Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted from Councillor’s Stephen Button, Danny Cassidy and Dave Parkins.

Councillor Heather Anderson substituted for Councillor Stephen Button.

Councillor Carole Haythornthwaite substituted for Councillor Danny Cassidy.

Councillor Jodi Clements substituted for Councillor Dave Parkins.

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning Committee held on the 17th January 2024 were submitted for approval as a correct record.

Recommended – That the Minutes be received and approved as a correct record.

The Minutes of the last Planning Committee held on the 17^th January 2024 were submitted for approval as a correct record.

Resolved – That the minutes be received and approved as a correct record.

The Chief Planning and Transportation Officer submitted a report setting out

recommended action on the following Planning applications.

3A. 11/23/0506 - 30 Bluebell Way, Huncoat, BB5 6TD

Full: Proposed change of use from a dwelling house to a household comprising of a resident Mother and Baby or two children, supported by up to 3 carers in line with the Use Class C2 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended).

3B. 11/23/0418 - Market Chambers, 43-59 Blackburn Road, Accrington, BB5 1JJ

Full: Change of use of the building to provide a new cultural and community facility (ClassF1/F2 use), alongside external alterations, repairs to the building facade, and a third floor localised roof extension to accommodate internal access and access to the roof for maintenance.

The Chief Planning and Transportation Officer submitted a report setting out recommended action on the following Planning applications.

An update sheet was available at the meeting for both applications.

3A – 11/23/0506 – 30 Bluebell Way, Huncoat, BB5 6TD

Mr Simon Prideaux presented the report to the committee.

The update sheet was read out and a letter from Sara Britcliffe MP which detailed her concerns. 

The application is seeking planning permission for a change of use from a dwelling house to a household compromising of a resident Mother and Baby or two children, supported by up to 3 carers in line with the Use Class C2 of the Town and Country Planning Order 1987.

There had been 69 neighbouring residents who had made objections and comments to the change of use.

The application was recommended for approval.

Resolved – That the application be refused due to the impact on residential amenities and increased traffic.

Officers advised that they would add reference to relevant policies and agree the exact wording of the reason for refusal with the Members moving the recommendation before the decision was issued.

And; That a report is to taken to Cabinet to develop a Policy on how to address these type of developments by the Chief Planning & Transportation Officer.

N.B –  1. Ms Kelly Ball spoke against the application.

             2. Councillor Danny Cassidy spoke against the application.

             3. Councillor Dave Parkins spoke against the application.

3B – 11/23/0506 – Market Chambers, 43-59 Blackburn Road, Accrington, BB5 1JJ

Mr Simon Prideaux presented the report and read out the update sheet.

The application was for a change of use to the building to provide a new cultural and community facility, alongside external alterations, repairs to the building façade, and a third floor localised roof extension to accommodate internal access and access to the roof for maintenance.

The building is within Accrington Town Centre Conservation Area and is locally listed. It is also directly opposite the Market Hall, a Grade II Listed Building.

The application is part of a suite of proposals for improvements in Accrington Town Square following on from securing £20million Levelling Up Funding in January 2023.

Members raised questions about the current occupiers in the building and additional car parking spaces.

Resolved – That the application be approved subject to the conditions attached within the report.

And; That delegated authority to be given to the Chief Planning and Transportation Officer to finalise details of the wording of conditions if required.