Larger customer parking area at 9 Lowther Gardens, Grange-over-Sands

“SUMMARY 1.1 This application seeks planning permission for, partial removal of the existing planting bed and stone wall to create larger customer parking area. The application is reported to Planning Committee, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution and Scheme of Delegation, as the applicant is a Westmorland and Furness Councillor and as Grange Town Council objection is contrary to the Officer recommendation.”

“The application seeks planning permission for the partial removal of the existing planting bed and stone wall to create a larger customer parking area.”

“9 Lowther Gardens is a commercial premises located within the Grange-over- Sands Conservation Area. The application relates to the existing forecourt area to the front of the site, this includes a parking area and the forecourt is bounded by a planting bed and limestone wall.”

“The plans have been amended to ensure that the root protection area of the tree within the planting area shall not be affected. It is assessed that within the landscape, while reducing the size of the planting area and loss of part of the internal boundary wall, the boundary features shall be retained to a scale in which the locality and special characteristics of the conservation area shall not be significantly affected by the proposed scheme.”

“The highway and access impacts in relation to the proposal, are considered acceptable. Drainage 7.17 The application details that the proposal involves a relatively small increase in hardstanding within the existing frontage area. Any additional surface water run- off would be managed appropriately through suitable drainage measures and permeable surfacing where possible. The proposal is not considered likely to create any significant drainage concerns.”

“Grange-over-Sand Town Council Grange Town Council objects to the application to remove the border at Lowther Terrace to create parking on the grounds that it would set a precedent, would lead to the area looking unbalanced and could lead to the green verge on Kents Bank Road being lost altogether. Arboriculture Officer Response 09 June 2026 One moderate size tree sits close to the proposed development. A variegated sycamore in good health.”

“NEIGHBOUR REPRESENTATIONS 5.1 The application was advertised through neighbour consultation letters, a press advert and a site notice. 5.2 1 x objection received: This would be a loss to the biodiversity of central Grange. We have lost quite a bit of greenery here already - the new car park outside the Catholic Church for instance. The trees at the cross-roads also went about 10 years ago and were never replaced.”

“Members were informed of a late representation from a neighbour which raised concern over land ownership and biodiversity net gain. The Planning Officer advised, the agent confirmed the planting bed in question is private land owned by the applicant. Officers felt that, should someone wish to challenge ownership, the land issues were a civil matter.”

“Concern was expressed over the lack of biodiversity on the site and the suggestion of a more permeable surface than tarmac was raised. Members discussed adding a requirement for a permeable surface to the suite of conditions. The proposer and seconder both agreed to this condition being drafted by officers for inclusion in the decision.”

“A proposal to approve the application, subject to the conditions set out in the report was moved and seconded. Members noted the increasing size of cars and the need to adapt both parking spaces and car park entrances.”

“RESOLVED, that planning permission be granted, subject to the following conditions:-”

“Condition (3) Within 3 months following commencement of development details of soft landscape works shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Details shall include planting specifications, schedules of plants, noting species, plant sizes and proposed numbers and an implementation programme.”

“4 Condition (4) For the avoidance of doubt the hereby approved extension to the parking area shall be constructed of a permeable material.”

“Reason For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.”