Agenda item

7.1 - FPL/2019/1 - Capel Carmel, Chapel Street, Amlwch

7.1  FPL/2019/1 – Full application for the conversion of building into seven flats together with the creation of a new vehicular access at Carmel Chapel, Chapel Street, Amlwch

The application was presented to the Planning and Orders Committee at the request of a Local Member.

At the meeting of the Planning and Orders Committee held on 4 September, 2019 it was resolved to visit the site and subsequently the site was visited on 18 September, 2019. 

Councillor Aled M Jones, a Local Member said that there are 10 letters of objections from local residents as regards to this development due to the adverse effect it will have on the area.  He noted that the developer has indicated within Section 11 of his application that there is no need ‘for diversion, extinguishments and/or creation of rights of way ’ it is considered that this is a material consideration as regards to the application site. The Development Management Manager responded that the Section 11 of the planning application forms refers to public and not private rights of way. Councillor A M Jones further said that this application requires a number of parking spaces with a requirement to have access to the rear of the building and it was evident on the site visit that the area is narrow and there is no access through the field to the other side of the former chapel to the rear of the building.  He noted that whilst it is a civil matter as regards to the demolition of a boundary wall, it is impossible to gain access to the rear of the chapel.  He further said that the developer has removed railings in front of the former chapel without planning consent.  Councillor Jones said that the development of this former chapel will have a detrimental effect on neighbouring properties and concerns have been expressed to the traffic travelling to and from the development.  He asked the Committee to refuse the application.

The Development Management Manager reported that the proposed development is for 7 flats at the former Carmel Chapel, Amlwch which is a Grade II Listed Building.  The application is acceptable within planning policy terms and will provide a commuted sum towards affordable housing.  The proposed development will restore a Grade II Listed Building which is in a poor state following being vacant for almost 15 years.  The boundary of the Conservation Area was extended in order to include the building in the Amlwch area.  A Listed Building Consent has already been afforded for the change of use of the Chapel.  As the Education Authority has confirmed that no educational contribution is required but a commuted sums is required towards affordable housing as part of the proposal; a S106 agreement would need to be signed as regards to affordable housing contribution.  The Development Management Manager further said that local concerns have been expressed as regards to the parking as part of the proposed development due to extensive traffic that already exist; the application affords 11 parking spaces and the vehicle access and parking arrangements are considered satisfactory by the Local Highways Authority.  She noted that Condition 5 as part of any approval of the application requires that the parking provision is completed before any commencement of the development. 

It was noted that during the site visit it was evident that works have begun on the site and Enforcement Officers have visited the site but no works have been undertaken that needed planning consent.  A Certificate B has been submitted by the applicant and appropriate notice has been given to the neighbouring landowner but there is a dispute as to land ownership between the interested parties. The Development Management Manager said that a further 2 letters of objection have been received but it is considered that no matter has been raised that has not been already addressed within the Officer’s report.  

Councillor John Griffith expressed that he had concerns as regards to parking facilities as regards to this development.  The Development Control Engineer responded that there is adequate parking provision on the application site which complies with maximum standards which the Highways Authority requires.  Councillor John Griffith ascertained whether lighting provision could be enforced on the parking area.  The Development Management Manager responded that the building is Listed Building and any condition as regards to lighting would need to conform with Listed Building consent. 

Councillor Robin Williams proposed that the application be approved and Councillor John Griffith seconded the proposal.

Councillor T Ll Hughes abstained from voting as he was not on the site visit.

It was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation subject to the conditions contained within the written report and subject to a S106 agreement as regards to affordable housing.