Two market stalls at Tunsgate Arch, Tunsgate, Guildford

What was proposed

The application sought continued use of the arch for two market stalls in the same position for a further five years.

“Planning permission is sought for the continued use of Tunsgate Arch for the siting of two market stalls (last approved under 20/P/00726) for five years.”

“The position of the market stalls will not change, with the market stalls being sited in the south western recess. The applicant has confirmed that the operation hours will also not change, with the stalls operating seven days a week, between the hours of 08:00-17:30 Monday-Saturday and 9:00- 17:00 on Sunday, Bank and National Holidays.”

Officer report

The site

The stalls occupy a recess within a Grade II listed pedestrian arch in the town centre conservation area and primary shopping area.

“Tunsgate Arch is a pedestrian thoroughfare situated on the southern side of the High Street and at the northern end of Tunsgate. It is an imposing, grand entrance formed of a large pediment with classical frieze and four classical columns. Inside of the archway, there are two recesses. The south western recess houses the existing market stalls.”

“Tunsgate Arch is grade II listed and lies within the Guildford Town Centre Conservation Area where an Article 4 direction is in place. The site is within a Primary Shopping Area. It is also within an area at high risk of surface water flooding.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

The market stalls have been permitted through successive applications, with the most recent five-year approval granted in 2020.

“Reference: Description: Decision Summary: Appeal: 20/P/00726 Continued use of Tunsgate Arch for the siting of two market stalls (originally approved under 13/P/00979) for five years. Approve 25/06/2020 N/A”

“13/P/00979 Continued use of Tunsgate Arch for the siting of two market stalls (originally approved under 92/P/01206) for five years. Approve 12/08/2013 N/A”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would not materially harm heritage assets, the street scene, neighbouring amenity, highway safety or flooding interests.

“The proposal would not result in material harm to heritage assets, the character of the site or the wider street scene. No neighbour amenity, highway or flooding concerns result.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The County Highway Authority had no concerns, the Environmental Health Officer had no objection, and no third-party comments were received.

“Environmental Health Officer: No objection or adverse comments to make.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Development Management Specialist presented the proposal and outlined its continued five-year use.

Members’ discussion

Members welcomed the continued use and its contribution to town-centre vitality and character, while suggesting a longer approval could be considered in future.

“During the debate, Members welcomed the continued use of the market stalls and recognised their contribution to the vitality and character of the town centre. Members also suggested that consideration could be given to granting a longer approval period in future, noting the established nature of the use.”

Minutes

The vote

The motion to approve was seconded and carried, with 13 votes for, no votes against and no abstentions.

“The Chair moved the motion to approve application 26/P/00410, subject to the conditions and reasons as set out in the Officer’s report. The motion was seconded by Councillor Akhtar and was carried.”

“FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 1. Councillor Dominique Williams X 2. Councillor Stephen Hives X 3. Councillor Howard Smith X 4. Councillor Maddy Redpath X 5. Councillor Patrick Oven X 6. Councillor George Potter X 7. Councillor Joss Bigmore X 8. Councillor Bilal Akhtar X 9. Councillor David Bilbe X 10. Councillor Catherine Houston X 11. Councillor Masuk Miah X 12. Councillor Cait Taylor X 13. Councillor Richard Mills OBE X TOTALS 13 0 0”

Minutes

The decision

Application 26/P/00410 was approved subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the officer recommendation.

“RESOLVED: That application 26/P/00410 be APPROVED, subject to the conditions and reasons as set out in the Officer’s report.”

Minutes