Decision details

The Chair identified that he knew the applicant as the owner of a restaurant within his ward but did not need to recuse himself as the application was only at pre-application stage.

Representatives for the applicant and the planning officer gave a short presentation on early plans for the scheme.

In response to questions from the Committee, the applicant advised that the shipping containers used would be new and adapted to provide large expanses of glazing. In terms of utilities, the containers would be serviced from the current site.

Concerns were raised over the potential for the units to be converted to licensed premises should they not be easily let. The applicant outlined their vision for the scheme for provision of a creative mix of ventures onsite and identified they would be willing to accept a condition to this effect.

Concerns were expressed over the impact of the scheme on existing parking pressures in the area, including from the loss of the car park and additional demand generated. Officers advised that a full parking survey would be required for the full planning application, discussions on which had already started with the applicant. The current car park was underutilised and the new scheme was not anticipated to generate a large number of deliveries as there would be minimal storage onsite. Customers would be encouraged to walk to the venue, which would have a benefit of increasing footfall on West Green Road.