Issue - meetings

Public Participation:

Mrs Marlene Peters spoke in support of the application

Mr Rob Peters, the Agent, spoke in support of the application

Mrs Jan Thatcher spoke in support of the application

Councillor Mary Douglas, the local member, spoke in support of the application.

The planning officer outlined the application, clarifying that the intended use was a hybrid use, outside normal planning categories, as a children and families centre. It was explained that the applicant was Wiltshire Council, and because there had been an objection, the application had been called-in for the committee to consider, in accordance with the Council's Constitution.

A discussion ensued where the following issues were debated:

·         The economic viability of the site in its existing use as a B&B, and whether or not the change of use constituted a true loss of this tourist capacity.

·         The busy and dangerous nature of the road and the measures being proposed by the applicant to address highway safety.

·         The suitability of the proposed use for the site.

Resolved:

That planning permission be GRANTED for the following reasons:

It is considered that the viability of the existing Bed and Breakfast use is marginal. Marketing of the property has taken place over a significant period of time with no offers being received for the property. A number of new or enhanced hotel and other accommodation facilities have opened up in the past couple of years with the Salisbury and surrounding area which has affected trade. Given this it is not considered that the loss of the B & B would be to the detriment of tourist trade in the city. In addition, saved Policy PS1 of the adopted Salisbury District Local Plan permits in principle social service type facilities within the settlement.

It is not considered that significantly more noise and disturbance will occur with the use of this facility than with the current bed and breakfast use. Out of hours operations as proposed will be minimal and it is likely that at weekends there may well be a decrease in numbers of people visiting the site and subsequently noise and disturbance. It is considered that there will be no significant effects from noise and disturbance in compliance with saved Policy G2 (viii) of the adopted Salisbury District Local Plan.

Parking is to be provided at the site for four vehicles to park. Three in the front of the property (including one disabled space, and one in the adjoining garage. Visitors will not be able to park at the property and will be discouraged from doing so. It is considered that the parking as shown on the submitted plans and as is intended to be provided is satisfactory and will meet the needs of the new use and comply with saved Policy G2 (i) and parking standards contained within the saved policies of the adopted Salisbury District Local plan.

And subject to the following conditions:

(1) The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years  ...  view the full minutes text for item 128