Flight training centre at Unit 4, Dialog, Fleming Way, Northgate, Crawley

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a car showroom into a flight training centre, with a plant building, mezzanine, larger roller shutter and revised parking.

“Planning permission is sought for a change of use from a Car Showroom (Sui Generis) to a Flight Training Centre (Use Class F1(a), with an enlarged roller shutter door and a first floor mezzanine to the existing building, the erection of a rear external plant building and the reconfiguration of the parking layout.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The site is an industrial unit in Manor Royal, surrounded by commercial buildings, with earlier permissions for industrial and car showroom uses.

“The application site contains a large industrial unit located on the south side of Fleming Way within the Manor Royal Industrial Estate. The unit is one of four units within the Dialog industrial park. The site has a parking area to the front and a loading area with more parking spaces to the rear. There are also some areas of soft landscaping. The site is surrounded by a range of large and small industrial/commercial units.”

“The site is located within the Manor Royal Main Employment Area and the Target Hill important long- distance view, it also lies within a Priority Area for District Energy Networks and Contaminated Land.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support, highlighting economic growth, employment, reuse of an existing building, limited impacts, good transport links and compliant parking.

Committee discussion

Members asked about facilities for staff and visitors, and officers confirmed that suitable kitchen and bathroom facilities were included.

“The Committee then considered the application. In response to a query from a Committee member, officers confirmed that the plans included appropriate kitchen and bathroom facilities for the use of staff and visitors.”

Minutes

The vote

The recommendation was moved and seconded, while one councillor did not vote because she had missed most of the presentation and debate.

“The Chair confirmed that Councillor Mwagale was not able to take part in the vote on the item as she had not been present for the majority of the officer’s presentation or the debate on the item. The Committee then moved to a vote on the recommendation set out in the report. The recommendation was moved by Councillor Rana as the Chair and seconded by Councillor Bidwell as the Vice-Chair.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted subject to a Section 106 agreement securing public art funding and a travel plan, together with amended conditions.

“Permit subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement for: • Public Art contributions of £6,655.27; • Travel Plan and monitoring fee; And subject to the conditions set out in report PES/517a (as amended).”

Minutes