application could be referred to the Secretary of State.  The Head of Planning also referred to comments received from English Heritage that the application be determined on the basis of specialist conservation advice and in accordance with national planning guidance.

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED: That subject to no further material considerations being raised the Head of Planning be delegated to approve the application in principle at the expiry of the advertisement period on 14 January 2010 for submission to the Secretary of State as the proposal would not unduly impact upon the fabric, character and appearance of various listed buildings within Northampton’s Market Square.  Furthermore the proposal would enhance the appearance of the listed buildings through a greater promotion of the buildings’ distinct architecture.  The proposal therefore complies with PPG15 (Planning in the Historic Environment) and Policies E20 and E26 of the Northampton Local Plan.

Report of Head of Planning

(See report for 9B)

Ward: Castle

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/1018 and referred to the Addendum and noted that the advertisement period did not expire until 14 January 2010 and therefore requested that if the Committee found the proposal acceptable that the decision be delegated to the Head of Planning subject to no further material considerations being raised so that the application could be referred to the Secretary of State.

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED: That subject to no further material considerations being raised the Head of Planning be delegated to approve the application in principle at the expiry of the advertisement period on 14 January 2010 for submission to the Secretary of State as the proposal would not unduly impact upon the fabric, character and appearance of various listed buildings within Northampton’s Market Square.  Furthermore the proposal would enhance the appearance of the listed buildings through a greater promotion of the buildings’ distinct architecture.  The proposal therefore complies with PPG15 (Planning in the Historic Environment) and Policies E20 and E26 of the Northampton Local Plan.

Report of Head of Planning

(See report for 9B)

Ward: Castle

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/1019 and referred to the Addendum and noted that the advertisement period did not expire until 14 January 2010 and therefore requested that if the Committee found the proposal acceptable that the decision be delegated to the Head of Planning subject to no further material considerations being raised so that the application could be referred to the Secretary of State.

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED: That subject to no further material considerations being raised the Head of Planning be delegated to approve the application in principle at the expiry of the advertisement period on 14 January 2010 for submission to the Secretary of State as the proposal would not unduly impact upon the fabric, character and appearance of various listed buildings within Northampton’s Market Square.  Furthermore, the proposal would enhance the appearance of the listed buildings through a greater promotion of the buildings’ distinct architecture.  The proposal therefore complies with PPG15 (Planning in the Historic Environment) and Policies E20 and E26 of the Northampton Local Plan.

Report of Head of Planning

(See report for 9B)

Ward: Castle

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/1020 and referred to the Addendum and noted that the advertisement period did not expire until 14 January 2010 and therefore requested that if the Committee found the proposal acceptable that the decision be delegated to the Head of Planning subject to no further material considerations being raised so that the application could be referred to the Secretary of State.

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED: That subject to no further material considerations being raised the Head of Planning be delegated to approve the application in principle at the expiry of the advertisement period on 14 January 2010 for submission to the Secretary of State as the proposal would not unduly impact upon the fabric, character and appearance of various listed buildings within Northampton’s Market Square.  Furthermore the proposal would enhance the appearance of the listed buildings through a greater promotion of the buildings’ distinct architecture.  The proposal therefore complies with PPG15 (Planning in the Historic Environment) and Policies E20 and E26 of the Northampton Local Plan.

(NB: Councillor Church rejoined the meeting.)

An Addendum of further information considered by the Committee is attached.

Item withdrawn.

Report of Head of Planning

(copy herewith)

Ward: Kingsthorpe

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/0911 and referred to the Addendum, which set out Councillor Church’s reason for referral and amended paragraph 2.2 of the report, the reference from “community room” to “consulting room”.  The Head of Planning noted that Councillor Church had not objected to the application as incorrectly indicated in Section 6 of the report. 

Mr Dooley, as the agent for the application, commented that the medical centre had been established for seventeen years and had over nine thousand patients.  He commented that people came to the medical centre both by car and on foot.  He commented that the proposal was to relocate the present entrance and to create a new consulting room.  These alterations would allow the medical practice to provide further services in line with national trends.  There would be no disruption to disabled parking.  Mr Dooley noted that the scheme was part funded by the PCT.  Off road parking would be provided to the side and front of the medical centre and he was unaware of any accidents from the current arrangements.  He noted that on the site visit, comment had been made about the space between the chemist and the proposed extension to the medical centre as being a potential area for anti-social behaviour and the applicant was prepared to gate this space to prevent inappropriate use.  In answer to a question, Mr Dooley commented that alternative options had been considered but the present scheme was considered to be the best solution for the medical practice. 

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved subject to the conditions set out in the report and the siting and design of the new entrance was acceptable and would not be detrimental to visual or residential amenity in accordance with Policy E20 of the Northampton Local Plan.  A new disabled parking bay would not be detrimental to highway safety in accordance with the guidelines contained within PPG13 (Planning and Transportation).

Report of Head of Planning

(copy herewith)

Ward: Nene Valley

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/0955 and referred to the Addendum, which set out further representations from Councillor Crake, representations from Collingtree Parish Council, correspondence from Mrs B Jenks and a letter of objection from residents of 37 Spinney Drive.  He noted that it was not proposed to vary Condition 6, which related to the premises being used for educational use.  In answer to a question, the Head of Planning noted that the current condition requiring events to cease at 22:00 hours had been imposed in August 1994. 

