This application had been referred to Planning and Licensing Committee as the applicant and owner of the building/land is Brentwood Borough Council.

The proposal sought to remove internal partitions between existing shops to create one single shop unit with alterations to shop fronts, installation of a ramp to the rear elevation, raise flat roof to the rear of the store and minor alterations to include the infilling of existing openings at 2-8A Harewood Road, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood.

Mr Daryl Cook was present at the meeting and summarised the report.

There were no Ward Councillors present at the meeting.

A statement from Mr Chris Edge was read on behalf of the applicant in support of the application:

“Dear Chair and members, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to address you through this statement. This statement has been prepared by Chris Edge of Pegasus Planning, the planning consultant instructed by the Co-operative Group on this and many other planning applications across the country.

The Co-op have a rolling programme to extend and modernise their existing portfolio of food stores across the country alongside an acquisition programme to find new stores.

Their food store at Pilgrims Hatch is in need of a refit and the last one was almost 10 years ago. This is to bring it in line with customer and staff expectations for a modern convenience store. In such circumstances, the Co-op will look to see if an extension to their food store is an appropriate course of action, rather than simply refitting it. In this case, given the availability of the two adjacent shop units, the Co-op has taken the decision to acquire these units and extend into them to create a modern convenience store with a wider range of products and a more attractive retail offer.

The proposed extension will deliver modern energy efficient lighting and refrigeration as well as wider aisles to improve mobility for all users. The new store will deliver an additional 100 square metres of sales area, allowing the Co-op to sell a wider range of goods, and the larger back of house area will allow more stock to be held, improving availability and providing better conditions for Co-op colleagues. Taken together, the proposed development will allow the community to do more of their shopping locally and hopefully attract more footfall to this area.

The change of use of the two shop units proposed does not constitute development and the planning application seeks consent only for the external works necessary to facilitate the extension. These works are limited to shopfront works, and other minor alterations to the rear. There is a separate application pending for plant to the rear as well as an application for advertisement consent.

As such, the proposed development is minor and uncontentious and would ordinarily have been dealt with under officer delegated powers. However, in this case the applicant is Brentwood Borough Council and the Council's constitution requires that in these circumstances, planning applications are always dealt with at planning committee.

The officer's report confirms that there have been no objections from any member of the public to this planning application and there are no objections from any consultee.

Should planning permission be granted, it is the Co-op's intention to start work later this year with a March launch for the new food store.

Given the minor nature of the planning application and the circumstances under which it is being dealt with by this committee, we respectfully request that members agree with the officer's recommendation and grant planning permission accordingly.”

Following debate Cllr Fryd MOVED and Cllr Wiles SECONDED that the application be APPROVED.

A vote was taken and Members voted as follows:

FOR:  Cllrs Barber, Dr Barratt, Bridge, J Cloke, Cuthbert, Fryd, Gelderbloem, Heard, Jakobsson, Laplain, Mynott , Wiles (12)

AGAINST: (0)

ABSTAIN: (0)

The application was APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

1  TIM01 Standard Time - Full

The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason:  To comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2  DRA01A       Development in accordance with drawings

The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out except in complete accordance with the approved drawing(s) listed above and specifications.

Reason:  To ensure that the development is as permitted by the local planning authority and for the avoidance of doubt.

3  The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the building hereby permitted shall match those used in the existing building with the exception of:

- Traffic Grey B-Matt windows

- Grey PPC Aluminium (RAL 7043) doors

Reason:  In order to safeguard the character and appearance of the area.

Informative(s)

1  INF01

Reason for approval: The proposal would accord with the relevant policies of the development plan as set out below.

2  INF04

The permitted development must be carried out in accordance with the approved drawings and specification.  If you wish to amend your proposal you will need formal permission from the Council.  The method of obtaining permission depends on the nature of the amendment and you are advised to refer to the Council’s web site or take professional advice before making your application.

3  INF05

The following development plan policies contained in the Brentwood Replacement Local Plan 2005 are relevant to this decision: CP1, C20, National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2019 and NPPG 2014.

4  INF22

The Local Planning Authority has acted positively and proactively in determining this application by identifying matters of concern within the application (as originally submitted) and negotiating, with the Applicant, acceptable amendments to the proposal to address those concerns.  As a result, the Local Planning Authority has been able to grant planning permission for an acceptable proposal, in accordance with the presumption in favour of sustainable development, as set out within the National Planning Policy Framework.

5  INF29

The developer is reminded of the provisions of the Party Wall etc Act 1996 which may require notification of the proposed works to affected neighbours.  Detailed information regarding the provisions of 'The Act' should be obtained from an appropriately qualified professional with knowledge of party wall matters.  Further information may be viewed at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/party-wall-etc-act-1996-guidance