home - committee - volume - faq's - help -search - meeting - previous - next

V28-228 : W9435/8 AND /9 - VACANT SITE AT COMMERCIAL ROAD, LOWESTOFT

Application for construction of retail foodstore with associated car parking and service area (two identical applications).

The report of the Head of Planning reminded members that the above applications had been deferred at the last meeting of the Panel for further information on the best possible access arrangements for the site. The case for the application had been made in retail and employment terms, the final piece of the jigsaw being the highway improvements. Members had previously been concerned at the potential loss of short stay parking in Commercial Road and conflict with the junction to London Road. The applicant's response had been to suggest moving the access point further east to reduce the zone of conflict with the junction of Commercial Road, and had also suggested, subject to cost not being prohibitive, that Commercial Road be widened. An alternative would be a traffic order to remove short stay on-street parking.

The Director of Community Services advised that following members' concern at the previous meeting at the level of traffic on Commercial Road, the developer had undertaken a peak hour traffic count and found that levels were within the assumptions made on the detailed analysis, which was acceptable to the Highway Authority. The Head of Planning recommended approval subject to conditions. Members felt that widening of the road was the best way to improve traffic problems in Commercial Road and were only willing to recommend approval on that basis.

RESOLVED

That consideration of applications W9435/8 and W9435/9 be referred to The Executive in view of the policy and employment issues involved, with a recommendation of approval subject to:

(i) The completion of a Section 106 Agreement requiring the proposed off site highway improvements in Station Square and Commercial Road to be completed before the retail store begins trading, incorporating the widening of Commercial Road;

(ii) Better hard landscaping of the rear boundary, facing the south quay;

(iii) Referral to the Secretary of State as a departure from the Local Plan.

Volume 28 Minute 228

powered by Oultwood Web Technology

© Waveney District Council