Mr Bryce, representing Collingtree Parish Council, commented that the Parish Council supported residents in their objections to the application.  He commented that if the time condition was valid in 1994, it remained valid now.  He referred to events currently held in the sports hall and doors being opened for ventilation and the noise emanating from them.  He noted that the majority of children who used the school came from out of the village and he referred to problems for residents’ parking and the attitude of parents when dropping off or picking up their children from the school.  He stated that drunken behaviour had been noted from two recent events held in the school.  He also referred to a statement made by a governor of the school that events would only run until 22:00 hours.  He observed that this appeared to be late enough for children.  Mr Bryce stated that there were other more suitable venues in the village for adults to use until midnight.  In answer to a question, Mr Bryce commented he believed that there had been three breaches of the 10:00 pm curfew over the last two years.  After one particular incident, an apology had been made by the school.  In answer to another question, Mr Bryce commented that the noise nuisance to residents caused by the doors in the sports hall being left open was considerable.

Councillor Crake commented that she was speaking as a Parish Councillor and noted the adverse impact the proposal would have on residents.  She commented that every event at the school seemed to go beyond 22:00 hours and she referred to a marquee that had been put in the grounds of the school where that event had gone on much longer than 22:00 hours.  She commented that enforcement was a problem as the events had finished before anyone could be notified that they were taking place.  She noted that the streets were usually full of parked cars and referred to difficulties with parents’ attitude when dropping off or picking up their children.  She commented that if these events were allowed until midnight, in reality people would be leaving the school site at 01:00 hours.  In answer to a question, Councillor Crake commented that some events did involve alcohol and the marquee event had been run by a publican.

Mrs Hobbs, a resident living close to the school, commented that it had been built some thirteen years previously  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10c

Report of Head of Planning

(copy herewith)

Ward: Abington

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/0968 and referred to the Addendum, which set out a further objection from 55 Adams Avenue and a response from Anglian Water.  The Head of Planning circulated an appeal decision reached by a Planning Inspector dated 11 December 2008, which commented that any harm to highway safety could be overcome if the developer made an appropriate contribution towards the introduction, or enforcement, of suitable on-street parking controls.  The applicant had now submitted a Unilateral Undertaking to this effect.  Otherwise the scheme was as originally presented to and discussed by the Committee. 

Mr Fruish, a local resident, commented that he had objected to the original application in 1997 and had attended the subsequent appeal hearing.  He had understood that the Inspector had upheld comments made at that time in respect of public safety.  He commented that the existing streets were already heavily parked, with there being examples of double parking and issues of access for emergency vehicles.  He had suffered some personal health issues and could do without the stress this application was causing him.  He questioned the probity of a financial solution to the problem.  In answer to a question, Mr Fruish commented that he believed that more parking spaces were needed.

K Warren, a resident of Bostock Avenue, commented that she had lived in the area for eight years and over that time parking appeared to have got worse.  She did not believe that a residents’ parking scheme would help the situation, as it was not enforced after 6 00 pm.  She noted that many people parked in the streets around that area who were using premises in Wellingborough Road.  She also had concerns that as her garden adjoined the site, light would be blocked from it. 

Mr Abrams, the agent for the scheme, commented that the proposal was the same as previously discussed with some modification to the materials to be used on the facing walls.  He commented that the only ground for refusal had now been met by agreement to the Unilateral Agreement, which itself had been validated by the Highway Authority, the planners and legal officers.  He commented as the sole objection raised by the Inspector had been resolved, that the Committee should approve the application.    

The Head of Planning commented that issues about street scene concerned buildings and not cars in streets.  He noted that the Inspector’s concern raised in paragraph 16 of the appeal decision had now been resolved through the submission of a Unilateral Agreement, which had been checked and agreed by the Highway Authority, and County Council and Borough Council Solicitors. 

The Committee discussed the application.

Councillor Matthews proposed and Councillor Church seconded that “consideration of the application be deferred pending receipt of information from the Highway Authority as to how they proposed to spend the monies that would be secured by the Unilateral Agreement in the event that planning permission were to be granted”.

Upon a vote the motion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10d

Report of Head of Planning

(copy herewith)

Ward: Spencer

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of E/2009/567 and noted that recommendation 1.2 should be amended by altering the reference to the “Head of Planning” to “Borough Solicitor”.

The Committee discussed the report.

RESOLVED: That:

                        (1) The Borough Solicitor be authorised to issue an Enforcement Notice in respect of the unauthorised change of use of 1 Humber Close from a single residential dwellinghouse to 4no self contained flats requiring the use to cease with a compliance period of four months

                        (2) Further, that in the event that the requirements in the Enforcement Notice are not complied with the Borough Solicitor be authorised to instigate prosecution proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court in respect of non-compliance.

Report of Head of Planning

(copy herewith)

Ward: St David

Councillor Collins left the meeting in accordance with his previous declaration of interest.

