Bus station demolition at Bus Station, Central Drive, Morecambe

What was proposed

The application sought prior approval for demolishing the former bus station shelter, with the demolition method and site restoration considered.

“PROPOSAL 3.1 This application seeks a determination as to whether prior approval is required for the demolition of the former bus station shelter.”

“Subject to the prior approval process, the proposal is permitted development by virtue of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended) hereafter referred to as the ‘Order’. It is only the method of demolition and any proposed restoration of the site that is required to be considered under the Order.”

Officer report

The site

The site is an existing bus station shelter in Morecambe’s central area, surrounded by commercial, transport, leisure and public realm uses.

“The application site comprises the existing Bus Station shelter building on Central Drive, Morecambe. The building has most recently been used as a young person’s assembly and recreation building. The site is located within the central area of Morecambe and is surrounded by a predominantly urban mix of commercial, transport, leisure and public realm uses.”

“The site is located outside of but approximately 40 metres from the Morecambe Conservation Area boundary, it is located within the Morecambe Area Action Plan boundary. The site is identified as being susceptible to groundwater flooding, and the Environment Agency identifies the site and wider area as being at tidal flood risk in the future.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Previous applications included permission for the bus station building, its demolition and later use as a young persons’ assembly and recreation building.

“A number of relevant applications relating to this site have previously been received by the Local Planning Authority. These include:”

“Application No. Proposal Status 04/00029/DPA Change of use of part of bus station to skateboard park PER 91/03029/DPA O/A for comprehensive redevelopment of the central promenade area under reg 4/5 of the T & CP regs 1976 PER 97/00821/DPA Erection of a bus station building, bus shelters and creation of associated car park PER 17/01431/PAD Prior approval for the demolition of Bus Station building PER 18/01436/CU Change of use of bus shelter to young persons assembly and…”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended granting prior approval because the submitted demolition and restoration details were acceptable under the permitted development rules.

“The submitted details demonstrate that suitable arrangements are proposed for both the demolition of the building and the restoration of the site thereafter. The proposed works are considered acceptable in the context of the prior approval matters prescribed by Schedule 2, Part 11, Class B of the GPDO and raise no concerns that would warrant withholding prior approval.”

“Any planning permission granted under Article 3 and Schedule 2, Part 11, Class B is subject to the standard conditions set out in paragraph B.2. These conditions include a requirement that the development is carried out in accordance with the details approved and within five years.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highway authority raised no objection but requested traffic-management details, while two consultees had not responded when the report was prepared.

“Statutory and non-statutory representations A summary of the comments received from statutory and non-statutory consultees is provided below.”

“No objection, condition recommended for a Construction Traffic Management Method Statement.”

Officer report

Public comments

One letter mentioned bins, volunteer litter picking, the loss of shelter and the lack of facilities at Morecambe bus station.

“- Provision of bins - Positive impacts arising from volunteer litter picking efforts - Loss of shelter and lack of facilities for Morecambe bus station…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Under public participation, a representative of Ubique K-9 Frontline CIC spoke against the application.

Committee debate

A councillor proposed deferral contrary to officers’ recommendation, but the proposal was not seconded and was withdrawn before members considered granting approval.

“It was proposed by Councillor John Hanson, contrary to the officer’s recommendation in the report:”

“It was proposed by Councillor Martin Gawith, and seconded by Councillor Hamish Mills:”

Minutes

The vote

Ten councillors voted for granting prior approval, three voted against and there were no abstentions.

“That prior approval for demolition is required and is granted.”

“Upon being put to the vote, 10 Councillors voted in favour of the proposal with 3 against and no abstentions, whereupon the Chair declared the proposal to have been carried.”

Minutes