Retail unit and four flats at Magna Charta Inn, Barrow Road, New Holland

What was proposed

The application sought a retail unit, four flats, a first-floor extension, parking, boundary works, a vehicle crossover and tree planting.

“DEVELOPMENT Planning application for a change of use from an existing public house (sui generis) to a retail unit (Class E) and four self- contained flats with associated first-floor extension, car parking, boundary treatments, vehicular crossover and tree planting…”

Officer report

The site

The site is a corner plot within New Holland’s development boundary, beside Barrow Road and Peploe Lane, with approved townhouses behind it.

“CONSTRAINTS • Within the development boundary • SFRA flood zone 2/3 (a) tidal ASSESSMENT Site and proposal This proposal seeks permission to change the use of an existing public house (sui generis) to a retail unit (Class E) and four self-contained flats (Class C3) with associated first-floor extension, car parking, boundary treatments, vehicular crossover and tree planting at Magna Charta Inn, Barrow Road, New Holland.”

“This proposal seeks to change the ground floor to a retail unit, stockroom and staff room, and the first floor into four self-contained flats, with associated first-floor extension over the stockroom (rear), car parking, boundary treatments, vehicular crossover and tree planting.”

Officer report

Why approval was advised

Approval was advised because the public house had been vacant for a considerable time, the retail use would benefit the community, and the extension was acceptable.

“In the context policy, both the existing public house and the proposed retail unit are considered community facilities because they provide essential services and social functions that are vital to the well-being and sustainability of a local area, particularly in rural or ‘minimum growth’ settlements and therefore the proposal satisfies the aim of policy CS22 and policy C2 in terms of retention of community facility.”

“Viability evidence or business case demonstrating that the public house use is no longer commercially viable and there is no reasonable prospect of becoming viable in the medium to long term is also required. Having considered the current state of the property and the details of the proposal, it is concluded that, because the property has been vacant for a ‘considerable time,’ the standard requirement for evidence proving a ‘loss of community facility’ is waived.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An applicant representative described the wider development and long-term closure, while a ward member raised flooding and retail concerns.

Members’ views

One member highlighted flooding concerns and harm to nearby retail units, while another considered the proposal a good use of the site.

“Councillor R Hannigan, local ward member addressed the meeting, to share his flooding concerns. The application would also have a detrimental effect on nearby retail units.”

“Councillor C Ross acknowledged the ward members concerns, but believed the application was a good use of the site.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The committee granted planning permission in accordance with the recommendation.

“Resolved – That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the planning officer’s report.”

Minutes