Agenda and draft minutes

Members are asked to declare any interests in the items under consideration and in doing so state:

(1) the type of interest concerned either a

(a)   personal interest

(b)   prejudicial interest

(c)    disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI)

and

(2) the nature of the interest concerned

If any member requires advice on declarations of interests, they are advised to contact the Head of Democratic Governance in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest on this occasion.

To agree the minutes of the last meeting held on 14 November 2023 as a true and correct record.

The Committee considered the minutes of the last meeting held on 14 November 2023.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the last meeting held on 14 November 2023 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

The Planning Committee considered a report on Planning/Enforcement Appeals lodged and determined since the last meeting on 14 November 2023.

The Committee noted the details of the six appeals lodged, two against the issuing of Enforcement Notices and four against refusal of Planning Permission since the last meeting.

The Committee also noted the details of the three planning appeals determined as outlined in the report, in all cases the appeals were dismissed.

Resolved:

The Committee noted the update.

The Committee to consider an update on the Council’s performance in relation to Government targets. The report reflects performance in the second quarter of the 2023/24 financial year.

The Committee received a report to update it on the Council’s performance in relation to Government targets for the second quarter of the 2023-24 financial year.

The Committee was reminded that the government set target remained for 60% of major applications to be determined within 13 weeks or an agreed extension and for 70% of non-major applications to be determined within 8 weeks or an agreed extension.

The Committee noted the Council’s performance for the second quarter of financial year 2023/24 was 80% of major applications determined within 13 weeks or an agreed extension and 79.9% of non-major applications determined within 8 weeks or an agreed extension. The Committee noted that the performance had exceeded the target for major applications and for non-major applications. This performance therefore also represented an improvement on the performance at quarter 1.

Resolved:

To note the report.

To consider planning application number 22/0512 for external alterations to include installation of new windows to various elevations, removal of existing entrance and demolition of existing out buildings and use as altered as 87 self-contained flats with associated parking, cycle store, access and landscaping at Mexford House, Mexford Avenue, Blackpool, FY2 0UY.

The Committee considered planning application 22/0512 for external alterations to include installation of new windows to various elevations, removal of existing entrance and demolition of existing out buildings and use as altered as 78 (amended from 87) self-contained flats with associated parking, cycle store and lansdscaping.

Ms Susan Parker, Head of Development Management, outlined the report and highlighted the amended plans which had been received since first submission reducing the proposed number of apartments from 87 to 78. Ms Parker outlined that following continued negotiations, further amended floorplans had been submitted as detailed in the update note which significantly improved the layout of 15 of the flats with it being noted that another 6 could not be changed due to internal constraints.

Ms Parker explained that as outlined in the officer report and Update Note, the units all would meet minimum national standards in terms of overall size and bedroom sizes. However, virtually all would all fall short of the minimum communal space standards set out in the Council’s New Homes from Old Places standards. Ms Parker outlined to the Committee that while  this situation was not ideal it would be difficult to resolve without further reducing unit numbers, which would further impact on viability. The building itself presented challenges as the internal layout would have to work within those parameters.

Ms Parker emphasised the site had been vacant for a considerable amount of time and it was not desirable in planning terms to return to use as office accommodation. She reminded members that the redevelopment of an existing building on a brownfield site would be an inherently sustainable option over new build on a greenfield site and this weighed in favour of the scheme in the planning balance.

Ms Parker explained that on the one hand the issue of planning obligations would be relatively straightforward as the site would not be liable for any affordable housing provision or local education contributions. There were, however, requirements for health, public open space and the upgrade of two bus stops to encourage sustainable travel. The nature of the scheme made it difficult to define viability and there remained a disagreement between the parties. However, it had been suggested in this case that an overage mechanism be applied. An overage mechanism would essentially enable planning obligations to be paid in the event that the scheme made more money than is expected.

The applicant’s agent, Ms Deborah Smith, spoke in support of the application. Ms Smith highlighted the sustainability of repurposing an existing building to meet a housing need. Ms Smith outlined some of the challenges that had come with the project and that previous scheme had not come forward due to those issues. Ms Smith outlined that the applicant would accept an overage mechanism as a way forward as it would overcome the disagreement between parties as to viability.

The Committee considered carefully the application. Members expressed positive support for the principle of repurposing office accommodation that was no longer required given  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider planning application number 22/0479 for the retention of an industrial building of three units, and erection of 2 industrial buildings to provide 5 units, all for use within Class E(g)(ii) and/or B8 with associated landscaping, parking, infrastructure and access from Hawking Place at Land at Hawking Place, Blackpool.

The Planning Committee considered application 22/0479 for the retention of an industrial building of three units, and erection of 2 industrial buildings to provide 5 units, all for use within Class E(g)(ii) and/or B8 with associated landscaping, parking, infrastructure and access from Hawking Place at land at Hawking Place.

Ms Susan Parker, Head of Development Management, introduced the application to the Committee. Ms Parker explained that the application related to a development for a range of potential industrial uses within an area designated with the Local Plan for employment development and so the proposal is acceptable in principle. Ms Parker highlighted the difficulties in identifying suitable sites for employment land within the development of the Local Plan which had resulted in the Council using 14 hectares within the area of Fylde Council to meet its allocation so it was imperative that the best use was made of suitable sustainable sites within Blackpool where there were no identified impacts on residential amenity.

Ms Parker submitted that while there was an objection received from a neighbouring business Royal Mail, these issues related to highways works related to works done to Hawking Place without planning or highway approval. The Council’s highways department had worked closely with the applicant and this situation had now been resolved

Ms Parker then explained that the application had been referred to the Committee following consultation with the Chairman of the Committee due to concerns related to the failure of the scheme to meet Policy CS10 which required all schemes over 1,000 sq metres to achieve a very good rating on BREEAM requirements. Ms Parker advised that, given a range of alternative energy and water saving measures were proposed, it was considered acceptable. Ms Parker highlighted that the development had yet to  have confirmed end user and was at a present a speculative one- therefore it would  be particularly challenging to meet the BREEAM requirements therefore the alternative proposal was considered a suitable way forward.

The Committee considered the application and concluded that it would represent sustainable development and deliver much needed employment development in the north of Blackpool.

Members expressed some concerns that the objections submitted by the Head of Parks had not been addressed. Ms Parker explained her view that given they related to the suitability of the initial tree planting scheme could be addressed. The Committee therefore concluded that it should approve the application in principle subject to the identified issues being addressed.

Resolved:

To support the application and delegate approval to the Head of Development Management subject to it either being confirmed that the landscaping information submitted is agreed by the Head of Parks and Greens, or acceptable amended landscaping information being submitted and the relevant conditions updated accordingly.

To note the date of the next meeting as 30 January 2024.

The Planning Committee noted the date of the next meeting as 30 January 2024.