Hair studio conversion at Unit 7 Mitton Road, Whalley

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission for a hair studio and the retention of an existing mezzanine floor.

“Proposed Development for which consent is sought…”

“The application seeks retrospective consent for a change of use from Use Class B1(c) (light industrial uses-now use class E(g)(iii)) to that of Use Class E(c)(ii) (Hair Studio) including the retention of an existing mezzanine floor.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The unit is in an existing employment area outside settlement limits, within open countryside designation.

“The application relates to an existing unit within the Mitton Road Business Park, Mitton Road, Whalley. The site is located at the eastern extents of Mitton Road, being located outside of any defined settlement limits, and as such is located within an area that benefits from an open countryside designation.”

“The site to which the application relates also benefits from being a Designated Existing Employment Area, benefitting from a DMB1 designation.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered the business park, its industrial units, condition changes and drainage and other condition details.

“2024/0607: Approval of details reserved by conditions 8 (Foul water drainage scheme) and 9 (Surface water drainage scheme) of planning permission 3/2015/0235. (Approved)”

“2015/0975: Discharge of condition(s) 6 (details of external lighting), 7 (contaminated land), 8 (drainage), 9 (surface water), 11 (bat and bird boxes), 12 (highways), 13 (materials), 4 (trees and woodland), 16 (Landscaping) on Planning Permission 3/2015/0235. (Approved)”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the hair studio would be a main town-centre use outside a centre and would reduce employment floorspace.

“For the reasons outlined above, the application is recommended for refusal insofar that the granting of approval would result in the introduction of a ‘Main Town Centre Use’ located in an out-of- town centre location, resulting in the loss of employment generating floorspace within designated ‘Existing Employment Area’ that benefits from a DMB1 designation in the Ribble Valley Core Strategy.”

“The proposal would result in the loss of employment generating floorspace within a designated ‘Existing Employment Area’ through the introduction of a use which is primarily a retail-type use falling within the definition of a ‘Main Town Centre Use’.”

Officer report

What consultees and residents said

The parish council objected, highways raised no objection, and two letters mentioned increased traffic and original operating hours.

“Whalley Parish Council have objected to the proposal stating the following:”

“There has been an increase in traffic out of hours and on Sundays. • Wish for activities on the business park to adhere to the hours imposed pursuant to the original consent…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A supporter spoke in support of the application.

The committee’s decision

The committee refused planning permission because the proposal conflicted with employment-area policy and national guidance on out-of-town main town-centre uses.

“As such the proposal would result in direct conflict with Policy DMB1 of the Ribble Valley Core Strategy and the aims and objectives of Paragraph 91 of the National Planning Policy Framework.”

Minutes