Prefabricated bin store at Leicester Court, Pound Hill, Crawley

The site

Leicester Court is a three-storey block of 18 flats with parking, an access road, a nearby playground and open playing field.

“The application site relates to Leicester Court, which is a three-storey block of 18 flats accessed via Newbury Road. The block is brick built with a tiled pitched roof. There is an internal access road which runs along the north of the flats with laybys on either side for parking. There is more residents’ parking to the west and a turning area. Further to the north is a playground enclosed by low level metal fencing and a mature hedge on the eastern and southern sides.”

“The application site, flats and playing field are owned by Crawley Borough Council. There are trees to the front (south) of the flats, fronting Turners Hill Road, which are covered by a Tree Preservation Order (ref: 16.8.35), as well as an area of Structural Landscaping. The site is within a red zone for Great Crested Newts…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the modest, secure store would improve the existing arrangement without harming character, amenity or water neutrality.

“The proposal would upgrade and improve the existing bin store by providing a purpose-built structure to accommodate the refuse and recycling for the flats in Leicester Court. The building would be of modest proportions and an acceptable design which would not detract from the character or appearance of the site or the surrounding area. The proposal would not adversely affect residential amenity, nor would it impact on the operational requirements for the flats.”

“The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. REASON: To comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Three representations raised concerns about location, smells, parking, the play area, fly-tipping, capacity, maintenance, lighting and retaining the existing store.

“Three letters of representation have been received raising the following concerns:”

“Location of bins too close to properties • Smell would rise into flats • Affect parking layout and reduce spaces • Next to children’s play park • Concerned about fly tipping • Will they be large enough to accommodate the 18 flats • Concerned regarding upkeep and maintenance of bin store • Dark location • Keep using existing bin store.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A planning officer summarised the application and relevant planning considerations for the committee.

Committee discussion

Members discussed the existing store, access, the nearby play area, the hedge and keypad security.

“The Committee then considered the application. In response to a query regarding the current bin store, officers confirmed that it was not fit for purpose as it caused issues for residents and refuse collectors. Should the application be permitted, it would likely be repurposed for storage.”

“Concerns were raised regarding the location of and access to the proposed bin store, particularly considering the proximity to the children’s play area. Officers confirmed that the new location would allow residents easier access to the bin store and a hedge would separate it from the play area. It would be accessed via a keypad lock to prevent users of the park from gaining access.”

Minutes

The vote

The recommendation was moved by Councillor Bidwell and seconded by Councillor Lunnon before the committee voted.

“The Committee then moved to a vote on the recommendation set out in the report. The recommendation was moved by Councillor Bidwell as the Vice-Chair and seconded by Councillor Lunnon.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee permitted the application subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“Permit subject to the conditions set out in report PES/498b.”

Minutes