Daily Archives: January 4, 2012

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Planning Committee (Wirral Council) 3rd January 2011 Part 10 Local Development Framework for Wirral – Developer Contributions and the Community Infrastructure Levy, Planning Applications (delegated) 26/11/11 to 15/12/11, Planning Appeals 26/11/11 to 15/12/11


The Chair apologised that David Ball was not able to present the report which was about section 106 as opposed to the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Cllr Dave Mitchell said it was for noting. Cllr Brian Kenny said he was happy.

The Chair referred to 4.2.7 and that they had to work out a charge, but that was yet to be agreed.

The Chair asked for any comments on item 17. Cllr Dave Mitchell said it was for noted.

The Chair said that Wirral Council had been successful in two appeals. Cllr Dave Mitchell pointed to Cllr Stuart Kelly.

Cllr Stuart Kelly talked briefly.

The Chair referred to “Cllr Matthew Davies”. Matthew Davies denied that he was a councillor. The Chair jokingly asked if he was standing as a candidate in May.

The Chair closed the meeting and expressed his wish to have a meeting in private.

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Planning Committee (Wirral Council) 3rd January 2011 Part 9 APP/11/01147 (6 Hazel Grove, Irby, CH61 4UZ – Single storey rear and side extensions with front porch)


The Chair said with regards to planning application APP/11/01147 (6 Hazel Grove, Irby, CH61 4UZ – Single storey rear and side extensions with front porch) that issues on page 76 had been raised about the accuracy of the boundary as well as privacy and the gap to a neighbour’s garage. In his view there were no major issues but he asked officers to comment on these concerns.

Matthew said that they had gone back to the applicant and agent who had done a title search to show they do own the land. The second issue was to do with extra windows at the ground floor. They had added condition 2 for the boundary fence, however there was an existing window at ground floor level. The third issue was the small gap between the extension and the garage to do with drainage. Water would drain between the structures and there would be no drain pipe as it would drain internally.

The Chair said that it was not a planning issue.

Cllr Stuart Kelly pointed out a typographical error in the report.

Cllr Wendy Clements proposed approval, seconded by Cllr Mitchell.

For: Cllrs Elderton, Clements, Boult, Johnson, Kenny, Salter, Realey, Mooney, Walsh, Kelly and Mitchell (11)
Against: None (0)
Abstention: None (0)

Application APP/11/01147 with conditions was approved (11:0:0).

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Planning Committee (Wirral Council) 3rd January 2011 Part 8 APP/11/01279 – 457 Borough Road, Oxton, CH42 0HB & APP/11/01282 – 455 Borough Road, Oxton, CH42 0HB


The Chair said item 13 (APP/11/01279 – 457 Borough Road, Oxton, CH42 0HB – Change of use of the ground floor unit from A1 (retail) to C3 (dwelling houses) to convert the building into two flats with associated alterations to front and rear elevations, including an external staircase to the rear.) and item 14 (APP/11/01282 – 455 Borough Road, Oxton, CH42 0HB – Segregation of existing dwelling in to two flats and erection of an external staircase to the rear.) would be taken together as they were adjacent properties and both submitted by SDA. He said the flats used alley gates and there was no provision for parking.

Matthew said the flats had access to the rear, but they didn’t feel the staircases would block windows. Access via an allley gate would not warrant refusal, as it was a management issue. Residents would be allocated a key, no parking was provided and there was no off street parking. The junctions were well protected by waiting restrictions.

The Chair said it held to have transparency over these two issues. He asked for a proposer and seconder for item 13.

Cllr Peter Johnson proposed approval for item 13, Cllr Dave Mitchell seconded approval for item 13.

There was a vote on item 13.

For: Cllrs Elderton, Clements, Boult, Johnson, Kenny, Salter, Realey, Mooney, Walsh, Kelly and Mitchell (11)
Against: None (0)
Abstention: None (0)

Application APP/11/01279 with conditions was approved (11:0:0).

Cllr Wendy Clements seconded approval for item 14.

For: Cllrs Elderton, Clements, Boult, Johnson, Kenny, Salter, Realey, Mooney, Walsh, Kelly and Mitchell (11)
Against: None (0)
Abstention: None (0)

Application APP/11/01282 with conditions was approved (11:0:0).
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Planning Committee (Wirral Council) 3rd January 2011 Part 7 APP/11/01302, 18 Melford Drive, Prenton, CH43 3EX & APP/11/01196 54 Christchurch Road, Oxton, CH43 5SF Change of use only of first and second floor offices to an art gallery and tattoo studio


The Chair said that item 11 APP/11/01302 (18 Melford Drive, Prenton, CH43 3EX) for internal alterations with new window layout was the start of a series of applications by SDA. Therefore there would be no presentations. He said it was recommended for approval, however he commented that the one objection referred to on page 68 had been dealt with by condition 2 on page 61.

