Planning & Traffic Management Sub-Committee

Wednesday 5 March 2003 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Councillors  Blair,  Calvert, Campbell, McCormick, McGhee and Morrison (M).

Chair:  Councillor McGhee presided.

In attendance: Depute Chief Executive, Miss M McKnight (for Director of Legal & Support Services), Head of Planning Services and Mr A Bruce (for Head of Transportation and Roads Service).

Apologies: Councillor Robertson (Y).

The following paragraphs are submitted for information only, having been dealt with under the powers delegated to the Sub-Committee.

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PLANNING APPLICATIONS

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There were submitted reports by the Head of Planning Services on the following applications which were submitted, together with letters of objection and support where submitted, and dealt with as follows:-

(a)

Proposed Terrace and Formation of Additional Cellarage:

The Cafe Continental, 38 - 40 Kempock Street, Gourock (IC/02/377)

Councillor Hunter was present and with consent spoke on the matter.

Decided:  that planning permission be refused as the proposed extension could lead to delivery vehicles narrowing the width of the manoeuvring aisle within the car park, to the detriment of the safety of car park users.

(b)

Erection of Retail and Residential Development (8 Flats) with Associated Car Parking:

24/34 Cardwell Road, Gourock (IC/02/352)

The report recommended that planning permission be granted subject to a number of conditions.

After discussion, Councillor McGhee moved that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report.  As an amendment, Councillor Morrison (M) moved that planning permission be refused (1) as the amenity of the surrounding area would be adversely affected due to the density of the proposed development which would result in overdevelopment and, as the development would be disproportionate in relation to the adjoining villa property and (2) as the proposed development, and in particular the retail unit, would have an adverse impact on road safety by reason of increased traffic flows onto an already congested road.   On a vote, 2 Members voted for the motion and 4 for the amendment which was declared carried.

Decided:  that planning permission be refused for the following reasons:-

(1) as the amenity of the surrounding area would be adversely affected due to the density of the proposed development which would result in overdevelopment and as the development would be disproportionate in relation to the adjoining villa property; and

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(2) as the proposed development, and in particular the retail unit, would have an adverse impact on road safety by reason of increased traffic flows onto an already congested road.  

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(c)

Extension to Form Leisure Suite at Bellevue and Change of Use of Part of Ground at Belleaire Nursing Home:

Bellevue, Finnart Street, Greenock (IC/02/338)

Decided:  that planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:-

(1)  that the development hereby permitted should be commenced within 5 years from the date of the permission, to comply with Section 58(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997;

(2)  that all surface water generated by the development shall be intercepted within the application site;

(3)  that the windows of the swimming pool facing onto the boundary with no.1 The Craigs shall be fitted with obscure glass, conditions (2) & (3) being imposed to protect the amenity of established adjacent dwellinghouses;

(4)  that within the plant room, noisy equipment, which shall be fitted with anti-vibration mounts, shall be located at the eastern end away from the boundary with no.1 The Craigs; and

(5)  that no permission is granted for the door and air handling vents on the west elevation adjacent to the boundary with no.1 The Craigs and that details of their relocation shall be submitted to and approved by the Head of Planning Services prior to the commencement of work on site, conditions (4) & (5) being imposed to protect the amenity of the adjacent dwellinghouse in respect of noise from plant and machinery.

(d)

Extension to Nursery Facility and Increase in Numbers from 25 to 30:

187 Finnart Street, Greenock (IC/02/362)

The report recommended that planning permission be refused for a number of reasons.

After discussion, Councillor McGhee moved that planning permission be refused for the reasons detailed in the report.  As an amendment, Councillor Campbell moved that planning permission be granted.   On a vote, 2 Members voted for the amendment and 4 for the motion which was declared carried.

Decided:  that planning permission be refused for the following reasons:-

(1)  as the proposals are contrary to Policy DCm(i) of the Inverclyde Local Plan in that the design of the mansard roof is not in keeping with the general character of the area and the buildings contained within the area in terms of scale and detailing; and

(2)  as the proposals are contrary to policies H1, H8(a) and (b) of the Inverclyde Local Plan: First Review, Final Draft 2002 in that the proposals are not compatible with the character of the area in terms of design and would have an unacceptable visual impact on the site and its surroundings.

(e)

Mixed Use Development Comprising Leisure/Commercial/Residential (in outline) and Clubhouse, Community Facility and Five-a-Side Pitches (in detail):

Rankin Park, Inverkip Road, Greenock (IC/02/186)

The report recommended that planning permission be refused for a number of reasons.

Councillor Nimmo was present and with consent spoke on the matter.

After discussion, Councillor McGhee moved that planning permission be refused for the reasons detailed in the report.  As an amendment, Councillor Morrison (M) moved that consideration of the application be deferred to allow the applicant to commission and submit reports by independent consultants on the issues of lighting and noise.  As a further amendment, Councillor Blair moved that planning permission be refused for the reasons detailed in the report together with a further reason (3) as the proposals are contrary to Policy La of the Inverclyde Local Plan which indicates that the site should be retained for recreational uses with development normally restricted to landscape improvements and the provÊision of ancillary facilities.  On a vote, 1 Member voted for the further amendment, 1 Member for the amendment and 4 for the motion which was declared carried.

Decided:  that planning permission be refused for the following reasons:-

(1)  as the proposed development, through the positioning of the five-a-side pitches, would lead to an increase in noise levels in terms of volume and duration, to the detriment of the amenity of the residents of Waverley Street; and

(2)  as the proposed development, through the glare and general illumination produced by the proposed floodlights, would be detrimental to the amenity of the residents of Waverley Street.

(f)

Installation of 5 Velux Rooflights:

31 Prospecthill Street, Greenock (IC/02/386)

Decided:  that planning permission be granted.

(g)

Erection of 15 Metre Telecommunications Monopole and 

Associated Equipment Cabinets:

Kelburn Park, Woodhall, Port Glasgow (IC/02/363)

Decided:  that planning permission be refused as the siting of the monopole will encourage servicing vehicles to park in a location that would obstruct the public carriageway on a bend at a crossing point to the detriment of pedestrian and vehicular safety. 

(h)

Erection of Dwellinghouse:

Florence Drive, Kilmacolm (IC/02/236R)

The report recommended that planning permission be granted subject to a number of conditions.

Decided:  that consideration of the application be continued to allow Members of the Sub-Committee the opportunity to consider all the representations received in response to the application, including those circulated at the meeting.

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ADVERTISEMENT APPEAL

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There was submitted a report dated 3 February 2003 by the Head of Planning Services advising that following the decision of the Sub-Committee at the meeting held on 2 October 2002 to refuse an application for the erection of illuminated advertisement hoardings in Baker Street, Greenock (CA/02/019) and the subsequent appeal by the applicant to the Scottish Ministers against that refusal, the Reporter appointed by the Scottish Ministers had issued his decision which was to uphold the appeal.

Noted