Plant and tool hire at 64 Holmer Green Road, Hazlemere

What was proposed

The application sought to change a builders merchant and adjacent land into plant and tool hire with retail, offices, washing, fuel storage and a workshop.

“It is recommended that planning permission is granted, subject to the use of planning conditions. Description of Site and Proposed Development 2.1 Full planning permission is sought for the change of use of existing builders merchant and adjacent land to a Plant and Tool Hire use (sui-generis) to include, ancillary retail and office space, Wash Bay, fuel tank and plinth, open storage and workshop. The site relates to 64 Holmer Road in Hazelmere.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 0.26-hectare site contains existing buildings and hardstanding, with woodland to the southeast and southwest and houses to the northwest.

“The existing site contains buildings, and the hardstanding land to the west. The buildings consist of a 2-storey building that fronts Holmer Green Road. There is a forecourt to the front of the building accommodate 4 car parking spaces for the general public. Gates from the forecourt lead to the main yard area. There is single storey extension to the main building, with open storage beyond. A separate workshop building lies in the southeast corner of the site.”

“The site is bounded by woodland on its southeastern and southwestern sides. There are houses to the northwest of the site. The area to the north is mainly residential in nature with a small commercial area parade about 85m north of the area. The woodland is subject to a group tree preservation order (04/1979 Mixed Deciduous TPO Confirmed 13/09/1979) and is within an area of Green Space.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier decisions included permission for four houses, temporary hardstanding, a builders yard use and several refused or permitted site works.

“99/05142/FUL - Regrading of land on southern corner (retrospective). Refusal 26.05.1999 00/06750/FUL - Restoration of bank on southern corner of site & relocation of racking storage. Conditional permission 09.11.2000 ENF 1229 - Erection of storage building. Gordon Builders Yard, 64 Holmer Green Road, Hazlemere. 13/08/2003. ENF.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways and environmental health raised no objection, while ecology supported conditions for habitat protection, lighting and ecological enhancements.

“As the site comprises hardstanding and buildings it is exempt of biodiversity net gain requirements ('de minimis' exemption). Condition: Restrictions on commencement of development until specific ecological outcomes are achieved Prior to the commencement of development above ground level, details of ecological enhancements of one bat box and one bird box, shall have been submitted to, and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

“Planning consent for a development does not provide a defence against prosecution under this act. Buildings, trees and other vegetation are likely to contain nesting birds between 1st March and 31st August inclusive. Environmental Health: There are no objections in regard to the proposed development from Environmental Health at this time.”

Officer report

Objections and local concerns

Three objections and the parish council raised concerns about consultation, housing, traffic, safety, parking, noise, dust and fuel storage near trees.

“I was much happier to see that the application for 4 houses was successful and I feel that in the current climate where we have significant housing targets we should prioritise that use for the land. If the planning officer is minded to approve this application I would ask that it comes before the planning committee.”

“The proposal is not much different to the use it was before (builders merchant) a ‘badly sited user’ • Site for housing would be better suited • Parking and highway safety concerns • Traffic survey does not relate to the site. The site has had an increase in traffic since the builder's yard closed and is directly on a junction with a history of accidents.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor C Oliver spoke as ward member and for the parish council; a person spoke in objection and the agent spoke for the applicant.

Committee consideration

Members noted an update and had undertaken a site visit before considering the application.

“This application was the subject of a site visit.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor M West proposed approval and Councillor A Alam seconded it; members voted in favour.

“Members voted in favour of the motion to approve the application in line with the officer’s recommendation.”

“It was proposed by Councillor M West and seconded by Councillor A Alam.”

Minutes