Foodbank at North Devon Shopmobility Centre, Barnstaple

The site and surroundings

The single-storey building is beside Barnstaple Bus Station, near homes and commercial properties, and lies in Flood Zones 2 and 3.

“The building is single storey and finished externally with a slate pitched roof, brick walls and metal fenestration. The property backs directly onto the bus station with vehicle parking, some of which is not associated with the site, to the South-east and the properties main entrance is to the south-west.”

“Further to the south are the residential flats and commercial radio station. To the west is a former printing works which is currently vacant and to the north are terraced commercial properties in the main.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the community use acceptable in principle and found the proposal acceptable on design, amenity, ecology, flood-risk and highway grounds, subject to conditions.

“Given the existing use of the proposal and that of the proposed having a similar flood vulnerability there are limited concerns with regard to the proposal and as such it is considered to be acceptable in principle.”

“To ensure that flood risk is managed during the use of the building it is considered reasonable to apply a planning condition, if planning permission is granted, which seeks to ensure that a flood risk emergency plan (FREP) is in place prior to the first use of the building as a foodbank. This would help to ensure that risks are managed.”

Officer report

What residents said

No representations had been received from neighbours or other interested parties when the report was prepared.

“No representations received at the time of writing the report.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A representative of the applicant addressed the committee.

What members discussed

The Service Manager explained that the foodbank-use restriction reflected parking restrictions and the site’s location within a flood zone.

“In response to questions by the Chair, the Service Manager (Development Management) advised that the restrictions on condition 3 were in place due to the restricting parking and the site being within a Flood Zone area.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee approved the application unanimously, following the Lead Planning Officer’s recommendation.

“RESOLVED (Unanimous) that the application be APPROVED as recommended by the Lead Planning Officer (Major Applications).”

Minutes

Conditions of approval

The premises must be used as a foodbank, follow the approved plans, provide refuse facilities and prepare a flood-risk emergency plan before first use.

“The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans/details: Rev B Location And Block Plan received on the 20/07/26 301 Rev C Floor And Elevations Proposed received on the 28/07/26 Rev C Design and Access Statement received on the 27/07/26 ('the approved plans').”

“The refuse/recycling storage facilities as shown on the approved plans shall be implemented in full and made available prior to the first use of the property and operate as set out in the approved plans and retained and operate as such thereafter.”

Officer report