Change of use from former telephone exchange B1 to place of worship D1.

The proposal sought planning permission for the change of use from former telephone exchange B1 to place of worship D1.The application had been referred to Committee by Councillor McGarvey for reasons including: adverse impact on neighbours in a residential area; the lack of benefit to the existing community; insufficient parking provision; flawed marketing for continued office use; and unproven need.

Members’ attention was brought to the main agenda and the late observation sheet.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Members asked questions of clarification from the speakers and officers. Members were advised that there were conditions on the application to restrict amplified noise. It was confirmed that by the Case Officer that currently the building has unrestricted use as an office and it could be turned into a residential building. If usage of the building were to increase a variation of condition would need to be applied for.

It was moved by the Chairman and duly seconded that the recommendations within the report, be agreed.

Members discussed the application and considered that noise could have an impact but that there were conditions in place to preserve the amenity of nearby residents. Parking was also discussed but it was noted by Members that Kent County Council had not raised any objections.

The motion was put to the vote and it was

Resolved: That Planning Permission be granted subject to the following conditions

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

In pursuance of section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2)    The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans and details: Location Plan; 679-02/A, 679-03.

For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

3)    The building shall be used only as a place of worship and shall not be used for any other use falling within the D1 use class of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended).

To preserve the amenities of nearby residents and to protect highway safety, to comply with policies EN1, EN7 and T2 of the ADMP.

4)    No more than 25 people shall attend the building at any one time.

To preserve the amenities of nearby residents and to protect highway safety, to comply with policies EN1, EN7 and T2 of the ADMP.

5)    The building shall only be used for services carried out between the hours of 07:00 and 08:30 on Sundays and 18:15 and 20:15 on Mondays. There shall be no use of the building prior to 06:45 on Sundays and after 20:30 on Mondays or at any other times.

To preserve the amenities of nearby residents and to comply with policies EN2 and EN7 of the ADMP.

6)    There shall be no amplified sound or amplified music generated at the site at any time.

To protect the amenities of nearby residents, to comply with policies EN2 and EN7 of the ADMP.

7)    Prior to the first use of the building, secure cycle parking facilities shall be provided for a minimum of two cycles and these shall be maintained and available for use at all times.

To ensure that facilities are provided to encourage sustainable transport to the site, to comply with policy SP2 of the Core Strategy.

8)    The hardstanding to the front of the building shall remain available for parking and free of obstruction at all times.

To ensure that the parking area remains available for use as such at all times and to ensure compliance with policies EN1 and T2 of the ADMP.

Informatives

1)     The applicant is reminded that new gates to the front of the site do not form part of this planning permission.

(Having declared an interest, Cllr McGarvey left the room during consideration of this item and did not take part in the debate or voting thereon.)