The Application for change of use of an Industrial Site – Clevedon West – North Somerset.
Permission is sought for the change the use of an attached pair of industrial units from class B1 (light industrial) to class B2 (general industrial). Permission was granted for the buildings in 2002 under reference 02/P/1114/F.
Consultations
Third Parties: Two letters of objection have been received. The principal planning points made are as follows:
1. Noise, pollution and disturbance. Nuisance from loud noises, spray paint and fumes experienced in the past.
2. B2 use would generate more noise.
3. Proposed increase in working hours would be unacceptable.
4. B1 use should be enforced.
Clevedon Town Council: “No objections”.
Environment Agency: Objects to the proposal on the grounds that the application fails to demonstrate that the risk of pollution to controlled waters has been addressed and that no Flood Risk Assessment has been submitted.
Planning Issues
The principal planning issues in this case are (1) The principle of the development, (2) The impact on the living conditions of neighbours, (3) Flood risk, (4) Contamination and (5) Highways and access.
RECOMMENDATION: REFUSE for the following reasons:
1. The siting of a general industrial use in close proximity to residential property is likely to give rise to an unacceptable level of noise nuisance for adjoining residents. The proposal will therefore be harmful to the living conditions of neighbouring residents and is contrary to policies GDP/2 and E/4 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan and to advice contained in PPS24 (Planning and Noise).
2. The site lies within a high-risk flood zone (zone 3) and the application fails to include a satisfactory Flood Risk Assessment. In the absence of a satisfactory Flood Risk Assessment, the development is considered to be at an unacceptable risk of flooding and the proposal conflicts with policy GDP/2 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan and advice contained in PPS25 (Development and Flood Risk).
3. Given the history of the site, the site is considered to be at risk from pollution. The application fails to include an assessment of the pollution risk at the site or any relevant mitigation measures. In the absence of details to the contrary the development is considered to pose a risk of contamination to controlled waters and the proposal is therefore contrary to policy GDP/2 of the North Somerset Replacement Local Plan and to advice contained in PPS23 (Planning and Pollution Control).
Reference: http://apps.n-somerset.gov.uk/cairo/docs/doc18584.htm