Planning Committee - 2nd July 2013 - Newark and Sherwood ...

to highway safety. Therefore, it is recommended that this application be refused as the proposed
development fails to provide adequate servicing arrangements resulting in an increase in the
likelihood of danger to other users of the highway due to vehicles having to manoeuvre into the
Queens Road.
Following this, and in light of the location, previous use and the charitable nature of the user,
officers have undertaken discussions with NCC Highways in respect of alternative servicing and
possible conditions controlling timings of deliveries, types of vehicles and tying the permission to
the user. NCC Highways accept that any usage of the site would bring with it a level of servicing,
and thus the use of a less than ideal access must thereore be accepted. However they of the view
that, particularly given how highways conditions have changed in the area, that whilst other uses
that require less servicing might be appropriate, an A1 use here (notwithstanding the furniture
element which compounds the problem) cannot be supported or adequately controlled in the
interests of highway safety.
Members will note from the comments above that in this particular case there are several material
planning considerations to balance in coming to a final view. The site is in a highly sustainable
location, being within Newark Town Centre. The building also lies within the conservation area,
which is of significance not only to the character and appearance of this part of the area but also
nationally by the very nature of its designation.
The proposals would bring back into active use this former retail unit within the Town Centre and
would secure such a use for a charitable organisation. However, all such matters must be balanced
against the concerns raised by NCC Highways, who rightly have identified concern which may
affect highway safety, which is significant.
In this particular case, whilst the benefits of the proposal are significant, so too is the potential
harm as identified by NCC Highways. It is highly unusual for me to go against the technical expert
advice of Highways colleagues and on this basis I must concur with their views, albeit accepting
that for the other reasons detailed above this issue is very finely balanced. On this basis, refusal is
recommended.
RECOMMENDATION
That permission is refused for the following reason:
01
The proposed development fails to provide adequate servicing arrangements resulting in an
increase in the likelihood of danger to other users of the highway due to vehicles having to
manoeuvre into Queens Road.
BACKGROUND PAPERS
Application case file.
For further information, please contact John Morrison on Ext 5837.
All submission documents relating to this planning application can be found on the following
website www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.
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