Issue - meetings

RESOLVED: That the application 22/01173/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager

Audio recording – 1:24:20

Thomas Howe presented the report and gave a verbal presentation, which included:

·         The plot is a first-floor unit within the London Road high street area. It is designated as a local centre in the Emerging Local Plan and there is a retail area in the Knebworth neighbourhood plan.

·         There are two updates for the application. In the principal development section policy KBL3 from the Knebworth neighbourhood plan should be referenced. However the principal development is still supported as its not the loss of retail space and its not the loss of a service.

·         The unit was most recently used as a tattoo studio which can be seen in the photos displayed in the presentation

·         The flat would be laid out as two bedrooms and a large dining/living room/kitchen area. It will also have an ensuite and a main bathroom

·         Another update on the site history of the report has an application which says pending. This is the change of use from a tattoo parlour to a massage parlour. This was granted conditional permission on 4^th October.

·         The flat would benefit from large internal areas exceeding space standards set nationally with built in storage on the first-floor level and within the stairwell. It would benefit from various amenities from the high street such as shops, leisure, employment opportunities and transport links. Buses and the railway station which is in walking distance. Whilst there is no parking provided, this is a sustainable location that does not necessarily require a vehicle.

·         The surrounding area does benefit from various retail uses within the class E use class

The following Members asked questions:

·         Councillor Michael Muir

·         Councillor Tom Tyson

In response Thomas Howe advised:

·         When you look at the street view it looks like it was in use by the tattoo parlour in April 2021, but there was no information received when it was vacated

Nurainatta Katevu also clarified that the tattoo parlour and the application for it to change to a massage parlour is a different application to the one we are considering today of residential use

The Chair invited Claire Graham to speak against the application.

Claire Graham thanked the Chair for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave presentation, including:

·         I am objecting on behalf of Knebworth Parish Council due to the lack of parking provision required by parking policy and impact on local business

·         This property is part of the local centre which is small as we are a village

·         The property was a tanning salon prior to being a tattoo parlour and has recently received planning approval to become a massage parlour.

·         Loss of business premises regardless of category will have a negative impact on the vitality of the village centre because business brings in potential customers for other shops

·         In recent years two pharmacies, a better shop, a builder’s merchant and a bank have all been lost from the high street. The builder’s merchant has been replaced by 47 assisted living flats and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19