Opening roller shutters at Walton Bank Stafford Road, Walton, Eccleshall, Stafford

What was proposed

The application sought to allow Unit 5’s roller shutter doors to remain open while car work took place, while retaining the ban on outside work.

“24/39044/FUL - 3 The proposal 1.4 Unit 5 remains occupied by Roadspeed Developments and the application seeks the retrospective variation of condition 5 to allow for the roller shutter doors at Unit 5 to be kept open while works on cars are being carried out. It is stated that the doors are required to be opened for safety and ventilation reasons.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and enforcement

Earlier permission approved the industrial and storage uses with a closed-door condition, and the current retrospective application followed an enforcement investigation.

“Background 1.2 Planning permission was granted retrospectively by Planning Committee on 17 January 2024 under application 23/37150/FUL for the use of the units for B2 and B8 use (industrial/ storage and distribution). Unit 5, being the subject of this application, was approved for use by a vehicle repairs and modification business, Roadspeed Developments.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the latest noise assessment and site visits showed a low or acceptable impact, so keeping the doors closed was unnecessary and unreasonable.

“24/39044/FUL - 5 2.6 Whilst not the subject of this application, condition 6 was also attached to permission granted under 23/37150/FUL which required submission of a noise management plan within 2 months of the permission. This was submitted within 2 months of the decision under a discharge of conditions application, 24/38914/DCON. As a discharge of conditions application this was not subject to public consultation.”

“Taking account of the latest noise impact assessment together with the Regulatory Services comments, the variation of condition 5 proposed, which would allow for works to be carried out with the roller shutter doors open, but would prohibit any works taking place outside of unit 5, is on balance, considered acceptable in terms of its impact upon residential amenity.”

Officer report

What neighbours said

Twenty-five written objections raised noise, effects on living conditions, alleged breaches, the unavailable noise plan and concerns about the industrial use.

“Neighbours: (25 written responses received in total, all objections, raising the following material considerations): - Noise as a result of doors being opened having an adverse impact upon residential amenity - Removal / variation of condition 5 has/would have an adverse impact upon living conditions of neighbouring residents - Photographs submitted showing roller shutter door open - Concerns that Condition 5 is already being breached - Noise management plan not been made…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector and a supporter addressed the committee, followed by the Eccleshall ward member at the chairman’s invitation.

The committee vote

Councillor J Hood proposed approval, Councillor A D Hobbs seconded it, and the proposal was carried.

“24/39044/FUL - Walton Bank, Stafford Road (Recommend: Approve, subject to conditions and the completion of a 106 Agreement). Considered the report of the Head of Economic Development and Planning regarding the matter. Public speaking on the proposal was as follows: P Morgan spoke in objection to the application. H Jones spoke in support of the application. At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor P W Jones, Eccleshall Ward Member, addressed the Committee.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to the conditions listed in the report.

“RESOLVED:- that planning application 24/39044/FUL be approved subject to the conditions listed within the report. Councillor A R McNaughton returned to the meeting. PC28 Planning Appeals Considered the report of the Head of Economic Development and Planning. Notification of the following appeals had been received:- Notified Appeals Application Reference Location Proposal…”

Minutes