Restaurant signage at Western Corner Of Tesco Extra Car Park And Access Route Along Southern Perimeter Of Tesco Extra Car Park, Gwlli-Hirion

What was proposed

Advertisement consent was sought for illuminated and non-illuminated signage serving a proposed restaurant with drive-thru facility.

“Advertisement consent is sought for the erection of a proposed signage scheme associated with a proposed restaurant with drive-thru facility to be located within the existing car park of Tesco Extra, Gellihirion Industrial Estate, Upperboat.”

“1no. ‘single digital screen’ to be 0.85m in width, 0.1m in depth and 2.2m in height. The signage would consist of a single sided PPC aluminium housing panel with internally mounted digital media on steel support post. The proposed signage would be grey (RAL 7022) in colour. • 3no. ‘single digital screen’ to be 1.65m in width, 0.1m in depth and 2.2m in height.”

Officer report

The site

The site is in the western corner of the existing Tesco Extra car park, with woodland, the A470, a caravan park and industrial uses nearby.

“The application site relates to the western corner of the existing car park associated with the Tesco Extra superstore on the Gellihirion Industrial Estate in Pontypridd. It currently comprises an area of hardstanding which is set out and used as a car park with an area of grassland along the site’s western boundary.”

“The site is bound by the existing Tesco Extra store to the north, an area of woodland and vegetation to south, beyond which lies the A470 trunk road, the wider Tesco Extra car park to the east, beyond which is the Pont Pentre residential caravan park, and the wider Gellihirion Industrial Estate to the west.”

Officer report

Related planning history

The restaurant proposal was under separate consideration, while earlier applications for an electric vehicle charger, media screen and flagpoles had been granted.

“20/0042/FUL: Installation of 1 x Media EV Charger with Screen, 1 x Fast EV Charger and 2 Steel Flagpoles. Decision: Granted, 02/04/2020.”

“20/0043/ADV: One LCD Media Screen and Two Flag Pole Signs. Decision: Granted, 02/04/2020.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the signage complied with advertisement regulations and local policies on visual impact and public safety.

“Part 1 4. (1) of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992 requires that in considering applications for the display of advertisements, Local Planning Authorities shall exercise their powers only in the interests of amenity and public safety.”

“Therefore, in considering and determining applications of this nature, the primary considerations are the effect on the visual amenity of the area, taking account of any historic, architectural or cultural features and on public safety including, the safety of any person travelling by road, rail, on any waterway, or by air.”

Officer report

Effects on neighbours and safety

Officers considered the signage unlikely to significantly harm residential amenity or create a public safety risk, subject to lighting conditions.

“Further to the ‘Remote Directional Straight Signage’ totem, there will also be other non- illuminated signage located within proximity to residents of Pont Pentre Park. However, the additional signage consists of minor alterations to existing Tesco directional signage that would see the addition of McDonalds branding to the existing signage.”

“No objections have been raised by the Council’s Highways Section, Welsh Government Highways nor the Council’s Public Health and Protection Section following consultation. As such, it is not considered the proposed signage would create a hazard or public safety risk within its vicinity, subject to the conditions recommended in respect of compliance with the relevant Institution of Lighting Professionals guidance.”

Officer report

Objections received

Three objections raised concerns about light pollution, glare, visual intrusion, unnecessary signs and lack of screening near the caravan park.

“The application has been advertised by direct notification to 140 neighbouring properties as well as site notices erected at the application site, the entrance to Pont Pentre residential caravan park and Gellihirion Industrial Estate.”

“Light pollution, glare, nuisance and visual intrusion – The proposed 24hr signage would be in close proximity to Pont Pentre Park. It is suggested that the height of directional signage located in proximity to Pont Pentre Park be reduced in height to match the height of the existing fence. • Necessity – It is felt that signage near the existing petrol station and Pont Pentre Park is not required as other signage would be visible from this point.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A non-committee councillor spoke about concerns with the proposed development, and the Head of Planning outlined two late objection letters.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the signage application in accordance with the director’s recommendation.

“Proposed signage associated with the development of a restaurant with drive-thru facility (Use Class A3). Western Corner of Tesco Extra Car Park and Access Route Along Southern Perimeter of Tesco Extra Car Park, Gwlli-Hirion Estate, Pontypridd, CF37 5SN And Footpath to South of Site…”

“Following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Housing and Regeneration.”

Minutes