Faith and learning centre at The Preston Temple, Temple Way, Chorley

What was proposed

The application sought a faith and learning centre with reception, accommodation, communal, teaching, games, landscaping, access and parking works.

“Proposal: Development of a Faith and Learning Centre (sui generis) associated with the existing temple facility comprising reception building, accommodation buildings, a communal hub, teaching and learning building, relocation of existing multi-use games area along with associated public realm and landscaping works, access arrangements and parking.”

“This application seeks full planning permission for the development of a Faith and Learning Centre (sui generis) associated with the existing temple facility comprising a reception building, accommodation buildings, a communal hub, a teaching and learning building, the relocation of the existing multi-use games area along with associated public realm and landscaping works, access arrangements and parking.”

Officer report

The site

The site lies north of Chorley town centre, beside the M61, within an existing temple campus and designated existing open space.

“The site is located in the settlement area of Chorley to the north of Chorley town centre and is accessed via the link road to the motorway junction for the M61. The site is designated as Existing Open Space under policy HW2 of the Chorley Local Plan 2012 – 2026.”

“The site that is proposed for development lies to the east of the existing developed part of the site between that and the M61 motorway. The site comprises several fields that are divided by tree belts. There are also trees and shrubs to the periphery of the site resulting in a well contained site. Several groups of trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders.”

Officer report

Earlier site applications

Earlier permissions covered a Stake Centre extension, three pole-mounted CCTV cameras and another Stake Centre extension.

“Ref: 08/00397/FUL Decision: PERFPP Decision Date: June 2008 Description: Two storey extension (to ground and lower ground floor) to East elevation of The Stake Centre…”

“Ref: 09/00257/FUL Decision: PERFPP Decision Date: June 2009 Description: Installation of 3 No. pole mounted CCTV cameras (one 8m high, two 6m high)”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, utilities, ecology, heritage and flood authorities raised no objections subject to conditions, while biodiversity requirements included long-term habitat management and monitoring.

“Lancashire Highway Services; following engagement with the applicant over a range of issues does not have any objections regarding the proposal, subject to the conditions detailed within later in the report. LCC Highways is of the opinion that the proposed development will not have a significant impact on highway safety, capacity, or amenity in the immediate vicinity of the site.”

“United Utilities: confirm that the proposed are acceptable in principle to United Utilities subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke as the public speaker.

The committee vote

Councillors unanimously approved planning permission, subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement.

“After careful consideration, it was proposed by Councillor Neville Whitham, seconded by Councillor Craige Southern and subsequently resolved: (unanimously) that planning permission be approved subject to conditions and a section 106 agreement to secure the implementation of a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan for 30- years from completion of the Habitat Creation and Enhancement Works (HCEW) and BNG monitoring contributions.”

Minutes