Timber and builders’ merchants at Vehicle Inspectorate LôN Cae Ffynnon, Caernarfon

“Proposal: Change of use of the former VOSA testing station to form a Timber and Builders’ Merchants…”

“Description: Full application for the change of use of a VOSA MOT testing station which is a unique use, to a timber and builders' merchants, in association with an existing site to the rear with the exact same use. The proposal does not include any alterations to the building, yard or access. The building is of a significant size and measures 50 metres long and 17 metres wide.”

“The site is situated within Cibyn industrial estate and a safeguarded area as a principal employment site for employment use (B1, B2 and B8) and is within Caernarfon Town development boundary as defined in the LDP. The site is served by the estate's service road.”

“Relevant Planning History: C07A/0767/14/LL - EXTENSION TO CREATE A CANOPY Approved on 23.11.2007 C05A/0761/14/C3 - DEMOLISH EXISTING BUILDINGS AND RE-ERECT NEW TESTING STATION TOGETHER WITH AN ADDITIONAL ACCESS - Approved on 29.11.2005 C03A/0122/14/C3 - TEMPORARY BUILDING FOR VEHICLE EXAMINER - Approved on 17.03.2003 4. Consultations:”

“Observations from the Language Unit have not been received at the time of writing the report but based on the content of the statement together with planning conditions to ensure bilingual signage, the proposal is considered to be acceptable and is not contrary to the requirements of policy PS 1 and the SPG.”

“Recommendation: Right to act - To approve with conditions subject to receipt of confirmation from Welsh Water withdrawing its objection. Conditions:”

“The applicant states that there is no intention to make external alterations to the building or yard, and as such there would be no greater impact on the landscape than the existing situation. To this end, the application would meet the objectives of PCYFF Policy 3 within the LDP. General and residential amenities 5.5 The application was advertised at the site and nearby residents were notified. No response was received.”

“The site previously operated by VOSA as an MOT testing centre, and therefore the current arrangement is suitable for large vehicles. The proposed site's change of use is not considered to cause harm to road safety and although no observations have been received from the Transportation Unit, due to the location and nature of the site and the proposal, it is considered to be acceptable and complies with the requirements of policies TRA 2 and 4.”

“Welsh Water: The site is crossed by a public sewer, public watermains and an abandoned public watermain with their approximate positions being marked on the attached statutory public sewer and watermain records. In accordance with the Water Industry Act 1991, Dŵr Cymru Welsh…”

“Water requires access to its apparatus at all times in order to carry out maintenance and repairs. Having regard to the proposed plans, it appears a new tree is proposed to be planted above and within the protection zones of our assets when measured 3 metres either side of the centrelines.”

“Reference was made to Welsh Water's comments which confirmed an objection to the proposal on the grounds that there was an intention to plant a tree as part of the biodiversity improvements within the protection zone of pipes crossing the site. It was highlighted that an amended plan that moved the proposed tree away from the pipe protection zone had been submitted in response to the objection.”

“It was considered that the proposal complied with the requirements of local and national policies and therefore the officers recommended to approve the application subject to imposing relevant conditions, as well as a confirmation from Welsh Water that they had retracted their objection.”

“To approve with conditions Conditions: Five years. In accordance with plans and documents. To restrict use of the site to use class B1, B2, B8 within the proposed Use Classes Order 1987. Biodiversity enhancements 5. Protect Welsh Water's equipment and pipes and their protection zones…”