Agenda item

We considered the report of the application, and late correspondence, which was recommended for approval subject to the 22 conditions as outlined in the report and subject to a Section 106 Legal Agreement.

The application was reported to Planning Committee on 17th January 2012 whereby the Committee resolved to approve the application subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 legal agreement to provide:

·         Use of the Wheatsheaf car park as an overflow car park in perpetuity.

·         The provision, maintenance and updating of signage and information boards about facilities available in the Magor central shopping area and the history of the locality including Magor Conservation Area.

·         Off-site road works including in respect of the service exit onto Main Road and the provision of a section of footway past the site on Newport Road.

The local Member for Mill ward attended the meeting by invitation of the Chair and outlined the following points:

·         The proposed development does not offer a sustainable future for Magor Square and does not enhance the central shopping area.

·         The proposed retail development is neither a convenience store nor is it a trolley shop establishment.

·         There were concerns as to how the proposed retail development will enhance footfall into Magor Square.

·         Footfall to Magor Square is currently dropping.

·         Approval of the proposed retail development would be detrimental to the existing Co-op store which might lead to the closure of the store.

·         The Internal Drainage Board no longer exists. It is not clear from the report whether an up to date response has been received from the appropriate body in respect of surface water run-off into the adjacent river.

·         The Committee was asked to defer consideration of the application in order to obtain a response from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Welsh Water.

·         The Highways Department has reservations regarding egress onto the B4245.

·         In recognition of the safe route to school, an enhanced footway would be required, due to increased vehicle movements.

Ms. S. Franklin, representing supporters of the application, attended the meeting by invitation of the Chair and outlined the following points:

·         The proposed retail development will bring businesses and people into Magor Square.

·         The Co-op is not located within Magor Square and does not bring people into the Square.

·         Footfall to Magor Square has been declining over the last three years due to inadequate signage.

·         With further housing development coming into Magor there is a need for the proposed retail development.

·         The proposed retail development will help to regenerate footfall to Magor Square.

Having considered the report of the application and the views expressed, the following points were noted:

·         The area as a whole was developing and therefore required a retail development at this location.

·         Car parking provision is an issue in this area.  However, there were existing car parks in the area.

·         Residents would be encouraged to shop locally if there was a choice.  Approval of the application will provide this choice.

·         The proposed retail development will help to retain the post office and be a benefit to the local community.

·         It was considered that an amendment to condition 5 was required to include submission, approval and implementation of a Travel Plan for staff of the proposed store.

·         Caldicot and Wentlooge Internal Drainage Boards had been incorporated into Natural Resources Wales (NRW).  Therefore, consultation had been undertaken with the appropriate body.  It was noted that under the original application, consultation had been undertaken and no objections had been received.

The local Member summed up as follows:

·         Concern was expressed regarding the lack of consultation.

·         The Internal Drainage Board being incorporated into Natural Resources Wales had not been made clear.

It was proposed by County Councillor A. Davies and seconded by County Councillor D. Evans that application DC/2011/00083 be approved subject to the 22 conditions as outlined in the report and subject to a Section 106 Legal Agreement. Condition 5 be amended to include submission, approval and implementation of a Travel Plan for staff of the proposed store.

Upon being put to the vote, the following votes were recorded:

In favour of the proposal                -           9

Against the proposal                       -           0

Abstentions                                       -           2

The proposition was carried.

We resolved that application DC/2011/00083 be approved subject to the 22 conditions as outlined in the report and subject to a Section 106 Legal Agreement. Condition 5 be amendedto include submission, approval and implementation of a Travel Plan for staff of the proposed store.