Cllr Eddie Boult proposed approval, seconded by Cllr Peter Johnson.

There was a vote.

For: Cllrs Elderton, Clements, Boult, Johnson, Kenny, Salter, Realey, Mooney, Walsh, Kelly and Mitchell (11)
Against: None (0)
Abstention: None (0)

Application APP/11/01302 with conditions was approved (11:0:0).

The Chair said that item 12 (APP/11/01196) 54 Christchurch Road, Oxton, CH43 5SF Change of use only of first and second floor offices to an art gallery and tattoo studio was also a SDA application. It was recommended for approval.

Cllr Dave Mitchell proposed approval, Cllr Eddie Boult seconded approval.

There was a vote.

For: Cllrs Elderton, Clements, Boult, Johnson, Kenny, Salter, Realey, Mooney, Walsh, Kelly and Mitchell (11)
Against: None (0)
Abstention: None (0)

Application APP/11/01196 with conditions was approved (11:0:0).

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Planning Committee (Wirral Council) 3rd January 2011 Part 6 APP/11/01208 – St Bartholomews Church, CHURCH LANE, THURSTASTON, CH61 0HW – Renewal of planning permission APP/2008/6027 for new entrance for disabled access incorporating ramped access, wheelchair w/c facility, tea point and meeting area & item 10 (ADV/11/01233) Lookers, 143 PENSBY ROAD, HESWALL, CH60 7RD Erection of various Sainsbury’s Local signs on the building and two totem signs either side of parking area


The Chair moved the Committee onto item 9 (APP/11/01208) – St Bartholomews Church, Church Lane, Thurstaton, CH61 0HW – Renewal of planning permission APP/2008/6027 for new entrance for disabled access incorporating ramped access, wheelchair w/c facility, tea point and meeting area. He said it would be a repetition of the past.

Matthew said it was similar to the last application as it was for an extension of time. The application was to do with the entrance and disabled access. Since it had been approved Planning Policy Statement 5 had replace Planning Policy Guidance 5, in his view the application was not contrary to Planning Policy Guidance 5 and it was recommended for approval.

Cllr Peter Johnson proposed approval, Cllr Wendy Clements seconded approval.

There was a vote.
For: Cllrs Elderton, Clements, Boult, Johnson, Kenny, Salter, Realey, Mooney, Walsh, Kelly and Mitchell (11)
Against: None (0)
abstention: None (0)

Planning Application APP/11/01208 was approved with conditions (11:0:0).

The Committee moved onto item 10 (ADV/11/01233) Lookers, 143 Pensby Road, Heswall, CH60 7RD Erection of various Sainsbury’s Local signs on the building and two totem signs either side of parking area. Matthew said it was the former Lookers Garage, but had opened as a Sainsbury’s Local. There was a forty-nine signature petition. The application was for signs, fascia, car park signage as well as two totem signs. They would be illuminated signs. The two main issues to consider were visual amenity and highway safety. The majority would be to the front elevation with Pensby Road, illumination was not unacceptable, condition 7 would make sure they were not illuminated overnight. The totem poles were limited to two metres in height. The previous commercial use had been subject to a condition on overnight illumination too.

The Chair asked if a person who wished to speak on behalf of the petitioners was present? No one answered.

Cllr John Salter said on page 58, item 7, why were the times 0600 to 0000, couldn’t it be when the store was open and closed?

The Chair asked if it was open at 7am? Matthew answered yes.

The Chair made a comment.
Cllr Dave Mitchell said it was on the main highway with a lot of properties, why not just when the store was open?
The Chair said condition 7 could be amended, which would increase the amenity value.
Cllr Dave Mitchell said he wanted to move an amendment.
Cllr John Salter asked if their Sunday trading hours were 10-4 or 11-5?
The Chair said he didn’t know, but they were open seven days a week.
Cllr John Salter said they were only small.
Matthew said there were no Sunday trading restrictions on them.
Cllr John Salter seconded Cllr Dave Mitchell’s proposal to amend condition 7, with the times amended from “0000 to 0600″ to “2300 to 0700″.

There was a vote on the amendment to condition 7 from “0000 to 0600″ to “2300 to 0700″.

For: Cllrs Elderton, Clements, Boult, Johnson, Kenny, Salter, Realey, Mooney, Walsh, Kelly and Mitchell (11)
Against: None (0)
Abstention: None (0)

Condition 7 was amended (11:0:0).

There was a vote on approval (with condition 7 amended).

For: Cllrs Elderton, Clements, Boult, Johnson, Kenny, Salter, Realey, Mooney, Walsh, Kelly and Mitchell (11)
Against: None (0)
Abstention: None (0)

Application ADV/11/01233 with conditions was approved (11:0:0).

