Agenda item

Change of use from Sui Generis to Use Class B2 (General Industrial) for MOT testing, servicing and mechanical repairs of motor vehicles to include a new overhead door and entrance screen to front and alterations to rear elevation.

Recommendation : Approval

Change of use from Sui Generis to Use Class B2 (General Industrial) for MOT testing, servicing and mechanical repairs of motor vehicles to include a new overhead door and entrance screen to front and alterations to rear elevation.

Officers introduced the report and directed Members to note the changes set out in the addendum circulated at the meeting.

The addendum was amended to retain points 2.a, 2.c and 2.f and deleted other points.

In accordance with the Council’s constitution a representative of the petition received in objection to the proposal and the applicant were invited to address the meeting.

The petitioner raised the following points:

• Surprised that the Council had agreed a development of this kind to operate on this site
• Could not understand why a bigger site in Victoria Road had not been considered for this type of application
• The proposed development would lead to noise pollution, the smell of oil, increased traffic and the problem of storage
• The scheme would lead to potential pest control issues around the area
• The nature of the business would place the safety of residents in potential risk
• Concerned about the likely increase of business during the weekends
• Ground slap party walls between the application site and neighbouring properties should be installed on both sides and not just on one side of a neighbouring property
• Urged the Committee to reject the application.

The applicant raised the following points:

• Had worked closely with the Council to address issues raised
• With regard to concerns about the potential for excessive noise, a robust noise assessment had been conducted and all work would take place inside the building
•  The proposal was for MOT testing and would not involve body work or vehicle spraying
• The proposal would not give rise to excessive car parking issues, as there would be 5 work places to provide for 22 vehicles
• All staff and customer parking would be within the development  
• The scheme would provide six full time jobs and bring the vacant unit back into sustainable and accessible use.

In answer to a query about vehicle movement on the site, the applicant responded that the business would operate on an appointment basis and would typically have from 12 to 15 paying customers in a day. Large stock would not be maintained and the only large delivery vehicle would be used for oil waste every 4 to 6 weeks, whilst other deliveries would be made by auto car vans.

In response to concerns raised about the issue of noise, officers explained that the Council’s Environmental Protection Unit had examined the noise report to ensure that it was robust and in line with guidelines. Operating hours requested were within planning policy and officers had no objection, given the mitigation measures proposed.

A Ward Councillor spoke about the application raising the following points:

• Wished to voice the concerns raised by residents
• The proposed development was in a predominately residential area and would therefore have a detrimental impact on the amenity of the locality
• The scheme would result in a huge change for the neighbourhood, in terms of noise pollution
• Concerned that the proposed development would result in road safety issues, due to increased traffic
• The scheme was sited in a prime residential area in South Ruislip and would have a negative impact on the local area.

In response to a question regarding road safety, officers explained that there would be a slight increase in traffic but there were no safety concerns.

The recommendation for approval was moved, seconded and on being put to the vote was agreed.

Resolved – That the application be approved, subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the officer’s report and addendum sheet circulated at the meeting.