Agenda item

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding the change of use of former bank to drinking establishment (Class A4 use) with associated two storey extension to the rear and siting of four sheds along the northern boundary.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding an application for the change of use of a former bank to A4 public house use and 2 storey extension rear at the former HSBC Bank, Charlton House, Oxford Road, Guiseley.

Members visited the site prior to the meeting and site plans and photographs were displayed and referred to throughout the discussion of the application.

Further issues highlighted in relation to the application included the following:

·  The building was on the edge of Guiseley Town Centre.

·  Proximity to residential properties.

·  The building had not been in use for over a year and was not suitable for other commercial use including retail use.

·  There was car parking for seven vehicles.

·  Conditions required the premises to be closed at midnight with outdoor areas closed at 21:00.

·  The proposed extension to the rear was considered suitable for the conservation area.

·  There had been a number of objections in relation to highways safety, particularly access to the car park.  This was an existing access and capacity would not be changed.

·  Reference was made to objections and letters of support received.

·  Additional conditions following comments from the Environmental Protection Team included hours of construction, noise insulation scheme and details regarding replacement windows and the canopy structure.

·  On balance it was felt that the proposals offered an acceptable re-use for the building subject to conditions and the application was recommended for approval.

A local resident addressed the Panel with objections to the application.  These included the following:

·  Local residents had not been informed of the proposals.

·  Loss of amenity for residents with increased noise and anti-social behaviour.

·  Impact on highways and pedestrian safety.

·  Insufficient parking near the premises and lack of dropping off places.

·  Concern that some of the conditions would not be enforceable.

The applicant’s representatives addressed the Panel.  Issues highlighted included the following:

·  The building was located within the town centre boundary.

·  The proposals would bring a redundant building back into use and create up to 20 full time and 15 part time jobs.

·  Noise impact assessments had been carried out and there would not be any impact on residential amenity.

·  The highways issues already existed and would be the same for any re-use of the building.

·  Contact had been made to engage local Ward Councillors.  There had been significant engagement and more than was required under legislation.

·  With regard to concerns regarding parking, it was reported that the majority of staff would live locally and be more likely to use public transport or walk to the premises.

In response to comments and questions, the following was discussed:

·  There would be conditions in relation to delivery vehicles visiting the premises.

·  Enforcement could be carried out by Planning and Licensing should there be any issues with noise from the open balcony area.

·   There were no highways objections as the existing access had previously been in use.

·  Some concerns remained with regard to parking, highways and potential noise disturbance.

·  There was no capacity to increase car parking at the site.

RESOLVED – That the application be approved as per the officer recommendation and conditions outlined in the report.