Six houses at Jacksons Furniture, Seacombe, Wallasey

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing existing buildings and erecting six houses with associated works.

“Location: Jacksons Furniture, 106 - 116 St Pauls Road, Seacombe, Wallasey, Wirral, CH44 7AW Proposal: Demolition of existing buildings and erection of 6 houses (Use Class C3) and associated works. Applicant: [the applicant]: [name withheld] TOWN PLANNING LTD”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The vacant site lies between Wheatland Lane and Parry Street, in an area mainly containing two-storey homes, shops and commercial buildings.

“The application site comprises a vacant site located on the northern side of St. Pauls Road, between the junctions with Wheatland Lane and Parry Street. A former building on site was previously used for the sale of furniture items with 2 flats at first floor level. This fell into disrepair and was subject to damage and recently demolished.”

Officer report

Why the application returned

Members had previously supported approval, but the unsigned legal agreement meant the application had to be reconsidered under the adopted Local Plan.

“Reason for referral to Planning Committee This planning application is being presented for a second time at Planning Committee. In July 2024 Members resolved to authorise the Director of Regeneration and Place to approve the application subject to planning conditions and satisfactory completion of a S106 legal agreement.”

“Councillor Stuart has confirmed that these issues were addressed when Members debated this application on 18 th July 2024. However, the item remains to be determined by Planning Committee so that the resolution reached on 18 th July can be reviewed in light of the requirements under the Local Plan…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, finding the design, housing, amenity, highways, ecology and contributions acceptable subject to conditions and legal obligations.

“Assessment 8.1.1 The main issues pertinent in the assessment of the proposal are: • Principle of development, • Design, • Residential quality and amenity considerations, • Highways • Ecology • Open Space • Other Matters • Section 106 Agreement…”

“Policy WS1 sets out that the Local Plan seeks to enable the provision of a minimum of 14,400 net dwellings by the end of the Plan period (2040). This will be achieved within Regeneration Areas, on released employment land and also within Settlement Areas. The application site is situated within a Primarily Residential Area in the Wallasey Settlement Area.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Four objections raised concerns about appearance, construction disruption, the cycle lane, possible HMOs and parking; consultees raised no objections subject to requirements.

“Ward Member Comments Councillor Stuart provided comments as reported above. Summary of Representations REPRESENTATIONS Having regard to the Council Guidance on Publicity for Applications and the Statement of Community Involvement, 32 notification letters were sent to neighbouring properties on 24 th April 2024.”

“Traffic and Transportation – No objections subject to conditions and legal agreement in respect of contribution towards cycle lane.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent addressed the committee and answered members’ questions.

The vote

The committee unanimously supported a motion to authorise approval, subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement.

“Resolved (unanimously) - That for the reasons set out in the report the Assistant Director Chief Planner be authorised to approve the application subject to the following conditions and subject to the completion of an agreement pursuant to section 106 of the Town and County Planning Act 1990 requiring:”

“That the Assistant Director Chief Planner be authorised to refuse the application in the event that a satisfactory section 106 agreement is not received within 4 months of the date on which Planning Committee resolve to approve the application unless an extension of time is agreed to the satisfaction of the Director of Regeneration and Place in consultation with the Chair and Spokespersons of the Planning Committee.”

Minutes