Issue - meetings

            That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment).

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) in respect of this application.  The usual consultations had been undertaken and the responses received detailed in the report.

            The Senior Minerals and Waste Officer detailed the background to the report.  She explained that the applicant was in the process of implementing the planning permission granted for the site and this application was for the erection of a waste transfer building which would reduce the impact on the amenity for issues such as noise.  She provided details of the size and height of the building which had been revised and compared the building with a nearby telecommunications mast which was 23.5 metres high.  Concerns had been raised about the height of the building but the officer stated that the nearest residential properties were 140 metres away and the distance was considered to be too large for the transfer building to be overbearing on these properties.  The views from Liverpool Road and Smithy Lane, which were between 700 and 1,000 metres away, would be more distant and would only be of the top of the building.  The provision of the building would reduce the impact of the site on the area and would therefore be an overall planning gain.  The officer added that the applicant could operate without the transfer building but its provision would allow them more control.    

            Mr. S. Amos, the applicant, spoke in support of the application.  It was felt that the facility would improve the efficiency of the site and the reduction in vehicles accessing the waste tipping area would reduce the potential disturbance in terms of dust and noise that may otherwise occur.  All of the delivery vehicles would use the new HGV access and there had been no objections from statutory consultees and the application was compliant with planning policy.   

            Councillor Chris Bithell proposed the recommendation for approval which was duly seconded.  He felt that the proposal would be an improvement and would reduce some of the problems that could otherwise have occurred and would be a planning gain.  The height of the building was a concern but other buildings and structures in the area were more prominent.  The site would be used for industrial purposes and screening was already in place and therefore there would not be an impact on the neighbouring residents.  Councillor Ian Dunbar sought clarification on the distance of the building from the nearest residents. 

            The Local Member, Councillor Carol Ellis, noted the conditions but said that she still had a number of concerns relating to the visual impact from Liverpool Road and Smithy Lane.  On the issue of noise control, she asked that all schemes be submitted to the Council before any work commenced on site.  She hoped that the compliance with conditions would not need to be undertaken by herself, the adjoining Ward Member or members of the public as she felt it was the Council’s responsibility to ensure that the conditions were all complied with. 

            Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 150