Agenda and minutes

Councillor John Pachoud declared that his wife Councillor Jacq Pachoud is an objector to Item (4) and therefore will remove himself from the deliberation of this item.

Councillor Bell (Chair) of the Committee asked Members if the minutes were a true and accurate record of events.  Members agreed and the minutes were signed by Councillor Bell (Chair).

The Planning Officer outlined details of the proposal for the change of use from a launderette to a restaurant (Use Class A3), together with the installation of an extraction unit, duct and air vent on the rear elevation.

The Committee received verbal representation from the applicant, Ms S Simpson.

After discussion, Councillor Bell (Chair) moved a motion to accept the officer’s recommendation and grant planning permission, which was seconded by Councillor John Paschoud.

Members voted unanimously in favour of the officer’s recommendation.

RESOLVED:        that planning permission be granted in respect of Application No. DC/12/81994, subject to Conditions as set out in the report.

Councillor John Paschoud left the proceedings at 7:45pm.

The planning officer outlined details of the proposal for the change of use from a closed down Toy Library to a restaurant, together with the installation of an extract flue system to the rear of the property.

Councillors Jacq Paschoud and Ami Ibitson, spoke Under Standing Orders as Bellingham Ward Members and objectors to the proposal.  They voiced their concerns over the possibility of another hot food outlet opening in Bellingham, and the predominance of unhealthy food choices available in the area, given the health statistics for the area.  The councillors would like to see the shop brought back into use, but would like a restriction on the ability of the shop becoming another unhealthy take-away shop.

Councillor Curran asked that the public record show that it is not possible to stipulate what sort of food is served in the shop.

Members discussed the current use class, the proposed use class, the ability to restrict the use of the premises as a hot food takeaway, the size of the premises, and opening hours.

Councillor Curran moved a motion to accept the officer’s recommendation based on the inclusion of an additional condition to restrict take-away or home deliveries from the premises and grant planning permission, which was seconded by Councillor Hall.

Members voted as follows:

FOR:                     Councillors Curran and Hall.

AGAINST:             Councillor Bell (Chair)

RESOLVED:        That in respect of application No. DC/12/81403, planning permission be granted subject to conditions as set out in the report subject to the revision of condition 5 and inclusion of an additional condition, as follows:

(5)     The premises shall only be open for customer business between the hours of 7.00am and 11.00pm on Mondays to Saturdays and not at all on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

                     Additional condition (6):    Notwithstanding the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (or any Order revoking, re-enacting or modifying that Order), and the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987, (or any Order revoking and re-enacting that Order), the premises shall not be used for any purpose other than the sale of food or drink for consumption on the premises and no take-away or home delivery service shall be provided.

Reason:     To ensure that the use does not result in parking and congestion in surrounding streets, to safeguard the amenities of adjacent premises and to comply with Saved Policies ENV.PRO 9 Potentially Polluting Uses, ENV.PRO 11 Noise Generating Development, HSG 4 Residential Amenity and STC 9 Restaurants, A3 Uses and Take Away Hot Food Shops in the Unitary Development Plan (July 2004).