Agenda and minutes

Councillor Toleman declared a personal interest in agenda item 6, Llanthony Wharf/Llanthony Priory by virtue of his role on Llanthony Priory Trust.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 31 May 2016 and Minute 101 of 12 April 2016 (supplement to the agenda).

The minutes of the meeting held on 31 May 2016 and 12 April 2016 were approved as correct records and signed by the Chair.

Please note that any late material relating to the applications detailed below will be published on the Council’s website as a supplement in the late afternoon of the day of the meeting.

The Chair drew Members’ attention to Late Material which had been circulated in respect of items on the agenda.

The Chair advised that in view of the number of residents in the public gallery who were in attendance for agenda item 7, Gloucester Retail Park, that he would be taking this item first.

Application for determination:-

Erection of new Class A1/A3 Drive-thru unit, revised access arrangement, reconfiguration of car park to retail park and associated landscaping at Gloucester Retail Park, Eastern Avenue.

Councillor Finnegan arrived late during the debate on this application and sat in the public gallery and did not take part in any of the decision making process for this item.

Members were presented with an application from Picton Capital Limited which sought approval for the erection of new class A1/A3 drive thru unit, revised access arrangement, reconfiguration of car park to retail park, and associated landscaping at Gloucester Retail Park, Eastern Avenue.  The application had been referred to Planning Committee at the request of Councillor Lise Noakes.

The Senior Planning Officer introduced the report and advised Members that no objections had been received from statutory consultees and that 8 letters of representation that had been submitted as evidenced at paragraph 5.1 of the report.  Members’ attention was drawn to the Late Material which contained an additional representation.  The Senior Planning Officer concluded his presentation by advising Members that the Development Control Manager’s recommendation was to grant planning permission subject to conditions set out in the report.

Ms Linda Vickers, local resident, addressed the Committee

Ms Vickers explained that she lived opposite the site and that she was representing the views of other residents from York Road.  Ms Vickers asked Planning Committee Members if they would wish to have a drive thru opposite their homes and described the traffic congestion, parking, anti-social behaviour and pollution problems residents regularly faced as a result of the current operations at the Retail Park.   Ms Vickers queried the need for another facility when there were currently 7 catering outlets in the vicinity of the site.  Ms Vickers added that security barriers had recently been removed to allow for the operation of a 24 hour gym.

Ms Abigail Rees, Planning Agent for Applicant, addressed the Committee in support of the application

Ms Rees welcomed the comprehensive report prepared by Planning Officers.  She explained that a detailed survey had been carried out by their consultant which had revealed there was 66% available capacity at peak times and there would be no impact on the highways network.  Ms Rees added that there would be 22 available parking spaces and reminded Members that the Highways Authority had no objection.  Turning to the concerns of residents, Ms Rees observed that the nearest property was 26 metres away and would be screened from the development by shrubs and trees and that the Environmental Health Officer was satisfied with the scheme, subject to the addition of specific conditions.  Ms Rees concluded that the proposal would deliver a contemporary and stunning drive thru which would improve the street scene, deliver jobs and not affect the viability of traders in the City Centre.  She asked Members to support the scheme.

Members discussed the following matters.

1.       Councillor Lewis sympathised with the local residents but pointed out that the Planning Committee was bound by planning policy and that as there had been no objections from statutory consultees the Council could open itself up to an award of costs at appeal if the application  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

Application for determination:-

The construction of 22 trade units in five separate blocks under use classes B1, B2 and B8 ranging in size from 116.13 sqm to 232.26 sqm including new vehicular access and associated forecourts, parking and landscaping at Phase 5, Railway Triangle.

Councillor Finnegan joined the meeting.

Members were presented with an application from Rockhaven Developments Limited which sought approval for the construction of 22 trade units in 5 separate blocks under use classes B1, B2 and B6, ranging in size from 116.13 sqm to 232.26 sqm, including new vehicular access and associated forecourts, parking and landscaping.  The application had been referred to Planning Committee as it involved over 1000 sqm of floor space.

The Principal Planning Officer introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to the Late Material circulated which detailed consultation responses received from the Highways Authority, Environmental Protection, Severn Trent, and the Lead Local Flood Authority, all of which indicated that they were now satisfied with the proposals.  No comments had yet been received from the public and as the consultation period did not close until 15 June 2016 the Principal Planning Officer drew Members’ attention to the revised recommendation of the Development Control Manager as outlined in the Late Material which sought delegated power to the Development Control Manager to grant permission subject to the conditions in the report and amendments and additional conditions set out.

Mr Geraint Jones addressed the Committee in support of the application

Mr Jones thanked the Officers and the consultees for their responses.  He stated that the proposed units were in a well-contained site to the rear of the Railway Triangle which already had the benefit of planning permission for industrial use.  The proposals met the approved uses for the site and all technical issues had been resolved.  The scheme would generate 70 jobs and would be geared towards small businesses whilst allowing them growth.  Mr Jones concluded that the developer had a good track record and he hoped Members would support the application.

Members discussed the following matters.

1.       The Chair welcomed the application and was pleased to note that a concern regarding noise had now been addressed by an amendment to the draft Conditions.

2.       Councillor Toleman queried the gull mitigation measures which were included as part of draft Condition 11.  The Principal Planning Officer confirmed that the applicant had submitted a strategy and agreed to send a copy of it to Councillor Toleman. 

3.       Councillor Hanman asked if lorries would be able to access the area underneath the railway bridge. The Principal Planning Officer advised the Member that this route was only open to pedestrians and cyclists.

RESOLVED – That subject to there being no new material planning considerations raised in representations by 15 June 2016 that have not been considered, power be delegated to the Development Control Manager to grant permission, subject to the conditions in the report and the following amendments and additional recommendations.