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Planning Committee (Wirral Council) 3rd January 2011 Part 5 APP/11/01118 – Land to the North , South and East of Gasholders, Hind Street, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 5DA


The Chair said that item 8 (APP/11/01118 – Land to the North , South and East of Gasholders, Hind Street, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 5DA – Application to replace an extant planning permission 2005/07764 – Erection of non food retail, office, trade sales, restaurant/public house, car showroom and crèche (Outline)) had been before the Committee before.

Matthew said that the application was for an extension of time for the 2005 & 2008 applications. They had to look if anything had changed since then. There was a North West Regional Spatial Strategy, Planning Policy Statement 4 and any assessment had to take into account policies. It was for a signficant edge of centre development with regeneration benefits. There was the opportunity for trade and Birkenhead had a sub regional role. The application was to extend the time limit by three years.

The Chair mentioned page 45.
The Vice-Chair asked a question about access for emergency vehicles in reference to the previous outline planning consent given and asked why this wasn’t continued?
The Chair said this was about the decision of 12th January 2009.
The Vice-Chair asked about other conditions?
The Chair asked Matthew to find it and asked the Vice-Chair if she didn’t have the conditions on her?
The Vice-Chair answered no.
Matthew said yes, information had been added to the decision notice, they did this when there was other legislation or in response to a response from the fire service. However it was only informative on the decision notice.
The Vice Chair said it did not have to be as a condition.

Cllr Peter Johnson proposed approval. Cllr John Salter seconded approval. The application was put to the vote.

For: Cllrs Elderton, Clements, Boult, Johnson, Kenny, Salter, Realey, Mooney, Walsh, Kelly and Mitchell (11)
Against: None (0)
Abstention: None (0)

Planning application APP/11/01118 was approved with conditions (11:0:0)

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2011 in review


The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 17,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 6 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

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Planning Committee (Wirral Council) 3rd January 2011 Part 4 APP/11/01050 – Manor Place, Bromborough, Wirral, CH62 4TU This application is for a development of 40 new affordable houses, in Bromborough Pool Village. The new houses are 2 storey, three bed five person houses, which meet modern standards such as the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3


Matthew introduced item 7 (APP/11/01050) – Manor Place, Bromborough, Wirral, CH62 4TU. This was for forty affordable homes two stories high. The planning application covered four sites, site 1 (land to the South of the Green), site 2 (a former allotment site on Manor Place), site 3 (land on Manor Place) and site 4 (land on York Street). The last site was partly allocated in the Unitary Development Plan. There was enough highway capacity for the extra traffic that would result and the design incorporated off street parking.

He said that this would allow a departure from the Unitary Development Plan subject to conditions to do with boundary treatment, a ground contamination survey and an extra condition that was material and specified on the late list.

The Chair asked if members of the committee had any comments?

Cllr John Salter asked (in reference to page 32 item 6) would the mature trees that would be removed put back or replaced with new trees? How would they keep a check to see the trees had been replaced?

Matthew replied that the application had been amended to remove the turning head, which would now not take place. York Street had been improved with significant tree planting planned and that was the reason behind the condition.

The Chair referred them to the top of page 33. Councillor Peter Johnson proposed approval.

There was a vote:

For: Cllrs Elderton, Clements, Boult, Johnson, Kenny, Salter, Realey, Mooney, Walsh, Kelly and Mitchell (11)
Against: 0 (None)
Abstention: 0 (None)

Application APP/11/01050 was approved with conditions (11:0:0)

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Planning Committee (Wirral Council) 3rd January 2011 Part 3 APP/11/00044 (Bay View Nursing Home, 69 Albion Street, New Brighton, CH45 9JG)


Matthew introduced agenda item 4 APP/11/00044 (Bay View Nursing Home, 69 Albion Street, New Brighton, CH45 9JG). He said there had been an outline application for ten apartments in 2008 and that it was a primary residential area. He said policies HS4 & SPD 2 applied and the main issues were design and demonstrating whether the homes were affordable. The applicant had supplied a detailed financial assessment which had been verified by a quantity surveyor which explained why affordable houses here were not viable. The density and design were very similar to the 2008 application, but an extra unit had been added in a basement. This property also had a sunken garden space. The density of 110/hectare was high but it was near shops and services. The design and appearance were slight different to the 2008 application but was recommended for approval subject to conditions. One of the conditions was that the foot way was reinstated and an extra condition had been added.

The Chair asked if anyone had any comments?

Cllr Dave Mitchell indicated he wished to propose accepting the application. Cllr Eddie Boult seconded accepting the application.

There was a vote:

For: 11 (Cllrs Elderton, Clements, Boult, Johnson, Kenny, Salter, Realey, Mooney, Walsh, Kelly and Mitchell)
Against: 0 (None)
Abstention: 0 (None)

The application (APP/11/00044) was approved (with conditions) (11:0:0).