Agenda item

The Corporate Director - Planning and Governance recommends that the Planning Committee gives delegated authority to the corporate director of Planning and Governance to grant planning permission subject to the signing of a deed of variation relating the planning agreement for the Warndon development, in accordance with the heads of terms in Appendix 1, and subject to the conditions set out in section 9 of the report.

Introduction

The Committee considered an application for the proposed extension of an existing industrial warehouse space to suit requirements of the existing occupier, Transmec UK Ltd; Wainwright Road.

Reason Why Being Considered by Planning Committee

The application has been referred to Planning Committee as it is a major planning application and a call in request from Councillor Hodgson has been made (correspondence dated 30^th October 2023).

Report/Background/Late Papers

The report set out the background to the proposal, the site and surrounding area, the proposal itself, relevant policies, planning history and representations and consultations where applicable.

The Committee’s attention was drawn to the late paper which related to the withdrawal of the objection to the proposal from Warndon Parish Council.

Officer Presentation

The information was presented as set out by the Corporate Director – Planning and Governance, in conjunction with a powerpoint presentation for the item.

The Service Manager – Development Management explained the Warndon Section 52 Agreement, outlined in paragraphs 7.65-7.70 of the report.  He informed Committee Members that the proposal included a Deed of Variation of this agreement, which is to be varied to make the development acceptable, appendix 1 attached to the report refers.

The Service Manager highlighted the benefits of the proposal, which were outlined in paragraph 7.7 of the report.

Public Representations

The following person had registered to speak on the application:

Roland Lee, Hale Architecture – Agent for the applicant.

Key Points of Debate

·        The agent in addressing the Committee confirmed that the space is required for the expansion of the storage facilities to meet customer demand and future expansion and cements Transmec’s future on the site.  He confirmed that consultee comments had been addressed, although a small part of the green space is to be lost it has been reduced to an acceptable minimum balanced with an enhanced landscaping scheme.  He welcomed the withdrawal of the objection from Warndon Parish Council.

·        The agent responded to questions from Committee Members, particularly around job creation figures from the proposal, and the number of lorry movements to and from the site the proposal would create.  The agent clarified the number of additional jobs created by the proposal, initially 15, but was unable to confirm the exact number of vehicle movements, but it was not a huge increase. 

·        The agent was also asked if the applicant would be amenable to helping to reduce the access just beyond the verge at Offerton Lane, which has had long standing issues with fly tipping, and/or additional CCTV in managing this perimeter and to also consider the possible increase in the provision of cycle spaces.  The agent agreed to report these matters back to the applicant.

·        In respect of tree planting and landscaping, the Service Manager, confirmed that conditions 5 (Tree Protection Plan) and 7 (Landscape Scheme) would apply and that condition 9 (Construction Environmental Management Plan) would cover any displaced parking.

·        Committee Members welcomed the proposal, with a local business investing in the city and providing job opportunities.  Anything that can be done to mitigate the surface of Offerton Lane and stop the fly tipping was also welcomed by Members.

A proposal to approve the application had been made and this was seconded.  There being no further points made the Chair requested the voting of each Member of the Committee who were eligible to vote.  Following the recording of the votes the proposal to approve was agreed.

For - 9

Against - 0

Abstentions – 0

RESOLVED: That the Committee grant planning permission, subject to the signing of a deed of variation relating to the planning agreement for the Warndon development, in accordance with the heads of terms in Appendix 1, and subject to the conditions set out in section 9 of the report.