Issue - meetings

That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report of the Head of Planning with condition 14 being amended to opening hours of 7am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 7am to 4pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays, and subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 Obligation, Unilateral Undertaking or the making of an advance payment to provide the payment of £3500 in respect of the cost of a Traffic Regulation Order and the associated parking restriction lining along Wrexham Road, Brook Street and Conway Street.  

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Planning in respect of this application.  The usual consultations had been undertaken and the responses received detailed in the report.

            The officer detailed the background to the report and explained that, at the previous meeting on 20 February 2013, Members had imposed restrictions on the opening hours, but the Licensing Sub-Committee had met on 28 February 2013 in respect of a licence to sell alcohol and had resolved to approve an amended proposal in terms of the opening hours.  The hours resolved at the meetings of this Committee on 20 February 2013 and the Licensing Sub-Committee were reported. 

            Mr. O. Davies, for the applicant, spoke in support of the application and provided detail on the background of the company.  He explained that the hours agreed for the licence were required for the proposed store.  He spoke of other stores in the area run by the applicant which had lengthy opening hours, and explained that the company intended to employ 24 local people, had achieved accreditation in Investors In People, paid above the minimum wage and had a care package which was second to none in the sector.  

            Councillor P.G. Heesom proposed that the hours remain as resolved at the meeting held on 20 February 2013, which was duly seconded.  He said that the site was in a residential area and the quality of life of the residents would be affected and asked Members to uphold the previous decision. 

            Councillor M.J. Peers raised concern that the application was back before Committee and took exception to the comments in the report that Members should be mindful that their reasoning, in coming to any decision alternative to that suggested, should be made upon a clear and sound planning basis.  He considered that the previous decision was soundly-based.  He referred to the hours imposed by the Licensing Sub-Committee and said that if the store was not open for the whole of the time period stated then the hours on the licence could not apply. 

            The local Member, Councillor G.H. Bateman spoke against the amended hours proposed by the Licensing Sub-Committee.  The site was in a quiet residential area and residents were fearful of anti-social behaviour.  He referred to policies in the Unitary Development Plan which the application did not comply with as it impacted on the amenity of residents and could cause a nuisance.  He felt that the hours of opening should be restricted to 7am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 4pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays, as resolved at the previous meeting of this Committee. 

            Councillor R.C. Bithell referred to the alternative hours proposed by the Licensing Sub-Committee and queried what would happen if the applicant appealed against the decision of this Committee to restrict the hours.  The Principal Solicitor clarified what matters the Licensing Sub-Committee had to consider under the Licensing Act 2003 when determining licensing applications, in relation to what were planning considerations.  He advised that there was a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 179