Issue - meetings

Change of use of ground floor from a public house into a residential flat.

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Keith Jones

Link to background documents

DECISION

To delegate powers to the Senior Planning Manager to approve the application, subject to the following conditions:

1.            Five years

2.            In accordance with the plans and details submitted with the application

a)    The Planning Manager expanded on the application's background and noted that it was a full application for the change of use of a public house (Use Class A3) on the ground floor to a residential flat (Use Class C3) in the Hirael area, north of the city centre. It was explained that it was a residential area with a high population density.  It was noted that the principle had been fully assessed and officers considered that the evidence submitted for marketing viability and other community use was acceptable in principle. 

Following the completion of a full assessment of the proposal, it was considered that the proposal for the change the use of the public house to a two bedroom residential flat was acceptable on the grounds of location, scale, density, use, road safety, visual amenities together with residential amenities. It was also noted that the proposal fully complied with relevant local and national planning policies and guidance.

b)    Taking advantage of the right to speak, the applicant noted the following points:-

·           He had been trying to sell the public house for two years, but without success.

·           It was not the ideal choice, but it was an option to be consider in the future

·           The business turnover had reduced considerably over the last few years - he did not anticipate that the situation would improve but was currently able to maintain the business.   

·           He had to consider the health and well-being of himself and his wife

c)    It was proposed and seconded to approve the application.

          ch)   During the ensuing discussion members made the following main  observations:

·                There was sympathy with the situation - it was very difficult, but continued to hope that someone would buy the public house

·                A public house had existed on the site for over a hundred years

·                It was sad that the public house culture as a community hub was becoming scarce

·                There were other public houses in the area 

·                There had been a change in social behaviour

·                The plans were orderly and acceptable and the assessment was correct 

RESOLVED: To delegate powers to the Senior Planning Manager to approve the application

subject to the following conditions:

               1.       Five years.

               2.       In accordance with the plans and information submitted with the application.