Agenda item

Report of Head of Planning

(copy herewith)

Ward: Nene Valley

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of application nos. N/2012/1225 and N/2012/1226, elaborated thereon and referred to the Addendum that set out comments from Wootton and East Hunsbury Parish Council and the response thereto.

Mr Harrison, the applicant’s project surveyor, stated that the difference between the two applications was that one included a change to opening hours whilst the other did not. Two applications had been submitted so that if there were issues concerning the opening hours it would not delay the other matters that were comparatively modest. The principle elements of the applications were to change the opening hours, alterations to where the service road accessed the Newport Pagnell Road and a change to the materials of the front elevation of the supermarket. Mr Harrison explained that whilst Waitrose generally operated core opening hours nationally they did, depending on local demand, vary from these and also varied hours at peak trading times, such as the run up to Christmas. By altering where the service road came out onto the Newport Pagnell Road it would not be necessary to alter the positioning of the existing pedestrian crossing which itself could be a lengthy process requiring a Traffic Regulation Order and possibly delay the project. It also had the advantage of increasing the car parking provision by over 30 spaces. The change to use brickwork on the front elevation of the supermarket was to enhance the effect of the signage on the building. In answer to questions Mr Harrison commented that the nearby girls school and Wootton and East Hunsbury Parish Council had not been directly consulted on these applications by Waitrose but that they had not raised anything during the course of the consultation on the original planning application; confirmed that the principle difference between the two applications was the change in opening hours and that it was hoped that if there were issues about this then the other matters would not be held up; that in respect of the use of the word “between” in terms of the opening hours allowed the supermarket to open within a defined start and finish time according to local demand; and that the change to the service road was to use the existing entrance to the garden centre.

The Head of Planning noted that the girls school and the parish council had been consulted upon both applications and had not raised any further comments than those already reported and in respect of the opening hours confirmed that the supermarket would be open for a range of hours within the times stated.  

The Committee discussed the applications which were the subject of individual votes.

RESOLVED:    1. That the applications be approved subject to the conditions set out in the report and the prior resolution of the following matters:

i)To resolve the queries from the Environment Agency

ii)A legal agreement to ensure that the obligations contained within the Section 106 Agreement entered into in respect of Planning Permission N/2011/1160 is adhered to.

As the proposed variations of conditions would not create a significant impact upon visual amenity, neighbour amenity and highway safety. The proposed revised conditions are therefore in accordance with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework, Local Plan Policies E11, E19, E20 and E40.

2. That in the event that the legal agreement is not secured within three calendar months of the date of this Committee meeting, delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning to refuse or finally dispose of the application (at their discretion) on account of the necessary mitigation measures not have being secured in order to make the proposed development acceptable in accordance with the NPPF.

3.  That delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning to frame the conditions in respect of the approval in order to respond to the current application for the approval of details reserved by condition attached to the parent planning permission in order to avoid any unnecessary duplication.