Agenda item

Planning permission granted for a temporary period the length of which to be delegated to officers and to reflect the lease arrangements, due to the site’s location within a major opportunity site which may be required for a different use/s in future and subject to conditions.

The Planning Manager Andy Bates drew Members’ attention to the supplementary information circulated at the meeting.  This included a further representation from Councillor Arnold on the application and a confirmation from Environmental Health and StreetCare unit that they had no record of any complaints from residents with regard to Veolia’s operation within the adjacent underground car park on Victoria Road.

Mr Al Forsyth, a local resident, stated that a consultant employed by the Council had reported to the Council’s Asset Management that in view of its situation the site which had been identified as a major opportunity site could potentially be redeveloped to provide housing.  He felt that a masterplan needed to be provided for the whole site before being considered for disposal. Mr Al Forsyth stated that the present building should be removed as its curtilage was attracting litter.  In reply to a query from the Chair, Al Forsyth stated that he understood that the applicant, Veolia, was not interested in a short term lease arrangement.

In accordance with the Planning Code of Practice, Councillor Dunn stated that he had been in contact with Veolia and Al Forsyth and that he was a ward councillor for where the site was located.  Councillor Dunn stated that the site had remained in its present state for some time and that the working conditions for Veolia staff were currently inadequate, with no changing or storage facilities.  He suggested that the application would improve conditions for staff and enable them to provide an improved service, whilst the other 2 potential sites that had been explored were not feasible.  Councillor Dunn said he had no objection to the use proposed and that he had not received any complaints from residents objecting to this use.

During discussion, Councillor Thomas, in acknowledging the potential regeneration benefits of the site felt that it would not be appropriate to approve this application at this stage.  Councillor Cummins enquired as to whether it was possible to grant a temporary lease in view if the site’s potential.  Councilllor Powney remarked that Veolia were already 2 years into its 7 years waste and recycling contract with the Council, a fact which should be taken into consideration if a temporary lease was to be agreed.

In reply to the issues raised, Andy Bates advised that Veolia were attempting to secure a long term lease of the site and that granting permission for this site would not exclude future planning applications.  Steve Weeks (Head of Area Planning) stated that he understood the lease was for 7 years and that a longer term temporary planning consent could be considered although Members were asked to note the applicant’s concerns. 

Members agreed to the suggestion by the Head of Area Planning that planning permission be granted for temporary period, the length of which was to be delegated to officers and to reflect the lease arrangements.  Members also agreed to the Chair’s suggestion that the reason for providing temporary permission was due to the site’s location within a major opportunity site which may be required for different uses in the future.