Minutes:
53.1 Item 7a
Application DC/21/00754
Proposal Planning Application – Part demolition and replacement of existing logistics space, new construction of a biomass boiler building and bridge link, alterations to existing logistics building to accommodate a new chocolate production facility, construction of a new waste water treatment building, new gatehouse and 2 weighbridge offices, and other associated works.
Site Location GLEMSFORD - GCB Factory and Premises, Lower Road, Glemsford, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 7QS
Applicant GCB Cocoa
53.2 The Ward Members, Councillor Plumb and Councillor Holt, confirmed that they would remain as part of the committee and not speak as Ward Members.
53.3 The Case Officer presented the application to the Committee outlining the proposal before Members including: the location and layout of the site, the reason for the application being presented to the committee, the contents of the tabled papers, the landscape impact of the proposal, and the officer recommendation to delegate authority to the Chief Planning Officer as detailed in the report.
53.4 The Case Officer responded to questions from Members on issues including: the appearance of the buildings, the view of the site from the nearby listed building, the height difference between the existing buildings on site and the proposed buildings, the building density across the site and the length of time the development would take to be completed.
53.5 Members considered the representation from Brian Bowen who spoke on behalf of the applicant.
53.6 The applicant responded to questions from Members on issues including: the processes to be undertaken at the plant, the requirements for the height of the buildings, waste water drainage, whether there will be an increase in Heavy Goods Vehicle traffic in the local area, the potential employments opportunities and the time frame for completion of the development.
53.7 Members debated the application on issues including: the potential employment opportunities in the area, the benefits of less Heavy Goods Vehicle movements, and the length of time that the development would take to be completed, the size of the proposed buildings and their proximity to the road, and the economic benefits to the area.
53.8 The Strategic Projects and Delivery Manager responded to questions from Members regarding the timeframe for the works, and the Ecological Toxicology report contained in the tabled papers.
53.9 Councillor Beer moved the Officer recommendation as detailed in the committee report.
53.10 Councillor Ayres seconded the recommendation.
53.11 Members continued to debate the application on issues including: the location of the site, the benefits to the local area and the long-term plans for maintenance of the buildings.
By a vote of 10 votes for, and 1 abstention
It was RESOLVED:
(1) That the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to determine the planning application, working pro-actively with the applicant to find solutions which mean that the application can be approved where possible (and securing any conditions and obligations as may be required if minded to grant planning permission).
(2) In the event that, in the opinion of the Chief Planning Officer, accounting for the direction of the development plan and other material considerations, it is not possible to resolve outstanding matters such that planning permission can be granted, the application be returned to Planning Committee for further consideration.
Supporting documents: