Extension to leisure
building in order to extend existing spa to include treatment rooms, pools
eatery and changing rooms
LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor
R H Wyn Williams
Minutes:
Extension
to leisure building in order to extend existing spa to include treatment rooms,
pools, eatery and changing rooms
(a)
The Development Control Manager elaborated on the
background of the application and noted that this was a full application to
construct an extension to a leisure building in order to extend existing spa
facilities to provide treatment rooms, pools, eatery and changing rooms. The
extension would be located on the south-western gable end of the existing
building with a flat roof section in the centre linking into the existing
building and a slate hipped roof section on the gable end.
It was highlighted that the proposal was to
re-invest and improve the quality and range of facilities within the
destination to enable more use to be made of the facility outside the holiday
period. In the context of visual
amenities, it was acknowledged that the size and scale of the floor area (approximately
771m²) was substantial; however, it was considered that the size equated to the
existing leisure facilities of the site and that it would not be an
overdevelopment.
As there would only be local views from the
building, due to its setting in the landscape, it was not considered that the
proposal would have an impact on the landscape or views. Although the proposal
was located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it was not considered
that the development would cause significant harm to the landscape and the
coast or would be contrary to the requirements of policy B8 of the GUDP.
Despite the size of existing buildings, the nature of their location was within
a bowl-shaped landform and together with existing landscaping it meant that the
buildings did not stand out in the landscape and it was not considered that the
extension would be prominent either.
It was considered that the extension to the leisure
facilities was acceptable in terms of policies, and was therefore acceptable to
be approved with conditions.
(b)
Taking advantage of the right to speak, the Agent
representing the applicant made the following observations:
·
That the development was a further step in
upgrading and investing in the site
·
That the plan offered improvements to the park and
the environment
·
The intention was to encourage short holiday breaks
outside the main holiday season
·
There had been good consultation and collaboration
with the planning officers
·
That the plan did not impact the landscape
·
The upgrading works would secure 17 new jobs - 5
full-time and 12 part-time
·
If approved, the work would commence as soon as
possible - intention to open in the Summer 2017
·
No objections had been received
(c)
The following main points were raised by the local
member (not a member of this Planning Committee):
·
That he was supportive of the application due to
the location's provision
·
He welcomed the observations of the AONB Unit
·
He was grateful to the officers for collaborating
with the developer
·
An excellent resource for the area - raising
quality
·
Initial discussions regarding local connection with
this provision in terms of use made of the facility during the winter
(ch) It was proposed and seconded to approve the application.
(d)
During the ensuing discussion, the following
observations were noted:
·
Suggested for the AONB to exclude Abersoch from the AONB so that such developments could
proceed freely
·
That the site was outside the development boundary
- an application for a house would be refused; however, as it was for the
leisure industry, the application was approved - drew attention to the need to
ensure consistency and fairness to all.
·
When considering the visual impact, there was a
need to ensure that the observations submitted in reports were consistent and
fair.
RESOLVED to approve the application
Conditions
1. 5 years
2. In accordance
with the plans and landscaping plan
3. Slate
4. Finish
5. Planting work
to be undertaken in the next planting season after completion of development
6. Welsh Water condition to submit a Drainage Plan
Supporting documents: