Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Howard Barrett and Councillor Gareth Lewis.

Members are reminded of their personal responsibility to declare any personal and prejudicial interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government and Finance Act 1992 relating to Council Tax, the Local Government Act 2000, the Council’s Constitution and the Members Code of Conduct

Note:

(a)  Members are reminded that they must identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest and

(b)  Where Members withdraw from a Meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chair when they leave

No Declarations of Interest were made.

To consider report of Deputy Chief Executive

Application

Change of use of part of the building to a pharmacy (A1 use class), creation of new entrance with canopy and footpath and installation of new external air condenser unit.

The Chair advised the committee that correspondence had been received from the applicant which was distributed to the committee. The chair allowed the committee time to read the correspondence prior to discussing the item.

The Planning Officer led the committee in detail through the report.

The following questions were raised by the committee and were responded to by the Planning Officers.

·         Is it normal to receive two objection letters from the same person on this sort of application, would you expect more

·         It is stated on Page 3 that there are currently no vacant units within the centre, if an alternative business took over the vacant premises could it be argued that it would give greater choice and improve the vitality and viability of the local centre

·         Can you explain how this proposal could have a significant adverse effect on the vitality and viability of the local centre, as it is the relocation of one unit.

·         Under Planning Legislation is it correct that you cannot object to an application on business matters.

·         Can the Local Development Plan (LDP) be reviewed in relation to the Dowlais Centre as there are a number of shopping areas along Pant Road and Victoria Street.

·         What is the timescale for the review of the LDP

·         Is it a planning concern that the shop will become vacant and may not be re-occupied

·         Current occupiers of the property have difficulties upgrading the premises but we are restricting them from moving premises due to the LDP, haven’t we gone outside of the LDP on previous occasions

After comments and consideration by the committee it was

Resolved that:

The recommendation of the Head of Planning and Countryside for the application to be refused was not accepted.

Councillor Bill Smith then moved an amendment that the application comes back to the next appropriate committee.

A vote was taken and it was further resolved that:

This application be scheduled to the next appropriate committee for consideration.

To consider report of Deputy Chief Executive

Application

Residential Development

The Planning Officer led the committee in detail through the report.

Resolved that:

In accordance with the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Countryside the Planning Application be approved subject to the conditions as outlined in the report.

To receive report of Deputy Chief Executive

Resolved that:

The Appeal in relation to P/10/0283 be received.

To receive report of Deputy Chief Executive

Resolved that:

Appeal Decision P/16/0041 be received.

To receive report of Deputy Chief Executive

Resolved that:

The Delegated Decision Report List for the period 1-30 November 2016 be received.

The Chair advised that there was no business deemed urgent.