Visit of Inspection - Meetings, agendas, and minutes - Rotherham ...

National Planning Policy Framework: The NPPF came into effect on March 27 th 2012and replaced all previous Government Planning Policy Guidance (PPGs) and most ofthe Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) that existed. It states that “Development thatis sustainable should go ahead, without delay – a presumption in favour ofsustainable development that is the basis for every plan, and every decision.The NPPF notes that for 12 months from the day of publication, decision-takers maycontinue to give full weight to relevant policies adopted since 2004 even if there is alimited degree of conflict with this Framework. The Rotherham Unitary DevelopmentPlan was adopted prior to this in June 1999. Under such circumstances the NPPFstates that “due weight should be given to relevant policies in existing plansaccording to their degree of consistency with this framework (the closer the policiesin the plan to the policies in the Framework, the greater the weight that may begiven).”The Unitary Development Plan policies referred to above are consistent with theNPPF and have been given due weight in the determination of this application.PublicityThe application has been advertised by way of site notice, letters to neighbouringproperties and press notice. Two letters of objection has been received. One letter ison behalf of Simms Wood Yard. The grounds are as follows:• This is a non industrial use within an industrial area and significant weightshould be given to any adverse impact that the proposed development wouldhave on the operation of long established businesses;• There is no objection in principle to the redevelopment and expansion of thecultural and faith facilities, however the proposed development is notappropriate in this particular location;• The grounds of objection relate to the adverse impacts that the scale and formof the development would have on the adjacent highway of Hall Street whichserves as the main vehicular entrance to the Simms Wood Yard;• The proposed development involves building on land which is adoptedhighway (comprising the turning head opposite the main entrance to SimmsWood Yard). Whilst the applicant proposes a revised head at the end of HallStreet, this would be significantly less effective than that which currently existsand would not be a full turning head. The revised turning head would not beuseable for large articulated vehicles which need to access Simms Wood Yardat all times and this would result in arrangements which are more dangerousthat those which currently exist;• The removal of the essential portion of the turning head referred to wouldmake access and egress to the site very difficult;• Safety for pedestrians is a key element of the concerns raised in particular asthe new centre would have capacity for up to 459 visitors;• There is currently a general parking problem in the vicinity of the Mosque andat busy times the parking is not confined to formal car parks. Cars arefrequently parked in a manner which obstructs access to the Yard;• The existing provision of formal car parking spaces on Hall Street does causeoperational difficulties and should be relocated to the south side of the site;