Minutes:
Grid Ref: E: 322826 N: 307337
Valid Date: 19.08.2020
Community Council: Welshpool Town Council
Applicant: Mr Arwyn Evans - Clwyd Alyn Housing Association
Location: Neuadd Maldwyn, Severn Road, Welshpool, SY21 7AS
Proposal: Redevelopment of former office building and site to provide an extra care facility, which will include 66 no. self-contained 1 & 2 bedroom apartments with supporting facilities. Alterations to Chalfont, and the demolition of the single storey outbuildings.
Application Type: Full Application
The Principal Planning Officer advised that the Welsh Ministers have been asked
to call in the application. She advised that, as explained in the update report, if the Committee was minded to approve the application, no decision shall be issued until confirmation has been received from the Welsh Ministers regarding their consideration on whether to call in the application.
Anne Wilson, Clerk Welshpool Town Council spoke on behalf of the Town Council.
Mr P Bowyer spoke on behalf of objectors.
Mr M Roberts spoke on behalf of the applicant.
The Principal Planning Officer advised that a separate application regarding the changes to the listed building was to be determined by the Welsh Minister, as the property was owned by the Council.
In response to questions, the Principal Planning Officer advised that condition 11 required an environment management plan be submitted for prior approval, which would provide more details regarding biodiversity. Further information would also be required, by condition, in respect of landscaping and mitigation measures for the management of bats.
In respect of comments regarding the scale and impact of the extension, the
Principal Planning Officer advised that the extension was set back behind the Grade II building and only partial views of the extension would be seen from Severn Road. From the other side of the site the extension would be viewed from and with other modern buildings. She advised that the Committee could only consider the application for a change of use to C2 class, the day to day operation of the proposed use of the site was not a planning consideration.
Comments were made about the number of parking spaces being reduced from 38, as originally recommended by the Highways Authority, to 27. The Highways Officer advised that the proposed reduction in the number of spaces allowed for improved ease of access to spaces and was not considered unrealistic given the close proximity to public parking facilities and drop-off/pick-up facilities on site. The Principal Planning Officer advised that if the Committee had concerns about the number of parking spaces it could, if it were minded to approve the
application, amend condition 3 to provide 38 parking spaces.
The Built Heritage Officer confirmed that the listed building application and the impact on the surrounding area was for the Welsh Minster to consider, with advice from CADW. The Principal Planning Officer, in response to comments advised that if the Committee was minded to approve the application a condition could be added to ensure the bin store was located in an enclosed structure. In response to a question she advised that an informative in respect of birds should also be included if the Committee was minded to approve the application.
A proposal was made to defer consideration of the application so that the design of the extension could be considered by the Design Commission for Wales, the number of parking spaces and rubbish storage could be reviewed and CADW could be asked for comments regarding the impact on the adjoining listed buildings. The Principal Planning Officer advised that the Design Commission for Wales was not a consultee and the parking and rubbish facilities could be managed by conditions. She reminded the Committee that a separate listed building application was being considered by Welsh Ministers and so this was not an issue for consideration in this application. The Professional Lead – Planning and Solicitor advised that these were not valid grounds for deferment.
It was moved and duly seconded to approve the application as recommended by the officer in the update report and subject to the parking spaces being increased to 38, the bin store being in a covered structure, that an informative regarding birds be added and to the call in by the Welsh Minister.
RESOLVED |
Reason for decision |
that the application be granted consent, subject to the conditions set out in the update report which is filed with the signed minutes and subject to the parking spaces being increased to 38, the bin store being in a covered structure and that an informative regarding birds be added and subject to the outcome of Welsh Government’s consideration of the call-in request. |
As officer’s recommendation as set out in the update report which is filed with the signed minutes. |
County Councillor F Jump requested that her vote against the application be recorded.
Supporting documents: