Agenda item

This application was for the installation and display of 11no. non-illuminated parking information signs at Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc, Gresham Drive, Newdale, Telford, TF3 5ES. 

This application had been called in by Lawley & Overdale Parish Council.

Councillor J Greenaway spoke against the application on behalf of Lawley & Overdale Parish Council who raised concerns regarding the public information signs and the relationship to the ANPR camera application TWC/2018/0714 Members had refused and was currently with the Planning Inspectorate awaiting a decision.  The signs would have a detrimental impact on the local area, local residents, infrastructure and highway safety, local businesses and would cause the displacement of cars to other areas within Lawley.  Signs had previously been refused due to the design codes and would have a negative impact on the local GP surgery, shops, local centre and the Lawley Running Club.  This was a community car park and as the car park was never full the signage was unnecessary and a money making exercise.

Mr J Yorke, a member of the public, spoke against the application as this was a community car park owned by Santander Bank.  The Planning Inspector’s decision regarding ANPR had not yet been made and the signs referred to private property and sought to impose and enforce limits to the car park.   The car park was an integral part of the grand plan and there were stringent planning conditions in place and would have an impact on the unfettered community use of the car park.  It would have a detrimental impact on highways, traffic and the bus route.  The car park was the beating heart of the community and felt that this application should be rejected.

Ms S Lowe, Applicant’s Agent, spoke in favour of the application and explained that the application had been amended and was for 11 non-illuminated signs which were compliant with the development plan.  The subject matter of the signs was not relevant to this application and was not a material consideration and she agreed with the Officer’s balanced report.

The Planning Officer informed Members that the number of signs had reduced from 19 to 11 and was for a series of adverts only.  An application for 23 signs had been previously refused on visual grounds and it was hoped that the reduction in the number of signs would address previous concerns.  There were no highway impact and no technical reasons to reject the application.

The Highways Officer informed Members that they had no objection in principle as this application was on private land and there was no highway consequence for the installation of the signs.

During the debate some Members had sympathy with the small businesses and residents and raised concerns with the impact of the signs would displace the parking to other areas.  Other Members felt that the signs were not in accordance with the design code and would cause visual clutter and was against Policy BE1(1) of the Local Plan.  It would not enhance the visual amenity of or the quality of the built-up area and the harm caused would not outweigh the benefits.  It was not clear whether the 3 hour limit would cover the whole 24 hour period or just when the store was open and the local businesses would not flourish or survive without the use of the car park.

It was suggested that this application be deferred until the result of the ANPR Application currently before the Planning Inspector was received and that the benefits of the scheme that outweigh the harm caused were explored further.

Following the debate it was, unanimously:

RESOLVED – that in respect of Planning Application TWC/2019/0235 that this application be deferred until the decision had been received from the Planning Inspectorate in relation to the ANPR cameras and that the benefits of the signage scheme could be further explored.