Decision details

The Mayor advised that, due to the public interest, she was bringing this item forward on the agenda. 

Councillors Adrian and Marion Lowe left the meeting.

The Executive Member (Public Protection), Councillor Paul Walmsley presented the report of the Director (Customer and Digital) which provides an assessment of the proposed development.

The proposed development represents a sustainable and beneficial use of the site for which outline planning permission should be granted.  The Council’s Development Control Committee considered the application at their meeting on 14 August and was minded to approve the application.  The application has subsequently been referred to the National Planning Casework Unit to determine whether the Secretary of State wishes to call the application in for a decision in accordance with the provisions of Part 5 of the Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2009. The Secretary of State has decided not to call in the application and has confirmed that he is content that the application should be determined by the local planning authority.

Following a query from Councillor Martin Boardman, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Members discussed the application and considered the potential impact on the town centre.  The types of shops will be restricted through the use of conditions and the highways infrastructure in the area will be improved as part of the development. 

The Executive Member (Public Protection), Councillor Paul Walmsley proposed and the Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley seconded the Decision – that approve the application subject to conditions (refer to appendix 1) and a S106 Obligation to secure the provision of public transport. The suggested conditions are subject to agreement by Lancashire County Council in their capacity as the Local Highway Authority and it is, therefore, also recommended that the Director (Customer and Digital) be authorised to agree the final wording of the conditions in consultation with the Executive Member (Public Protection).

Councillors Adrian and Marion Lowe returned to the meeting.