Issue - meetings

            That planning permission be refused due to the highway safety implications of the loss of the car park for ancillary use for the hospital. 

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) in respect of this application which had been the subject of a site visit on 18 May 2015.  The usual consultations had been undertaken and the responses received detailed in the report.  Additional comments received since the preparation of the report were circulated at the meeting. 

            The officer detailed the background to the report and explained that the principle of the development for residential purposes was acceptable.  Objections had been received from Holywell Town Council and the public including two petitions. 

            Ms. L. Burnell Jones said that there were no objections to the project but where it was to be sited was a concern.  The proposal would take away the only long stay car park in Holywell, which was used by those who attended the hospital and it was felt that this would have a profound effect on the community.  She commented on the significant problems that would occur for emergency vehicles as the proposed road width and turning circle would make it difficult for those vehicles to manoeuvre.  The unadopted road was very narrow and Ms. Burnell Jones suggested that there was also a water course in the area and that land contamination from previous uses was also a cause for concern.  She commented on the limited number of parking spaces for the size of the proposal and said that current and future traffic generation would be an issue.    

            Councillor Gareth Roberts proposed refusal of the application, against officer recommendation, which was duly seconded.  He commented on the advice that he had received about the need to declare a personal interest in the application but added that he did not feel that he had an interest.  He said that an extra care facility would be welcomed in Holywell but not on this site as it was currently used for long stay car parking provision and was an essential ancillary car park for the hospital.  He commented on the survey which had been undertaken about the car park usage over a 24 hour period and suggested that the mitigation parking areas would be insufficient.  Councillor Roberts detailed the number of patients that were treated in various departments and clinics in the hospital and said that lives would be put at risk if the application was approved. 

            Councillor David Roney said that the project was welcomed in Flintshire but indicated that when Tesco opened in Holywell, money was given to provide an alternative parking area, which was on this site.  He added that it was already difficult to park at the hospital and doctor’s surgery. 

            The Local Member, Councillor Peter Curtis, thanked the Chairman for allowing him to speak.  He agreed that the Extra Care Facility would be welcomed but felt that it would be more appropriate on an alternative site.  He commented on the survey which had been undertaken over a 24 hour period and spoke of the current problem of finding a car park space which he  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10