Agenda item

To consider planning application 20/0674 for use of land as a contractors depot, incorporating land levelling, vehicle storage for up to 67 wagons, staff and customer parking, erection of workshop, concrete batching plant and aggregate bays.

At land at Squires Gate Industrial Estate, Squires Gate Lane.

The Planning Committee considered planning application 20/0674 for the use of land as a contractor’s depot, incorporating land levelling, vehicle storage for up to 67 waggons, staff and customer parking, erection of workshop, concrete batching plant and aggregate bays at land at Squires Gate Industrial Estate, Squires Gate Lane.  This was a retrospective application and was recommended for refusal.

Miss Susan Parker, Head of Development Management, outlined the report and the planning history of the site.  The proposal would compromise the aims of the Enterprise Zone and was in close proximity to residential accommodation and sports facilities. 

Miss Parker outlined the objections to the application and noted that the Environment Agency had made a significant objection with regards to foul drainage facilities and treatment of waste, alongside operational concerns.  The Environment Agency noted that the applicant had sought to use the existence of an environmental permit as evidence that the impact of the waste operations was acceptable; however the Environment Agency had clarified that applications for permits could not be refused on amenity grounds.  The Council’s Environmental Protection Team had raised concerns in relation to noise and the need for acoustic screening and restrictions on operating hours.  The applicant had indicated that these restrictions were not suitable for their operating. 

Miss Parker outlined the objections from the Lead Local Flood Authority with regards to site discharges and the Enterprise Zone Manager’s objections and concerns were also noted.  Objections had been received from 42 properties which raised concerns regarding light, noise, environmental quality, traffic and impact on the Enterprise Zone.

Miss Parker informed the Committee that the proposal would compromise the aims of the Enterprise Zone to attract new, modern, hi-tech companies into the area, would cause significant issues for local residents and have an adverse social and environmental impact, which were considered to outweigh the potential economic benefits.  The proposal was, therefore recommended for refusal. 

Members discussed the application and it was noted that there had been high levels of community objection and that Miss Parker had clearly laid out grounds for refusal. 

Resolved:

That planning application 20/0674 is refused for the following reasons:

1.      The proposal does not constitute redevelopment to modern business/industrial facilities supporting the Blackpool Business Park/Enterprise Zone.  As such it has a detrimental impact on the area’s potential to attract modern, hi-tech industries, due to noise and dust pollution generated on site.  The proposal is thereby contrary to Policy CS24 of the Blackpool Local Plan Part 1: Core Strategy 2021-2027 and Policy DE2 of the Blackpool Local Plan 2001-2016.

2.      The proposal would have a significant adverse impact on residential amenity in terms of noise (HGV engines, concrete crusher etc) air (dust, diesel fumes) particularly at unsociable times – late evening and early morning.  As such the proposal would be contrary to Policy CS7 of the Blackpool Local Plan Part 1: Core Strategy 2012-2027 and Policy BH3 of the Blackpool Local Plan 2001-2016.

3.      The proposal would result in off-site pollution of the water environment and increased risk of flooding, to the detriment of the environment and residential amenity.  As such, the proposal would be contrary to Policy CS9 of the Blackpool Local Plan Part 1: Core Strategy 2012-2027 and Policies BH3 and BH4 of the Blackpool Local Plan 2001-2016.