Issue - meetings

Retention of entrance gates and change of use for use class sui generis including container and skip storage; open and closed storage of building, scaffolding and lighting materials; storage of aggregate materials; vehicle storage and sales; and associated installation of portacabins, container stores, transportable silos and other structures for a period of 12 months (retrospective application).

Recommendation: Approval + S106

RESOLVED:

1.    That the application be approved +S106;

2.    That delegated authority be granted to the Deputy Director of Planning and Regeneration, in consultation with the Chairman, to draft additional conditions in relation to wheel washing, haul road dampening down and compulsory covers on vehicles carrying aggregate as they travel / exit the site;

3.    That delegated authority be granted to the Deputy Director of Planning and Regeneration, in consultation with the Chairman, to explore options in relation to vehicle reversing beacons and raised tables;

4.    That delegated authority be granted to the Deputy Director of Planning and Regeneration, in consultation with the Chairman, to strengthen Condition 7 to include dust mitigation measures when aggregates are delivered to the site; and

5.    That delegated authority be granted to the Deputy Director of Planning and Regeneration, in consultation with the Chairman, to draft an additional condition requiring an On-Site Logistics Plan.

Retention of entrance gates and change of use for use class sui generis including container and skip storage; open and closed storage of building, scaffolding and lighting materials; storage of aggregate materials; vehicle storage and sales; and associated installation of portacabins, container stores, transportable silos and other structures for a period of 12 months (retrospective application).

Officers introduced the report and highlighted the addendum which set out proposed new and amended conditions in relation to the application. It was confirmed that there was a complex planning history at the site – a similar application had been refused in 2021 for 3 reasons relating to the impact the proposed use would have on the Grand Union Canal and local residential amenity in terms of noise impact and Air Quality. Members heard that the applicant had undertaken remedial works on site to address the concerns which formed the 3 reasons for refusal. It was also noted that a temporary unauthorised airport car park on the site had been permitted by the Planning Inspectorate.

A petition in objection to the proposal had been received; a petitioner was in attendance and addressed the Committee citing concerns regarding dust and noise. Key points highlighted included:

·         Dust was being lifted by vehicles using the site and spread to surrounding areas; the site was dirty and covered in dust as vehicles dragged dust onto the internal road;

·         Vehicles leaving the site carrying aggregate material were not routinely covered;

·         There were now 2 areas of aggregate on site which exacerbated the situation;

·         Residents’ health problems were aggravated by the levels of pollution on the site;

·         A revised noise assessment had been carried out in January 2022; however, the problems had increased significantly since that time;

·         HGVs passing over the ramps made a loud booming sound all through the night which regularly woke local residents and disturbed their sleep; this was having a negative impact on residents’ mental and physical health leading to migraines and breathing difficulties in some cases;

·         Enforcement action had made no difference and the residents felt abandoned;

·         Balconies were filthy and thick with dust;

·         It was felt that the dust management plan failed to address these problems and concerns; and

·         Enforcement action was requested.

In response to questions from the Committee, the petitioner confirmed that the problems had been going on for many months and were getting worse. The applicant had failed to make contact with residents in an attempt to resolve the issues. Members heard that lorries were entering and exiting the site throughout the night and the site was operational 7 days a week.

A written submission from the applicant had been received and was read out to the Committee. Key points highlighted included:

·         The site had historically been used for industrial/commercial uses and, prior to the Covid pandemic, for airport parking;

·         The proposal would provide an active use of the site, local employment, site security and would deter fly tipping;

·         Permission for a temporary period of 12 months was sought. The applicant  ...  view the full minutes text for item 129