Agenda item

This was an application for the retention of a single storey portable building for use as the Tibberton Community Shop at Maslan Crescent, Tibberton, Newport, Shropshire.

This application has been called in by Tibberton & Cherrington Parish Council.

A site visit had taken place on the afternoon prior to the meeting.

Councillor J Berry spoke in favour of this application on behalf of Tibberton & Cherrington Parish Council.  This was a valuable community asset which everyone used and loved and was run by volunteers.  The shop raised funds to donate to projects within the village.   Letters of support had been sent from people from the village for the retention of the shop and the officer’s decision was contrary to the needs of the community.

Cllr S Burrell, Ward Councillor, spoke in favour of the application which was a necessity for a village which had almost doubled its size in 10 years.  The benefits of the shop to the village were vital means of communication for the elderly, volunteering and work experience which had attributed to a Duke of Edinburgh Award, had gained a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and brought the community together.  It was hoped in the future that the building would be replaced with a permanent structure.

Mr B Everitt, Chair of the Community Shop spoke in favour of the application on behalf of the public which was an important benefit to the community.  The granting of the permission would bring an enhanced offer for long term stability.  It would be wasteful to spend funds on a temporary scheme when these could be put towards a larger premises which could house the local shop and meeting rooms for the growing population.

Mr B Hampton, Applicant, spoke in favour of the application and was disappointed by the lack of understanding from the planners.  It was an important part of the street scene and the community with 60 volunteers who gave up their time freely.  The shop was trying to improve and was being economic with its funding and a pitch roof would cost some £8,000-£10,000 to build which could be spent in the future on extending the village hall, community rooms and shop as a larger project.

The Planning Officer informed Members that this application followed two previous temporary permissions and did not have formal planning permission.  A permanent permission would require alterations to install a pitch roof. 

During the debate some Members felt that the shop was valuable to the community and was a much needed as the nearest shop was 10 miles away and they could not support the officer decision to refuse planning permission

On being put to the vote it was, unanimously

RESOLVED – that in respect of planning application TWC2018/0960 that the recommendation to refuse planning permission be rejected.

It was moved and seconded that delegated authority be granted to the Development Management Service Delivery Manager to grant planning permission in accordance with the submitted plans with conditions regarding materials and timescale (with authority to finalise conditions and reasons for approval to be delegated to the Development Management Service Delivery Manager).

Upon being put to the vote it was, unanimously:-

RESOLVED – that that in respect of planning application TWC2018/0960 delegated authority be granted to the Development Management Service Delivery Manager to grant planning permission in accordance with the submitted plans with conditions regarding materials and timescale (with authority to finalise conditions and reasons for approval to be delegated to the Development Management Service Delivery Manager).