Community bike recycling project at Changing Rooms At Charity Brook Park, Evesham

What was proposed

The application sought to change the vacant changing rooms into a community bike-recycling project with repair, refurbishment, storage and limited public access.

“This proposal consists of a planning application for change of use from Sports Changing room use (F2) to Community Bike recycling project use (Sui Generis) relating to the changing rooms at Charity Brook Park, Davies Road, Evesham.”

“The facility would be operated by the Evesham Adventure Playground Association which is a registered charity. The building has been vacant since 2013, and the proposal involves the setting up of a community bike‑recycling project. The internal floorspace (160m2) would be used for bike repair, refurbishment and storage, with limited public access. Members of the public would be able to view and collect refurbished bicycles, sold at low cost.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town council recommended approval, the highways authority raised no objection, and drainage details were recommended as a condition.

“Evesham Town Council: Recommends approval.”

“The surface water drainage details submitted have been noted. If this application is to be approved, recommends that a condition be attached requiring the details set out in the submitted Water Management Statement to be implemented and remain thereafter.”

Officer report

Public representations

No communications of objection or support were received, and no other representations were made.

“No communications of objection have been received…”

“No communications of support have been received…”

Officer report

The officers’ assessment

Officers considered the alternative community use acceptable because it would bring the long-vacant building back into use and promote cycling and recycling.

“The proposal involves the change of use, rather than loss of, an existing built community facility. Given the proposed use is a charity-based bike recycling project, this can be regarded as an alternative community use. In these circumstances, the proposal is compliant with SWDPR 47 as there would be no loss of a community facility. Furthermore, the proposed use brings back into use a building that has been vacant since 2013.”

Officer report

Design, access and drainage

The existing building would not be externally changed, highway impacts were expected to be minimal, and drainage details would be secured by condition.

“The site lies in an area of low flood risk, Flood Zone 1, and does not have significant surface water drainage problems. Use of the existing drainage system is proposed, and the Drainage Engineer recommends that the details contained in the submitted Water and Drainage Statement be implemented as part of the change of use.”

“The proposed means of foul drainage is by means of the existing mains drainage system. This is the preferred means of foul drainage disposal and is acceptable. It should be noted that the proposed use will generate far less foul waste than the former changing rooms use of the building.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The local member supported the application, and another councillor described it as a strong community project in a good location.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions covering commencement, approved plans and documents, and water and drainage measures.

“That this application be approved subject to the following conditions:”

“Unless where required or allowed by other conditions attached to this permission/consent, the development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the information (including details on the proposed materials) provided on the application form and the following plans/drawings/documents –”

Minutes