Agenda item

Single storey extension to front to form extended lounge and entrance foyer after partial demolition of conservatory (resubmission) [Rural West York Ward] [Site Visit]

Members considered a full application from Mr Robin Tomlinson for a single storey extension to the front to form an extended lounge and entrance foyer after partial demolition of the conservatory (resubmission).

Representations were received from the trustees of Poppleton Community Trust, a registered charity with responsibility for the Poppleton Community Centre. The trustees had submitted a statement which had been circulated to Members and Officers in advance of the meeting and which was also tabled at the meeting. The statement explained that the Trust had suffered financial difficulties over recent years as the centre was not generating adequate income to be self financing and therefore had looked at how better use might be made of the building. It explained that the planned work would include the modification of the bar area to facilitate the operation of a café during the day, demand for which had been proved through detailed market research, and the continued operation of the licensed bar in the evening. However it would also involve the refurbishment and reconfiguration of the toilets and changing rooms.

Mr Hawkins spoke on behalf of the trustees and explained that

·        these changes would enable the Centre to generate additional income in order to continue to maintain and develop the facilities available to the residents and make the Trust less dependent on grants.

·        Planning permission needed to be in place before they could apply for grants.

·        The noise scheme currently in place would eliminate sound from emanating from the building.

·        The sliding doors would only be open during the day to enable the café area to extend into the outside space but would be closed in the evening and when music is playing - the trustees would have no problem with a condition being attached to that effect. 

In response to a Member’s query re noise, Mr Hawkins explained that sound limiting equipment had been purchased and was being used on a temporary basis until installation of noise insulation had been completed. The Environmental Protection Officer provided information on this process. He also raised concerns over the introduction of sliding doors which had less noise retaining properties than the existing wall and would increase existing noise emissions if left open.

Members agreed that the Community Centre was a great asset to the villages and wider community but that the Trust should do as much as possible to ameliorate the noise issue and agreed that a condition should be attached to ensure the sliding doors are closed at 10.00pm.

RESOLVED:            

That the application be approved subject to the conditions listed below. ¹

1             The development shall be begun not later than the expiration of the three years from the date of this permission.

Reason:  To ensure compliance with Sections 91 to 93 and Section 56 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by section 51 of the Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

 2            The development hereby permitted shall be carried out only in accordance with the following plans:-

               Drg No. 108. 109 and 110

               or any plans or details subsequently agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority as amendment to the approved plans.

Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and to ensure that the development is carried out only as approved by the Local Planning Authority.

 3            The 3 no. folding/sliding doors shall be locked shut between 22.00 hours and 08.00 hours on any day unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority.

Reason:  To prevent noise from the premises causing undue harm to the living conditions of nearby residents in accordance with policy GP1 of the Development Control Local Plan.

REASON:     

The proposal, subject to the conditions listed above, would not cause undue harm to interests of acknowledged importance, with particular reference to the living conditions of nearby residents, the openness of the Green Belt.  As such the proposal complies with Policy YH9 and Y1C of The Yorkshire and Humber Plan, policies GP1, GB1, GB13 and C1 of the City of York Development Control Local Plan and Government policy contained within Planning Policy Guidance note 2 'Green Belts'.