Convenience store and two homes at 11 Mill Street, Isleham

What was proposed

The application sought a convenience store with access, parking, servicing and landscaping, plus outline permission for two single-storey dwellings.

“Proposal: Hybrid application comprising full planning permission for the erection of a convenience store (Class E) with associated external plant, access, parking and servicing areas, and landscaping; and Outline permission (all matters reserved except access) for two single-storey dwellings (Class C3).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The vacant site was in Isleham’s centre, within the development envelope and conservation area, surrounded by homes and near listed buildings.

“The application site comprises a parcel of land of approximately 0.24ha (0.59 ac). The site is currently vacant comprising a mix of hardstanding and rough vegetation following the demolition of the Pattersons Stores under application reference 19/01696/DEM. The site is surrounded by residential development to all sides, with the properties on Limestone Close to the east and south located at a substantially lower land level.”

“The site is located within the centre of Isleham within the development envelope and designated conservation area. There are a number of listed buildings within proximity of the site, the closest being the Grade II listed Inisfail (NHLE reference 1126435) opposite the site entrance to the west and the Grade II listed 5 Mill Street (NHLE reference 1331727) to the north.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s representative supported the revised scheme, a resident supported the store while highlighting highway concerns, and the parish council supported it.

What members debated

Members discussed delivery vehicles, visibility, parking, the store’s design, security, the homes’ height and possible transport and roof-alteration controls.

“In reply to Cllr Keith Horgan, James Stringer stated that Highways had assessed the plans as being safe for delivery vehicles of up to 10.3 metres in length to carry out deliveries to the store. The vehicles would be able to arrive and depart in forward gear. The provision of 13 parking spaces for customers complied with the Local Plan. The average time a customer parked their vehicle was nine minutes, so less parking was required than for a larger store.”

“Cllr Alan Sharp recognised the local need for the store, but he had the following concerns. Firstly, the location of the car park behind the store made parking on the street more likely. Secondly, delivery lorries coming in and out of the car park would hold up traffic. Thirdly, vehicles exiting the car park would have their visibility obscured by parked cars.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee voted nine in favour, two against and none abstaining on approval with two additional conditions.

“Cllr Mark Goldsack proposed and Cllr Martin Goodearl seconded that the Committee approve the application, with the additional two conditions. A vote was taken and with 9 votes in favour, 2 against and no abstentions…”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved with the recommended conditions, an updated transport assessment and delegated authority to restrict roof alterations and expansion.

“To approve the application, subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1 and give delegated authority (in conjunction with the County’s Highways Officer) to the Strategic Planning and Development Management Manager to formulate a pre- commencement condition (subject to agreement by the applicant) on an updated transport assessment, to include a line of sight assessment, taking into account parked cars.”

“To give delegated authority to the Strategic Planning and Development Management Manager to restrict the permitted development rights to roof alterations and expansion.”

Minutes