Issue - meetings

Proposed permanent siting of 4 no. storage containers to rear of property to be used as storage.

Earlier on in the meeting as reported under Minute 85 above, Councillor Sudra had declared for the public record that she had not attended the original site visit and meeting of the Planning Committee on 16 January 2024 when this Planning Application had first been considered. Therefore, she did not partake in the discussion and decision making on this application, but she did remain in the meeting.

Also, under Minute 85 above, Councillor Fowler (Chairman) had declared a personal interest. She therefore withdrew from the meeting and took no part whilst the Committee deliberated and made its decision on this application. The Chair was thereupon occupied by the Vice-Chairman (Councillor White).

Committee members were reminded that the application sought to change the use of part of the Parkeston Railway Club car park to site four containers for use by the charity NEST for storage purposes. It had been noted that the proposed use was not restricted and that it might be used for general storage purposes both domestic and commercial.

Members were told that the applicant had detailed the intention for volunteers to access the containers to facilitate deliveries and maintain stock during the day. Local residents/families in need would also be invited to the site by prior arrangement to collect specific items to assist their day-to-day living.

The Committee was aware that the proposal was not considered by Officers to be harmful to the character and appearance of the area, and that it would not result in any significant impact to neighbouring amenities, and that it was acceptable in terms of highway impacts and flood risk.

Officers reminded Members that the application had been originally presented to the Planning Committee on 16 January 2024. The Committee had resolved to defer a decision on the application at that time in order to allow Officers to discuss the proposal with the applicant for the following reasons:

-       How access to the neighbouring use/s shall be maintained as safe.

-       Review of the layout to establish if by redesigning the scheme enhancements can be made.

-       To allow resolution of ownership matters in terms of notification requirements and any resultant further representations.

Updates made to the Officer Planning Committee report following the meeting on 16 January 2024 were noted in bold text.

The Committee had before it the published Officer report containing the key planning issues, relevant planning policies, planning history, any response from consultees, written representations received and a recommendation of approval.

At the meeting, an oral presentation was made by the Council’s Planning Officer (AP) in respect of the application.

There were no updates circulated to Members for this Planning Application.