Environmental protection conditions

Amended Condition 13

The rating level of any noise generated by mechanical plant associated with the development shall not exceed 5db(A) below the existing background (LA90) level at any time. The noise levels shall be determined at nearby noise sensitive premises, and measurements and assessment shall be made in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

Application for determination:-

Change of use of land to open space and associated engineering and landscape works at Llanthony Wharf / Llanthony Priory.

Councillor Toleman, having declared a personal interest in this item, withdrew to the Public Gallery.

Members were presented with an application from Gloucester Quays LLP which sought approval for the change of use of land to open space and associated engineering and landscape works at Llanthony Wharf/Llanthony Priory.  The application had been referred to Planning Committee as it affected the setting of a scheduled monument.

The Principal Planning Officer introduced the report.  The recommendation of the Development Control Manager was to grant permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

Mr Simon Metcalf addressed the Committee in support of the application

Mr Metcalf briefed Members on the background history to the application.  He explained that the application sought to deliver the remainder of the landscape masterplan and would provide significant enhancements to the site whilst providing linkages with Bakers’ Quay and the College.  Plantings would be of high quality with the trees being balanced to reflect the green area.  Earlier concerns regarding the opening in the wall had now been addressed.  Mr Metcalf concluded that the scheme would deliver notable improvements and he hoped the Committee would grant permission.

Members welcomed the report.

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report

Application for determination:-

New surface car park and gateline enclosure with external ramps and stairs at former car park, Wessex House, Gloucester Road.

Councillor Toleman returned to the meeting.

Members were presented with an application from Great Western Railways (GWR) for a new surface car park and gateline enclosure with external ramps and stairs at the former car park, Wessex House, Great Western Road, Gloucester.  The application had been submitted to Planning Committee because the City Council had a direct interest in the site/development.

The Development Control Manager introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to the Late Material circulated which contained the response from the Highways Authority to the proposal.  Members were informed that the Highways Authority had no objections and had requested a number of conditions.  The recommendation of the Head of Planning was to grant planning permission subject to conditions covering matters as set out in the report.

Mr Lewis Ward addressed the Committee in support of the application

Mr Lewis outlined the benefits of the proposed scheme which was necessary to support the projected growth in rail passengers.  The proposal would include a new entrance to the station which would make it easier to get there on foot, or by bicycle or car and improve the whole journey experience.  The applicant had worked closely with the Highways Authority to ensure the case was robust.  Mr Lewis thanked the City Council’s Officers for the professional way they had dealt with the application. He concluded by saying that GWR were proud of the community they served and he asked the Committee to support the application.  

Members discussed the following matters.

1.       The Chair welcomed the application and commented that it would open up the station from the other side.  Councillor Lugg concurred with this view.

2.       Councillor Brown referred to the ‘Better Railway Stations’ report of 2009.  He noted the provision of cycle spaces and queried whether 1 electric charging point was sufficient.  The Development Control Manager advised the Member that he was unaware of the contents of that report.  Councillor Brown requested that the number of electric car charging points be reviewed.

3.       Councillor Finnegan asked if there was a lift in addition to the ramp to the new entrance.  The Development Control Manager responded that there was a lift on the platform to access the footbridge, but not from the car park to the platform.

4.       Councillor Toleman queried whether the car park would be reserved exclusively for railway users.  The Development Control Manager advised the Member that this would be a matter for the car park management.  Councillor Lewis commented that in view of the proximity of the site to the Hospital it was important to have the correct car parking charging regime in place and he hoped that GWR and the Hospital would liaise on this matter.

5.       Councillor Dee reflected that the expanse of brick wall would lend itself well to some public art and that signage and the GWR logo would add interest to the park.  Councillor Lewis echoed this view.

6.       The Chair asked the Development Control Manager to summarise the conditions which would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

Application for determination:-

Revised Scheme

Members were presented with an application from Taylor Wimpey which sought approval for a revised scheme for 130 dwellings including access roads and landscaping (amended scheme and variation to conditions 1 and 2 of Planning Approval 10/00469/REM in respect of Area 4B3 on Framework Plan 4 at Former RAF Quedgeley, Kingsway.  The report had been re-submitted to Planning Committee following its consideration at Planning Committee on 12 April 2016 because of the late production of amended plans which required consideration by Officers and statutory consultees and Members’ comments regarding highways layout and the provision of parking.

The Principal Planning Officer introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to key points in the Late Material circulated which included a parking schedule submitted by the applicant.  She concluded her presentation by advising Members that the Development Control Manager’s recommendation was to grant approval of the scheme in accordance with the amended plans (revision in planning layout) with appropriate conditions as set out in the Late Material.

Mr Ian Drew addressed the Committee in support of the application

Mr Drew acknowledged the comments made by Members at the Planning Committee of 12 April 2016.  He pointed out that the revised parking schedule would generate an additional 40 spaces.  Mr Drew stated that construction was already underway on site and if that if permission was not granted for the revised scheme that the original consent would be implemented.

Members discussed the following matters.

1.       Councillor Lewis was pleased to note that the granite surface would be removed and acknowledged that visitors would park anywhere so it seemed sensible to remove the allocated area.  He considered that the revised scheme was a big improvement on the initial one submitted and congratulated the developer.

2.       The Chair echoed Councillor Lewis’s comments.

RESOLVED – That planning permission be granted for the revised scheme in accordance with the amended plans, subject to the conditions set out in the Late Material

To consider a schedule of applications determined under delegated powers during the month of April 2016.

Members considered a schedule of delegated decisions for the month of April 2016.

RESOLVED – That the schedule of delegated decisions for the month of April 2016 be noted

Tuesday, 5 July 2016 at 6.00 pm.

Tuesday 5 July 2016 at 18.00 hours.