Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence and notices of substitutions from Members.

Apologies were received from Councillor D Hancock, who was substituted by Councillor P Windley. Apologies were received from Councillor H Liggett, who was substituted by Councillor L Deighton. Apologies were also received from Councillor J Ridgway. 

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or other interests, not already on their register of interests, in any item on the agenda and withdraw from the meeting at the appropriate time.

There were no Declarations of Interest. 

To approve as a correct record and the Chair to sign the Minutes of Planning Committee held on 22 March 2022.    

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 22 March 2022 were approved as a true record. 

Application for a proposed new clubhouse and associated parking (Amended Plans) at Wingerworth Junior Sports Association, Derby Road, Wingerworth.

(Planning Manager – Development Management)

The report to Committee explained that an Application had been submitted for a new Club House, along with associated parking, at Wingerworth Junior Sports Association, on Derby Road, Wingerworth. The Application involved amendments to the original Plans. It had been referred to Committee at the request of Ward Councillor, D Ruff, who had raised concerns about it.

Committee was recommended to approve the Application, subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The report to Committee explained why Members were asked to approve the recommendations. Officers had concluded that it would be a well-designed appropriate development, which would re-purpose some of the existing temporary buildings and make a positive contribution to the quality of the local environment. They had also concluded that the development would be in line with both national and local planning policies, which would not impact adversely on the amenity of neighbouring properties or reduce highway safety in the surrounding area.

Before Members discussed the Application, the applicant, A Stopps, addressed the Committee in support of it. No one had registered to speak against the Application.

Planning Committee considered the Application. It took into account the Principle of Development and in particular, the location of the site within the defined Settlement Development Limit of Wingerworth and its position as part of the Strategic Site Allocation for ‘The Avenue’ development area. Committee also considered the relevant Planning Policies. These included Local Plan Policy SS1, supporting sustainable development through the re-use of previously developed land, Local Plan policy SS7, permitting appropriate developments within Settlement Development Limits and Local Plan Policy SS3, permitting appropriate developments which enhance existing open spaces, sport and recreation facilities.

Members discussed the Application. They reflected on how the Club House would be used and what could be done to minimise any impact on surrounding properties. They heard how if the Application was approved then conditions could be put in place to monitor the impact of private functions held there on the neighbouring community. Some Members made clear that they would welcome this.

Members also discussed the design of the proposed Club House and how this would compare favourably to the existing collection of structures on the site. Committee noted the traffic management arrangements that would be put in place to help ensure that visitors to the Club House parked on the site, rather than in the surrounding streets.

At the conclusion of the discussion Councillor D Ruff and P Elliot moved and seconded a motion to approve the Application, in line with officer recommendations and subject to an additional condition that permission to hold functions be restricted in the first instance to two years from completion of the Club House, so that their impact could be monitored. The motion was put to the vote and was agreed.

RESOLVED

(1)  That planning permission is conditionally approved, in accordance with officer recommendations, as specified in the report with an additional condition restricting the period for which the Club House be used for private functions to two  ...  view the full minutes text for item PLA/88/21-22

Change of use from Office (Class E) to hot food takeaway (Sui Generis) with new extractor flue and associated alterations at 1 Chesterfield Road, Dronfield. (Conservation Area/Affecting the setting of a Listed Building).

(Planning Manager – Development Management)

The report to Committee explained that an Application had been submitted for    the Change of Use a building at No.1 Chesterfield Road in Dronfield from an Office (Class E) to a Hot Food takeaway (Sui Generis). This change of use would involve the installation of a new extractor flue and other associated alterations. The building was located in a Conservation Area and the change would affect the setting of a nearby Listed Building.

The Application had been referred to Committee by Ward Councillor, P Parkin, who had raised concerns about it.

Planning Committee was recommended to approve the Application, subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The report to Committee explained why Members were asked to approve the recommendations. Officers had concluded that the proposed change of use, from Office to Hot Food takeaway, would be in line with both national and local planning policies. In particular, they felt that the external alterations, sensitively implemented, would be appropriate. The change would, they contended, give the building a viable new purpose, which would help to ensure its long term maintenance and preservation. They also felt that no valued local services would be lost if the Application was approved and that the change of use should not impact on the viability or vitality of the nearby Town Centre.

Before Members discussed the Application, Dronfield Town Councillor, M Hanrahan, addressed the Committee. He explained why the Town Council opposed the Application. With the agreement of the Chair, Dronfield Town Councillor, S Birkett, also addressed the Committee. She set out the concerns about the Application, expressed to her by local residents. No one had registered to speak in support of the Application.

Planning Committee considered the Application. It took into account the Principle of Development and the location of the site within the defined Settlement Development Limit of Dronfield. It considered the relevant Planning policies. These included Local Plan policy SS7, permitting appropriate developments to take place within Settlement Development Limits. It considered Policy E4 of Dronfield Neighbourhood Plan and the circumstances in which hot food takeaways could be supported. Committee also took into account the heritage implications of the proposed change for the surrounding Conservation Area. In this context it noted Planning Policy SDC5 and the circumstances in whichDevelopment proposals within a Conservation Area would be permitted; and especially by preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the area and its setting.

Members discussed the Application. They considered the possible noise, smell and other environmental problems that the change of use into a hot food takeaway might cause for neighbouring residential properties. Some Members queried what contribution the hot food takeaway would make to the town centre and whether it would be compatible with surrounding properties in the Conservation Area. Some Members also expressed concern that, if approved, the change of use might lead to an increase in unauthorised on-street car parking and highlighted the implications for highways safety which this might have. 

At the conclusion of the discussion  ...  view the full minutes text for item PLA/89/21-22

(Planning Manager – Development Management)

The report to Committee informed Members that one appeal had been lodged, one had been part allowed and part dismissed and three appeals had been dismissed.   

To consider any other matter which the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency.

None.