Coach depot with maintenance at Burley Hill Garage, Eryrys, Mold

What was proposed

Permission was sought to park, valet and service ten buses or coaches, with vehicles able to enter and leave at any time.

“Summary of proposals 1.1.1 Planning permission is sought for the continued use of the site to park, valet and service 10 buses/coaches. The applicants have requested that they are able to enter and leave the site 24 hours a day as they often provide rail replacement services which can be needed at any time of day or night. It has been confirmed that there will be no 'wet washing' of buses at the site.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is in open countryside and an AONB, reached by a metalled by-way, with storage buildings, a café and a dwelling nearby.

“The nearest dwelling to the site is Ty Isa, which is approximately 65 metres from the site and separated from the site by storage buildings and café building. It is understood a stable building is located to the rear of the storage buildings. The site was previously used as parking and storage for the adjacent mechanics business. The site is enclosed by wire fencing and sporadic planting/overgrown scrub.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the proposal acceptable because of the existing use, planning history, noise assessment and conditions controlling buses, maintenance, drainage and lighting.

“It is noted that the existing planning controls in place on the site do not specifically prevent vehicle movements into and out of the site at any time (only into and out of the building) and that this represents a fall-back position. Officers acknowledge the concerns of the local residents, which are based on the increase from 3 buses to 10 buses.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Consultees raised conditions or no objections, while residents objected over amenity, highways, the AONB, horse welfare, contaminated water and the submitted plans.

“NATURAL RESOURCES WALES: No objections subject to conditions to control waste water from the site. DENBIGHSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL CONSULTEES – Traffic, Parking and Road Safety: - Highways Officer No objections Public Protection Officer No objections Strategic Housing & Policy Officer No objections subject to a satisfactory assesment of the noise impacts on neighbours.”

“Andy Edwards Danielle Leboutte Kasey Roberts Richard Haggerty Gemma Joseph Michelle Edwards Sheila Bundy Andrea Strong Steven A Latham Summary of planning based representations in objection: Impact on residential amenity Concerns raised by residents about the impact on their amenity by way of noise and disturbance from the bus engines. Impact on highway safety Concerns raised regarding the suitability of the adjacent local highway for use by buses.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A public speaker opposed the application on behalf of nearby residents, while the applicant’s brother supported the business and its community benefits.

What members debated

Members discussed the missing site visit, operating hours, vehicle movements, parking capacity, drainage, washing, enforcement and highway suitability.

“General Debate - Councillor Terry Mendies (Local Member) began by expressing disappointment that a site visit had not taken place. The Chair clarified that the decision not to undertake a site visit had been his. Councillor Mendies confirmed that he did not support the application, noting that local residents had raised a number of objections. He described the site as a small yard located within a rural AONB setting.”

“Members were directed to Section 1.5 of the officer's report, which detailed the planning history of the site. The officer advised that previous planning restrictions related to the nature of activities undertaken on the site and did not restrict vehicle movements. He explained that operating hours had been amended historically and that no restrictions on vehicle arrivals or departures had existed at any stage.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

Councillors proposed and seconded approval, then voted 12 to 5 in favour with no abstentions, granting the application and conditions.

“Proposal – Councillor James Elson proposed that the application be granted in accordance with officer recommendations and subject to the conditions outlined in the report, SECONDED by Councillor Alan James.”

“RESOLVED: that the application and associated conditions be GRANTED in accordance with officer recommendation.”

Minutes