In the absence of the Chair and the Deputy Chair, the Borough Solicitor called for nominations for a Chair for this item.  It was agreed that Councillor J Conroy chair the discussion of this item.

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/0179 and referred to the Addendum, which proposed additions to paragraph 1.2 of the report and included representations from Councillor Hollis.

J Pidgeon, the Manager for the Kingsthorpe Neighbourhood Management Area, commented that she believed that the community did not wish to see the removal of the existing community centre and its replacement by play equipment.  She believed that the community wanted like for like facilities on the new school site.  She noted that young people did not always want formalised play and that there were no community facilities in St Davids.  The Kingsthorpe Management Board had secured funding for several projects to provide facilities for young people to divert them from congregating outside the shops at the Kingsthorpe district centre.  She also observed that the lack of youth facilities generally in the area was widely acknowledged. 

Councillor Hollis, as both the Borough and County Councillor for St Davids, commented that the Kingsthorpe Management Board had been set up as a recognition of the deprivation that existed in St Davids.  The County Council had originally undertaken to replace the existing current community facilities but this proposal did not do this.  It was not practicable for facilities to be provided elsewhere.  She noted the projects that the Board were currently involved with to create diversion opportunities for young people.  Councillor Hollis also referred to the existing issues of the air quality management area and traffic concerns along the Harborough Road through Kingsthorpe.  She noted that the Highway Authority had made no observations. 

Councillor Woods commented that as member of Kingsthorpe Neighbourhood Management Board and also as a governor of Kingsthorpe Grove School, he had objected previously to putting housing on this site on the grounds of Highways issues and lack of amenity facilities.  He commented that Wakefield Road and Whiston Road were both parked on both sides and therefore became single carriageway routes in practice.  He commented that the proposed one hundred and seventy homes would affect the traffic impact and he referred to concerns discussed in considering another residential development recently further along Bective Road towards the Harborough Road.  He stated that, essentially, there were no community facilities available in the area, although some limited use could be made of the Liburd Rooms.  He believed that the County Council should stick to their previous undertaking to provide a community facility on this site and he asked that consideration of this be given in terms of making it part of a Section 106 Agreement and that more information was required on the mitigation of the traffic impact of the proposal.

Councillor Woods left the meeting in accordance with his earlier declaration  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12a

Report of Head of Planning

(copy herewith)

Ward: Weston

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/0731 and referred to the Addendum, which proposed a change to the recommendation to provide clarity to the Council’s response and which noted the publication of PPS4 (Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth) and commented on the submission of revised plans and noting a reduction of car parking spaces to seventy three, not including disabled spaces.  The Head of Planning noted that a separate application would be required for any advertisement consent.

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED:    That WNDC be informed that the Council would object to the scheme unless they secured:

i) A legal agreement preventing the store from being occupied by anyone other than a 'Limited Assortment Discounter'.

ii) A condition limiting the level of comparison goods retailing to not exceed 15% of the sales area and that the main function of the store should be for convenience retailing.  The figure of 15% should be seen as a maximum and therefore opportunities to secure a lower provision should be investigated.

iii) A condition preventing the future sub-division of the proposed store.

For the reason:

A convenience retail use of the type and nature proposed by the applicant, including the restriction on the amount of comparison goods to be sold, would not unduly harm the vitality and viability of Northampton’s town centre whilst providing competition for the existing district centre at Weston Favell.  This type of store responds to an identified need, would have a limited impact and be of a scale appropriate to its location.  The proposal therefore complies with Policy 22 of the Regional Plan and PPS4 - Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth.

Should WNDC are minded to approve this application, it is requested that controls are attached to any approval requiring the following:

i) A scheme is submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority, which will detail the sources of noise and a means of management. This scheme should include any plant or equipment as well as deliveries to the store in order to ensure compliance with PPG24.

ii) There are no deliveries to the premises outside the hours of 9.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Saturday and 10.00am to 4.00pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays including loading and unloading of vehicles in the interests of residential neighbour amenity in accordance with PPG24.

iii) Details of all lighting installations are submitted in order to ensure that proposed development is appropriately managed in line with the requirements of PPG23.

iv) A study into potential contaminants is carried out in response to the site’s former use as required by PPG23.

v) The site’s car park shall not be made available to motorists outside of the store’s opening hours in order to manage any anti-social behaviour in accordance with Policies E20 and E40 of the Northampton Local Plan.

vi) That a condition secure the provision of a pedestrian crossing within the curtilage of the proposed store to enable pedestrians to cross the site safely from Wellingborough  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12b

Report of Head of Planning

(copy herewith)

Ward: Old Duston

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of Application No N/2009/0744 and elaborated thereon.  In answer to a question, the Head of Planning commented that information on the level of sustainability of the dwellings to be built was not known but the design codes relating to this site were very detailed.

The Committee discussed the application.

RESOLVED:   That the Council raise no objections to the application as it is considered the development would be in accordance with the British Timken Masterplan and the Development Brief and Design Code.  If WNDC are minded to approve the application then conditions are requested to be attached to any approval to deal with:

•       unexpected contamination;

•       submission of an arbocultural impact assessment report;

•       noise – to ensure that the impact of noise has been considered on residential properties located adjacent to the employment area.