Central Sub-Area Planning Committee - 17 November 2025

The meeting opened with the Democratic Officer reporting on an emergency evacuation and domestic procedures, and a declaration that no members had any interests in the matters to be considered. The minutes of the Central Sub‑Area Planning Committee meeting held on 22 September 2025 were formally adopted after being moved by Councillor Webb and seconded by Councillor Hanlon. Throughout the session the Senior Development Officer (NA) and Principal Development Officers (SK, MD, SH) presented a series of planning applications, each accompanied by plans, photographs and a brief summary of the key issues.

A number of applications were decided on during the committee. Delegated authority was granted to the Service Director for Planning & Housing to approve Application PA25/02531, subject to conditions in the report and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement for off‑site Biodiversity Net Gain; the authority to refuse was retained if the agreement is not finalised within three months. Application PA25/03768 was approved subject to the recommended conditions. Application PA25/03808 was refused, with the officer noting that any perceived harm to the Conservation Area would be outweighed by the proposal’s benefits. Permission in Principle (PiP) was granted for Application PA25/04497, for ApplicationPAPA25/05351, and for Application PA25/05705 after a vote of five in favour, two against and one abstention. A further PiP was recommended for Application PA25/05740, and a PiP was also recommended for Application PA25/05705 following debate.

The committee heard extensive representations from objectors, supporters and elected members. Common concerns included the impact on high‑street vitality and local businesses (raised by Mr Jon Pearson, Mrs Dawn Brown and Councillor Mitchell), highway and pedestrian safety, traffic volumes and visibility at a nearby roundabout (raised by Councillor O’Connor and the Highways Officer), and potential harm to heritage assets and the setting of listed buildings. Environmental issues featured prominently, with the officer emphasizing the need for a Section 106 Biodiversity Net Gain payment and the Highways Officer confirming that an independent road‑safety audit had cleared the proposal subject to specific highway conditions. Several members highlighted inconsistencies with local neighbourhood development plans, the lack of affordable housing, and the proximity of sites to Sites of Special Scientific Interest or Great Landscape Value.

In summary, the committee adopted the previous minutes, granted delegated authority for one application, approved several proposals subject to conditions, refused one application, and granted Permission in Principle for three further schemes. Officers provided clarifications on highway safety, electric‑vehicle charging provision, and the status of Section 106 agreements. The decisions will be signed by the Chairman and, where required, will be subject to the stipulated conditions and any further documentation such as the Biodiversity Net Gain payment.