Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER

Installation of internally illuminated fascia sign and internally illuminated projecting sign.

RESOLVED: That application 19/02621/AD be GRANTED planning permission subject to the conditions and reasons contained in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.

Audio recording – 53 minutes 6 seconds

Installation of internally illuminated fascia sign and internally illuminated projecting sign.

The Principal Planning Officer presented the report in respect of application 19/02621/AD supported by a visual presentation consisting of photographs and plans.

Parish Councillor Colin Stringer, Knebworth Parish Council and a resident of St Martins Road, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee in objection to application 19/02621/AD as follows:

·                St Martins Road was, for 75 percent of its length, a private, un-adopted, entirely residential street;

·                The Post Office and retail shop had  signs, but they were not illuminated;

·                The houses opposite had not been advised of the application;

·                The original design showed unilluminated signs, which was considered to be acceptable;

·                If grant permission for lights to the Pharmacy the other shops will ask for them;

·                Statements in the report regarding signage appeared to be contradictory;

·                He asked that the application be rejected as the Illumination of signs was not in character with the surrounding area;

·                Given that new external lamp stands had been installed on the site illuminated signage seemed to be unnecessary.

The following Members asked questions:

·                Councillor Michael Weeks;

·                Councillor David Levett.

In response to questions Parish Councillor Stringer advised that:

·                He believed that the Lloyds in London Road was planned to close.

The Chairman thanked Parish Councillor Stringer for his presentation.

The Principal Planning Officer advised that:

·                The Parish Council did not object to the original surgery application;

·                Comments regarding a 24 hour licence was purely speculative;

·                The applicant’s had accepted the time limits regarding the signage as set out in the conditions;

·                The signage shown on the original application was purely illustrative.

The following Members asked questions and took part in the debate:

·                Councillor Terry Tyler:

·                Councillor Michael Weeks;

·                Councillor David Levett.

In response to questions the Principal Planning Officer advised that:

·                The pharmacy could operate from 8am to 8pm on Monday-Friday, 8am to 7pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday with no Bank Holiday opening;

·                The applicant had accepted a condition that the illumination was restricted to opening hours of the pharmacy.

It was proposed by Councillor David Levett, seconded by Councillor Ian Mantle and:

RESOLVED: That application 19/02621/AD be GRANTED planning permission subject to the conditions and reasons contained in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.