Issue - meetings

Proposed change of use of part of the public house to form 2 x 1-bed and 2 x 2-bed apartments with associated parking, amenity space and use of existing access.

Proposed change of use of part of the public house to form 2 x 1 bed and 2 x 2 bed apartments with associated parking, amenity space and use of existing access.

Due regard was given to the determining issues, conditions, reasons and informatives as detailed in the report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Regulatory Services.  Members expressed concern regarding the significant reduction in floor space, which would impact the viability of the remaining parts of the public house as a community facility and the absence of a viability report to demonstrate the sustainability of the public house.  Concern was also raised regarding the likely harm that the proposed development would have on the conservation area, and the loss of a landmark and heritage asset.

It was proposed by Councillor R Betts, seconded by Councillor M Taylor and unanimously supported by the Committee, that the application be refused.

RESOLVED: That planning permission be REFUSED for the following reasons:

(1)        The proposed development would result in the loss of part of the premises last used for the provision of community services and it had not been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Council that the remaining facility was of an adequate scale to meet the identified significant need or of a size that was adequate to support the community facility contrary to Core Strategy Policy CP26; and

(2)        The proposal was contrary to Paragraph 98 (c) of the National Planning Policy Framework, in that the building provided a social recreation, cultural facility and service to the community.

[Speakers: Councillor Y Tisson (on behalf of Stansted Parish Council), Mr D Epps, Ms D Estrade (on behalf of Black Horse Project Steering Group), Mr T Seldon and Mr B Shaw and Mr G Whitaker (members of the public) and Mr P Nicholls (Agent on behalf of the Applicant) addressed the Committee in person.]