Agenda item

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

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

The officer gave an overview of the application and explained that the proposal was for the change of use and conversion of the existing chapel to form a single dwelling and to utilise the area to the side of the chapel for the parking of vehicles and to set back the existing front wall and railings by 1metre.  He outlined the reasons for recommending approval, subject to conditions, as detailed in the report of the Chief Officer (Planning & Environment).

Mr. P. Bevan, the applicant, spoke in support of the application and said that the proposed change of use and conversion of the existing chapel was to form a single  residential dwelling for family use.  He stated the concerns which had been raised that the proposed scheme was also intended for commercial use were unfounded and reiterated that the application was solely for a residential dwelling.  He addressed the concerns which had been made around the parking of vehicles and proposed alterations to the boundary wall and explained that the provision for parking to the side of the building was viable.  Mr. Bevan said that the proposal would utilise an existing building which was likely to continue to deteriorate in the future. 

Councillor David Roney proposed that the application be refused.  The proposal was not seconded.

Councillor Gareth Roberts moved the officer recommendation for approval which was duly seconded.  He said there was no planning reason to refuse the application.

Councillor Chris Bithell supported the application and said the proposal would secure an existing building from potential loss or further deterioration and would retain the existing historic and characteristic appearance of the building.  Regarding the concerns which had been raised around the creation and use of the proposed parking provision he said highway officers had assessed the application and had raised no objection to the proposal.  He commented on the previous use of the building as a Chapel and said there was adequate parking provision in close proximity to the building without restrictions and easy access to public transport services.

Councillor David Roney spoke against the application.  He said there had been a number of objections to the proposal from local residents concerning the impact on parking in the area which was a specific problem during in the evening.

Councillor Owen Thomas spoke in support of the application and commented on the benefit in terms of safeguarding a local building of historic character and appearance for the future.  He referred to the building’s former use as a Chapel and said there had always been availability for residents to attend Chapel services by car and to park in proximity to the building without objection.

On being put to the vote, the proposal to grant permission was carried.

RESOLVED:

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