Meeting: 24/10/2018 - Major Applications Planning Committee (Item 75)
75 Unit 1, Elystan Business Centre - 36985/APP/2018/2970 
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Change of use from a retail (Carpetright) (Use Class A1) to a 24-hour gym (Use Class D2) with associated alterations to the facade
Recommendation: Approval
Decision:
RESOLVED: That the decision be deferred pending further investigation.
Minutes:
Change of use from a retail (Carpetright) (Use Class A1) to a 24-hour gym (Use Class D2) with associated alterations to the facade.
Officers introduced the report and highlighted the addendum. The application sought to change the use of a commercial unit over 1,000 sqm within a retail parade to a 24-hour gym. Members were informed that, as detailed in the addendum, 18 secure cycle parking spaces would be provided; the development would not be occupied until the cycle spaces had been installed. The proposed elevations were similar to those currently in existence and sufficient car parking would be provided. A revised site location plan had been submitted to the local planning authority prior to publication of the Committee report. It had therefore been deemed necessary to re-consult on this planning application; the consultation period was underway and was due to expire on 5 November 2018. Subject to no new substantive issues being raised as part of the re-consultation, it was recommended that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.
Members commented that the car park was not currently in use 24 hours a day due to issues relating to antisocial behaviour in the area. At present the car park was secured at night. Concern was expressed regarding a potential increase in antisocial behaviour, particularly 'donutting' should these security measures be withdrawn. It was suggested that a condition could be added to address these concerns. Thereafter a decision was taken to allow the Committee to adjourn for five minutes to enable officers to discuss the matter further with the agent.
The Committee reconvened following the adjournment. It was suggested that one possible solution would be to enhance Condition 4 to allay Members' concerns regarding antisocial behaviour; however, a deferral was deemed to be a more appropriate course of action to enable officers to investigate further the incidences of antisocial behaviour in the area.
The option to defer was moved, seconded and, when put to a vote, unanimously agreed.
RESOLVED: That the decision be deferred pending further investigation.