Agenda item

Report of the Head of Development Management – Community Development Services.

Considered :-

 

The Assistant Director Planning – Community Development Services submitted a report seeking determination of a planning application for a drive-thru restaurant (use class E/Sui Generis) and associated access, servicing and landscaping on land at Scotch Corner, Middleton Tyas.  In addition, outline planning permission was sought for an electric vehicle charging facility with all matters reserved. The application had been brought to Committee due to it raising significant planning issues and public interest. An update report was also brought to Members’ attention in relation to an additional objection.

 

The drive-thru restaurant included indoor and outdoor seating, a children’s play facility and W.C facilities.  55 car parking spaces were proposed including accessible bays, motorcycle and cycle bays and 4 EVC points within the car park with 8 bays future proofed for connection at a later date. 

 

The report stated that officers considered that the proposed drive-thru met the requirements of the NPPF and policy SP5 and SP7 of the Local Plan.  Although outside development limits, the scheme would provide job creation and would support the economy.  The loss of less than 1ha of grade 3 agricultural land was considered acceptance regarding this application.  Approval was recommended subject to conditions and a legal agreement to secure highway improvement works and bio net diversity requirements and a contribution to monitor the Travel Plan.

 

Consultation responses were summarised in the report.

 

In accordance with public speaking arrangements at planning committee, the following speakers addressed the committee:

 

Objecting to the application:

 

Steve Hill -  Objector.

 

Supporting the application:

 

Jonathan Wallace, agent for the applicant – in support of the application.

 

During consideration of the above application, the Committee discussed the following issues:

 

·        Vehicle capacity in respect of the Scotch Corner junction was questioned but it was noted that National Highways had awareness of when the junction would reach capacity and had not objected to the application, subject to certain conditions being attached.

·        Members were reminded that each application had to be considered on its own     merits.

·        The junction was complex, huge improvements in signage were needed.  The committee were informed that much of the road network in that area was the responsibility of National Highways not North Yorkshire’s Highway Authority.

·        Concern that the roundabout could become gridlocked.

·        The extension of the central reservation to prevent vehicles avoiding the roundabout was helpful.

·        The proposed development was outside the development limits.

·        The safety in respect of pedestrians walking to the drive-thru from Middleton Tyas.

 

Members were keen to see the proposed development site before they reached a decision and a motion to defer the application to enable the Committee to undertake a site visit was proposed by Councillor Thompson and seconded by Councillor Hugill.

 

The Decision :-

 

That planning permission be DEFERRED to enable a site visit to take place and thereafter the application is brought back to committee for determination.

 

Voting Record

 

A vote was taken and the motion was declared carried unanimously.

 

The committee took a comfort break from 10.55am to 11.12am to enable a technical issue to be resolved.