Agenda item

Change of use of commercial unit with ancillary accommodation to 1 office and 3 one bedroom residential apartments, including alterations to openings (Amended Title)(Amended Plans) at 67 Rupert Street, Lower Pilsley.

(Planning Manager – Development Management)

The report to Committee explained that an Application had been submitted for the change of use of a Commercial Unit, with ancillary accommodation, to 1 office and 3 three-bedroom residential apartments, including alterations to openings, at 67 Rupert Street, Lower Pilsley. The Application involved an Amended Title and Amended Plans.

The Application had been referred to Committee by Local Ward Member, Councillor K Gillott, who had raised concerns about it.

Planning Committee was recommended to approve the Application. The report to Committee explained the reason for this.

Officers contended that the proposed conversion of the vacant property into three apartments and an office would not represent a significant intensification over what the property could currently be used for. In particular, it would not have a significantly greater impact on the highway than if it was being used as a Commercial Unit. Although the conversion would result in a loss to the area of a commercial space, this would be outweighed by the proposed improvements to the front of the building, which, it was argued, would make a positive contribution to Lower Pilsley. The report contended that as the Application met the requirements of the relevant planning policies, and there were no material reasons for refusal, it should be approved.

Before the Committee considered the Application it heard from the Applicant, P Kemp. No one had registered to speak against it.

Committee considered the Application. It took into account the location of the site, within the Settlement Development Limits for Pilsley. It considered the relevant local and national planning policies. These included Local Plan Policy SS7, requiring developments to be appropriate in scale, design and location, Local Policy ID5, on the loss of existing Social Infrastructure and Local Plan Policy SDC12, requiring all new developments to be of high-quality design and to make a positive contribution to the quality of the Local Environment. It also took into account Local Plan Policy SS12, requiring new developments to create a good quality of amenity for future occupants of land and buildings.

Members discussed the Application. In particular, they considered what impact the proposed development would have on on-street parking in the surrounding area and the provision for on-site parking as part of the proposed development. They reflected on the previous use of the site as a post office and the volume of traffic this would have generated. Members noted the conclusion of the Local Highway Authority that the proposals would not lead to a severe or unacceptable Highway impact and that the Highway Authority would not object to the Application. During the discussion some Members queried whether bats currently nest within the roof of the building and suggested that a bat box ought to be installed in the building. The owner indicated his support for this.

At the conclusion of the discussion Councillor P Elliot and Councillor D Hancock moved and seconded a motion to approve the Application. The motion was put to the vote and was agreed.

RESOLVED -

That the Application be conditionally approved in line with officer recommendations as set out in the report.

That the final wording of the Conditions be delegated to the Planning Manager (Development Management).

Conditions

1)           The development hereby permitted shall be started within three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: To comply with the provision of Section 91 (as amended) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2)           The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the details shown on drawing numbers:

            P/02 Rev A Proposed site block plan

            P/005 Rev C Proposed Floor Plans and Elevations received 18/8/2023; unless otherwise subsequently agreed through a formal submission under the Non Material Amendment procedures

            Reason: For clarity and avoidance of doubt

3)           The Development hereby approved shall not be occupied until the access, parking and turning facilities have been provided as shown on Drawing No. P/002 Rev A titled 'Proposed Site Block Plan'

            REASON: To ensure conformity with submitted details.

Informatives:

a)           DISCON

b)           NMA

c)            Provision of bins

d)           Bats