Agenda item

Construction of a new extension to the existing building

Defer for site visit.

Ms Bell presented the report to the Committee. She drew attention to the Agenda Update which included a correction to the report and the inclusion of a new condition. In addition, Ms Bell provided a verbal update and informed the Committee of the following two pre-commencement conditions (which the agent had agreed to);

-       Full details to be provided showing the proposed soakaway in relation to an existing venting trench for gas and the existing soakaway. As officers are concerned there may be some overlap

-       Full details of how the bund will be reinforced and landscaped, particularly on the eastern edge.

Ms Bell highlighted the site location and confirmed it fell within the settlement boundary of Chichester City Council. She identified neighbouring building including its proximity to Aldi and Home bargains. Ms Bell drew the Committee’s attention to the bund and its location alongside The Pitcroft. She explained the existing building was used as a carpet wholesaler for storage and distribution and the application was for an extension to the existing building.

She highlighted the site access off Barnfield Drive and parking arrangements on site. West Sussex County Council as the Highway Authority have made no objection and have confirmed the parking provision is acceptable.

Ms Bell showed the Committee the proposed elevations, along with the existing and proposed layout plans. Ms Bell confirmed the ownership of the site was up to the little wooden fence (which was highlighted in photographs shown to the Committee).

With regards to the neighbouring residential properties Ms Bell informed the Committee that there was 26m between those on The Pitcroft and the proposed extension.

Ms Bell highlighted the existing bund and its current contours compared with the proposed amendments. The current Bund is 2.3m with vegetation on it, with landscaping in front, the proposed extension would require the bund to be cut to a 60^o angle, which would be reinforced with a textile membrane to allow grass and vegetation to grow through. Ms Bell explained it was the exact methodology for the new bund which officers wished to see and why the additional pre commencement condition had been proposed.

Ms Bell informed the Committee that during the application process further landscaping had been included and were detailed within the report at para 8.30, page 136.

Ms Bell confirmed the drainage officer had considered the proposal. The gutters would drain to a soakaway which would be an extension to the existing soakaway and would be in the northern corner of the site. However, further details and surveys are required to ensure the location is appropriate.

The Committee received representations from;

Mr Garry – Objector

Mrs Anita Shortman – Objector

Mr Luke Crooks – Applicant

Officers responded to Member’s comments and questions as follows;

With regards to the site notices; Ms Bell assured the Committee the site notices were replaced.

On the matter of a wildlife survey; Ms Stevens confirmed a preliminary ecological assessment was submitted as part of the application. The assessment had been considered as part of the application and no objections from the Environmental Strategy Unit had been raised, she drew the Committee’s attention to comments set out on pages 129 and 130.

With regards to the bund; Ms Stevens provided a brief history to the bund and when it was discharged in 2006. She confirmed there was no requirement in the original application to dictate its size or height.

With regards to the proposed landscaping; Ms Bell informed the Committee there would be 15 additional trees planted, the trees would be planted as semi mature trees (over 4m in height) and planted in front of the bund. There would also be additional shrub planting which would equate to one plant every square metre.

Ms Stevens acknowledged the request to visit other sites should the Committee voted to defer the application. However, she advised the Committee would be considering the separation between The Pitcroft and the application site, not what has been permitted at other locations.

On the matter of Pre-Application advice; Ms Stevens informed the Committee that she was unaware of the discussions that took place; however, officers would have considered the parking arrangements.

With regards to issue of land contamination; Ms Stevens acknowledged the comments made. She informed the Committee that a land contamination report had been submitted as part of the application, however she agreed to follow this up further outside the meeting.

Following Committee discussion Cllr Brisbane proposed the application be deferred for a site visit. This proposal was seconded by Cllr Sharp

Following a vote, the Committee agreed to defer for a site visit.

Resolved; defer for a site visit

*Members took a 35-minute break.

*Cllr Barrett left at the conclusion of this item.