Permeable parking improvements at The Former Conservative Hall, East Preston

“DESCRIPTION OF APPLICATIONThis application seeks permission to alter the parking layout of the site and install 'grass-crete' permeable parking to the north and south of the building. BOUNDARY TREATMENTLow brick boundary wall to the front elevation, mature planting to the north, east, and south boundaries. SITE CHARACTERISTICSThe site comprises a 1920s community building recently converted into a mixed-use as a funeral chapel and for community use.”

“EP/50/25/PLChange of use of the existing Conservative Hall building (Use Class F2) to a funeral chapel with associated function room (Sui Generis), removal of front parapet, signage and infill roof, removal of external stores to north side, provision of a new ramp to front entrance, to include local community uses. This application may affect the setting of a listed building and is in CIL Zone 4 (Zero Rated) as other development. ApproveConditionally 06-08-25”

“EP/50/25/PL - Sought the change of use of the Conservative Hall (Use Class F2 - Local Community use) to a Funeral Chapel with associated Function Room (Use Class - Sui Generis). It sought the removal of the parapet and associated signage to the front elevation, the removal of the external stores on the north (side) elevation, the respective infill of these removals, and the installation of an access ramp to the front entrance.”

“Objection from nearby occupier: - Concerns regarding the proposed parking arrangements and potential impacts on the nearby streets. - Concerns regarding increased traffic congestion. - Concerns regarding highway safety. COMMENTS ON REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED: Noted. All relevant planning matters, including parking and highway safety, are addressed within the report.”

“Ecologist - No objection subject to conditions (03/12/25): - The revised metric shows a reduced gain of 14.14% in habitat units. This remains acceptable. COMMENTS ON CONSULTATION RESPONSES: Comments noted. Following the site visit, Officers noticed the works were underway and the extent of the hardstanding was slightly greater than originally shown. Amended plans and a revised Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) metric were requested to account for this.”

“Councillor Bower raised concerns about on-street parking in the area, noting that road markings on Vermont Drive had been removed during recent resurfacing and had not yet been reinstated, including double yellow lines and a stop line. He warned that this could lead to unintentional illegal parking by visitors and asked that the issue be addressed.”

“Councillor Bence spoke briefly, followed by Councillor Kelly, who mentioned a missing white line outside the nearby Roman Catholic Church. The Chair reminded Members to keep comments relevant to the application.”

“With no further contributions, the Chairman moved to the vote, and the application was approved unanimously.”

“That the application be APPROVED CONDITIONALLY.”