N/105/01545/24: View the Plans and documents online, please click on the Application Number.  (Please note: If viewing as a pdf document, this hyperlink is not available).

Applicant:                          Forrester Boyd

Location:                           139 Eastgate, Louth 

Recommendation:              Approval with Conditions

Officer:                              Stephanie Watson

Application Type:            Full Planning Permission

Proposal:                         Planning Permission - Rear extension and alterations to existing offices.

Location:                          139 EASTGATE, LOUTH

Applicant:                        Forrester Boyd

Members received an application for Full Planning Permission – Rear extension and alterations to existing offices at 139 Eastgate, Louth.

The application was to be considered by Planning Committee due to the significant level of localised objection and concerns raised by Ward Members Councillor Andrew Leonard and Councillor Darren Hobson.

The main planning issues were considered to be:

·       The Principle of development

·       Impact on the character of the area and wider Conservation Area and

Listed Building

·       Impact on residential amenity

·       Traffic and parking implications

·       Construction management

·       Other matters

Stephanie Watson, Planning Officer, detailed site and surroundings information to Members at Paragraph 2, together with the description of the proposal at Paragraph 3, page 47 of the report refers.

Mr Ricky Newton (Agent) spoke in support of the application.

Councillor James Drake spoke on behalf of Louth Town Council.

Councillor Andrew Leonard spoke as Ward Member.

Members were invited to put their questions to the speaker.

-       Following a query on policy SP10 relating to the character and design, Paragraph 7.14 on page 51 of the Agenda pack refers, the Ward Member considered that the new extension would have to be more sympathetic than previous extensions to ensure it did not harm the setting.

-       A Member queried how many new spaces would fit on to the land that had been offered to the applicant for car parking.  Mr Drake advised that it was a small piece of land offering 2 or 3 new spaces.

Mr Newton added that increasing the parking spaces would also increase traffic.  There was currently space for 13 or 14 cars, which would reduce to 7 spaces for disabled staff and senior staff, other staff would be expected to park in the local public car parks.

Mr Newton further informed Members they would be losing office space to provide more services for staff and customers.

Following which, the application was opened for debate. 

-       A Member considered that policy SP10 failed on two different points, being the character and design of the building and amenity of local residents with regards to car parking.

Following which, the application was Proposed for refusal against officer recommendation.

-       A Member commented that Mr Newton gave an excellent presentation including mitigation for the car parking.

Following which, the application was Proposed for approval in line with officer recommendation.

-       A Member highlighted that it was a very narrow road, with limited footpath. 

Following which, the application was Seconded for refusal against officer recommendation.

-       A Member highlighted that Forrester Boyd was a well-established business and although the parking was an issue, considered the expansion outweighed the parking issue.

Following which, the application was Seconded for approval in line with officer recommendation.

Further to comments made on the design of the building, the Development Management Lead Officer informed Members that none of the heritage bodies consulted had raised any concerns.

Upon being put to the vote, the proposal for refusal against officer recommendation was as follows:

Vote:             3 In favour    5 Against      2 Abstentions

Upon being put to the vote, the proposal for approval in line with officer recommendation was carried.

Vote:             5 In favour    4 Against      1 Abstention

RESOLVED:

That the application be approved subject to the following conditions:

N.B. Councillor Daniel McNally returned to the Meeting at 11.43am.

N.B. The Committee adjourned for a comfort break at 11.43am, followed by a 2-minute silence at midday to mark the 80^th Anniversary of VE Day. 

The Meeting reconvened at 12.02pm.

N.B. Having declared an interest for the following item, Councillor Dick

Edginton left the Meeting at 12.02pm.