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 which had been the subject of a site visit on 20 June 2016.  The usual consultations had been undertaken and the responses received detailed in the report. 

                        The officer explained that the full application proposed the erection of a new high-bay industrial building, including the formation of a new vehicular access hardstanding as an expansion of an existing industrial operation undertaken by Elecroimpact UK Ltd, Manor Lane, Hawarden.   The company was involved in the manufacture of aircraft assembly equipment and the site is located in the development zone, enterprise zone, and a principal employment area in this location.  He reported on the proposed size of the building  and explained that the height of the building was required to facilitate the provision of an internal crane which would be used for the movement of larger items of aircraft manufacturing equipment.  He reported that during progression of the application amended plans were received which  resulted in the re-siting of the building further into the site from Manor Lane and on the basis of the amendments further consultation had been undertaken.  The Officer advised that the recommendation was to grant planning permission subject to the conditions outlined in the report.

Mr. C. Turnbull for the applicant, spoke in support of the application.  He explained that Electroimpact was dedicated to the design and manufacture of state of the art assembly equipment and lead the world in technical ability and counted Airbus and Boeing amongst its customer base.  He outlined the reasons for choosing the site and explained that the new building would enable the company to expand their manufacturing business without the need to relocate.  He  spoke of the hours and nature of operations and of the benefits to the economy and local community through the creation of new highly skilled and well paid jobs as a result of the expansion.  He also commented on the highly valued apprenticeship scheme in conjunction with Coleg Cambria.

Councillor Derek Butler proposed the officer recommendation for approval which was duly seconded.  He acknowledged that there had been some objections  around the scale and height of the building but explained that an alternative site had not been found.  A compromise had been agreed which had resulted in the revised siting of the building which would increase the distance between the proposed building and existing residential properties.  Councillor Butler said he welcomed the opportunity for the company to develop and commented on the exceptional quality of the business and opportunities and apprenticeships that had been provided in an enterprise zone.

Councillor Mike Lowe, adjoining Local Member, speaking on behalf of the local member Councillor Billy Mullin, was against the application due to the scale of the proposed building which he said was not in keeping with the buildings in the surrounding area and was too close to the buildings situated opposite.  He said that local residents were against the structure which  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19