Sarbjit Singh, Planning Team Leader, provided an
update following his report to the previous meeting. He reported on the latest information concerning
the following sites:
- Fiveways House – It was
noted that the site had been tidied in preparation for the
developer to start work. In respect of
the on-street parking required for the flats, residents commented
on the lack of current provision.
Sarbjit reminded the meeting that the
Council had refused the application but that approval had been granted following an appeal. The possibility of agreeing to car parking
arrangements under a management agreement was
discussed but it was noted that the applicant had impressed
the appeal inspector with the view that most occupiers of the flats
would not be car owners.
- Derelict Church
– It was reported that fencing panels had been repaired and
replaced to alleviate the problem of untidiness at the
site. The sale of the land had recently been agreed and a planning application
would be expected from the new owners in due course. It was not clear at this stage as to the likely
future use of the building.
- Empire Pub –
Sarbjit reported that a further
planning application had been received
for determination. The application was
for a similar scheme to that previously approved involving a range
of retail uses within several units, with first floor flats
above. The meeting expressed the view
that adequate car parking would need to be provided to serve a
large scale retail development.
- Repton Street /Rugby Street factories – No
progress could be reported as planning
applications for the buildings were yet to be submitted.
Sarbjit
clarified the position concerning the Council’s powers and
advised that owners could not be
contacted concerning their future intentions for the use of
the buildings. Owners could only be approached in certain circumstances
relating to safety and security issues.
- Planters adjacent to
former Premier Screw – A member of the public in attendance
gave a detailed history of the planters. He reported that they had been on site for over 20
years and had formed part of the company’s original
environmental scheme. It was considered that the planters could be cleaned up
and repainted which would screen the current derelict site
behind.
Chris Nutting
(Cleansing Services) reported on future highway cleansing
schemes which were currently being
considered. He agreed that the site
be investigated as part of this
evaluation work and the meeting welcomed this approach.
In concluding his
report Sarbjit referred to enforcement action which was
ongoing concerning the car wash at Frog Island which was operating
without permission. An appeal against
the Council’s Enforcement Notice had been
submitted. He also updated the
meeting concerning business rates and reported that where a
building was not in use, it would be
removed from the rating list.
Vacant sites were unrated and it was
noted that this policy led to a number of demolitions of
buildings to ensure that sites were clear and would not be subject
to rates.
Sarbjit was thanked for
his report and update. It was suggested by the Chair and agreed that written updates
to future meetings would be sufficient.