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V27-968 : PLANNING APPLICATION REFERRED FOR DECISION - W17309 OUTLINE APPLICAT

ERECTION OF A PRINTING WORKS ON LAND OFF FLIXTON ROAD, BUNGAY

The report of the Director of Planning and Building Control updated members on negotiations with the applicant since the original decision of approval at minute V27-510 in October 1999.

Members had asked that consideration be given to the siting of the main factory block further to the east, where it would be screened by the existing woodland. The Director relayed that this was impracticable as the basic footprint of the factory would be too tight a fit at the eastern end of the site, given the likely `add-ons' to the building, the need for a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) circulating road and the correct flow of work through the building. Repositioning would also leave no room for extra screening and would be sited closer to the existing footpath. As the applicants were moving from an existing building with constraints, it would seem futile to impose similar constraints at the new site.

The Director added that the applicants had agreed to purchase twice the amount of land required for their facility and had offered to mitigate the visual impact further, especially where the land dropped away to the south west. Bunding and tree planting would be carried out, the highest tree eventually needing to attain a 28' growth.

Regarding the traffic issue, a one day traffic census had shown 96 HGV movements. The applicants own survey estimated between 40-140 movements in a 24 hour period, up to 86 during the busiest 12 hour working day, and an overall average of 80. Given that a 27% increase in work was anticipated with the new premises, highway figures of a `worst possible scenario' of 168 movements, 140 plus 20%, had been worked upon. The Highways Authority had considered the situation, felt this was fair and reasonable, and would not be pursuing the matter further. The Director reported a letter from South Norfolk District Council, who expressed the view that the extra traffic could have a significant impact on surrounding areas.

In addition, a letter had been received from Richard Buxton, Solicitors, acting for residents concerned at the development and a copy of their letter to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions had been circulated to members. The Chief Executive had replied to the letter and informed the Committee of the content of his response. Buxtons' letter had focused on the alternative site of Ellough Industrial Estate, and the Chief Executive dealt with the points raised.

Members felt the screening proposals were the best that could be achieved. Officers were asked that `light pollution' and the incorporation of rare flora and fauna found be monitored. As objections had been looked at carefully and the Secretary of State chosen not to intervene, the development must now be seen as for the benefit of many rather than the detriment of a few.

The ward member was pleased that the traffic impact had now been fully dealt with. The new site was to concentrate on paperbacks instead of hardbacks, more of which could be transported in fewer loads. The site could also present a `safe-cycling' initiative as many of Clay's present workforce cycled to work and hopefully would continue to do so.

Other members felt there would be no reduction in traffic given a possible 27% increase in productivity, and with figures suggesting up to a 30% increase of traffic on the B1062 asked whether there was any plan for a roundabout with the A143 at Homersfield. The Director advised that there was no plan and the 30% figure was, as stated, a `worst possible scenario'.

The Vice-Chairman was pleased the application had returned with clarification of the existing information, as the initial plan did not completely deliver what was required. The additional emphasis on screening/bunding had made it stronger.

RESOLVED

That the Outline Planning Permission be issued to application W17309 upon completion of the Section 106 Agreement dealing with highway issues, the implementation of a Green Transport Plan, and the timing of the proposed relocation.

The meeting was concluded at 8.10 pm.

Chairman

PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE - 25/01/00

PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE - 25/01/00

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Volume 27 Minute 967

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