Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to planning application 23/1490/FUL S H E House, Macklin Avenue, Cowpen Lane Industrial Estate, Billingham.

Planning permission was sought for the partial demolition and sub-division of existing building into 45no self-storage units (Use Class B8) and 4no employment units (Use Class B2/B8), erection of 4no employment buildings (Use Class B2/B8) and 36no starter units (Use Class B2/B8) with associated infrastructure including access and landscaping at an employment site known as SHE House in Macklin Avenue, Cowpen Lane Industrial Estate, Billingham.

The site was allocated in the local plan for employment uses under Policies SD4 and EG1(i) and therefore the principle of development for this use, in this location was acceptable.

The consultees that had been notified and the comments that had been received were detailed within the main report.

Neighbours were notified and the comments received were detailed within the main report.

The planning policies and material planning considerations that were relevant to the consideration of the application were contained within the main report.

The Planning Officers report concluded that the application be recommended for approval with conditions as detailed within the report.

Objectors attended the meeting and were given the opportunity to make representation. Their comments could be summarised as follows:

. Disappointed the applicant chose not to consult with their neighbours on the plans.

. The current plans were proposing overdevelopment of the site.

. Noise pollution had not been considered.

. Predictions in the traffic and noise survey were simply estimates and there was a high degree of uncertainty of the exact use of the industrial units. Should approval be given for B2 and B8 use, the units could be used for any general industrial, storage and / or distribution facilities.

. The proposed 36 starter units were packed in so tightly that the turning circles could only cater for small vehicles, therefore there would be an impact on noise disturbance from Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and forklift truck acoustic warning signs.

. The images in the design access statement were the most concerning which showed the units being used with open doors. This created more uncertainty regarding the noise assessment figures which would rely heavily on the sound reduction properties of the building fabric.

. The design of the proposed development seemed to be more appropriate with B1 use which would be in keeping with the office space currently to the rear of the site which was proposed to be demolished as part of the application.

. The requirement for noise monitoring equipment, which was conditioned, was appreciated, however, with the degree of uncertainty of noise that could come from the site, residents would have to rely on enforcement and mitigation measures after the fact which did not afford adequate protection for residents who would be left suffering the effects in the interim.

. We should work with the applicant to try and find a mutually agreeable solution.

. This authority had a duty to protect, and where possible enhance the health and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47