Agenda item

Erection of motor vehicle dealership with associated vehicle parking and display. [Rural West York Ward] [Site Visit]

Members considered a major full application by Mr Andrew Hodgson for the erection of a motor vehicle dealership with associated vehicle parking and display.

Officers advised that since the committee report had been prepared, a revised site plan has been submitted to address the concerns of Yorkshire Water in respect of the required stand-off from the high pressure water main and surface water sewer crossing the site. It demonstrated that the required stand off from built development, fencing and landscaping would be achieved in respect of the proposed development. This was now felt to be acceptable. Officers advised that Condition 2 should therefore be amended to accommodate 539-07 Rev E accordingly. They advised that no further comment had been received from Yorkshire Water.

Officers advised that further detailed clarification had been received from the applicant indicating that the site has been continuously advertised since 2006 but that no interest has been forthcoming in terms of any form of employment related development of the site. Forward Planning therefore indicated that the requirements of Draft Local Plan Policy had therefore been met and that they raised no objection to the proposal.

One Member raised concerns about the impact on the local surface water drainage network, in response to the concerns raised by the Internal Drainage Board  in paragraph 4.10 with regard to increased water levels in the nearby water course. The council’s drainage officer responded to these concerns, advising that the applicant had provided a comprehensive drainage design including surface water attenuation, comprehensive flood risk/drainage assessments and proposals for the use of permeable paving and restricted discharge.

One Member requested that an electric charging point be provided, to be consistent with what is provided by most garages selling electric vehicles.  Mr Andrew Hodgson, the applicant, had registered to speak at the meeting. He advised members that he was happy for an electric charging point to be installed on the premises. 

Another Member suggested that that condition 5 (landscaping scheme) should be amended to require that landscaping scheme remained in place for the lifetime of the development rather than only 5 years as stated in the condition. This was supported by other members.

Resolved:      That the application be approved subject to the conditions listed in the report and the amendments to condition 2 (plans) and condition 5 (landscaping scheme).

Amended Condition 2

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

Drawing Refs:- 539-07E; SK001 P1; SK002 P1; 539-01; 539-02; 539-03; 539-04; 539-05; 539-06.

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

Amended Condition 5

No development shall take place until there has been submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority a detailed landscaping scheme which shall illustrate the number, species, height and position of trees, shrubs and hard landscaping. This scheme shall be implemented within a period of six months of the completion of the development. Any trees or plants which during the lifetime of the development die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of a similar size and species, unless alternatives are agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: So that the Local Planning Authority may be satisfied with the variety, suitability and disposition of species within the site.

Reason:         It is accepted that this longstanding vacant site has been marketed unsuccessfully for the previously permitted employment use for a significant length of time, and that therefore it can be concluded having regard to the NPPF that there is no reasonable prospect of this allocated employment site being used for the employment use. The proposal would not materially harm local biodiversity and is acceptable in terms of its impact upon the local surface water drainage network and local public drainage infrastructure. The proposal is also felt to be acceptable in highway terms.