Agenda item

Loudoun House Ridgway Road Ashby De La Zouch Leicestershire LE65 2PJ

Having declared a pecuniary interest in the item, Councillor J Hoult left the meeting for the consideration of the item and the voting thereon. Councillor S Sheahan joined the meeting as a substitute for Councillor D Bigby, who would address the committee as Ward Member and then leave the meeting.

The Senior Planning Officer presented the report to members.

Councillor G Jones, on behalf of Ashby Town Council, addressed the committee highlighting that the Town Council had objected to the application and had spoken to the applicant to express their concerns that included the location of the site, that there was no local police station and that, having promised to share several documents and management policies for the site with the Town Council, this had not been done due to data protection issues. It was felt that there had been a lack of correspondence from the applicant to alleviate the concerns. Concerns were also raised over the possible change of use to the site once the permission had been given.

Mr T Jones, objector, addressed the committee highlighting that the need for the type of facility was respected however, the concerns raised by the residents were primarily around the location of the proposed development. He highlighted that the site was to be a secure facility, but drew attention to the number of patients that escape from the type of facility and as it was secure there must be a safety risk to the local residents. He noted the fear of crime and safety that was felt by the neighbouring residents. He expressed concerns over the lack of reassurance from the applicant on the security of the site and noted the large number of residents that had objected to the application.

Councillor D Bigby, Ward Member, addressed the committee highlighting that it was an emotive application and the overwhelming view was that the location was not appropriate for the facility due to the proximity to a large housing estate and primary school. He noted that no local need was evident and felt that the application should be refused as it was contrary to NPPF paragraphs 91 and 127, and the fear of crime would undermine the quality of life and community cohesion on the neighbouring housing estate. He also advised that the application was contrary to Local Plan policy D2 as the proposed development would be overbearing for the local area.

Having declared a pecuniary interest in the item, Councillor D Bigby then left the meeting for the consideration of the item and the voting thereon.

In determining the application, members had regard to the fact that the facility would require approval from the CQC, that both the District and County Councils’ safeguarding teams, along with the police raised no issues with the type of facility that was been applied for. Members also noted the additional recommended conditions that were detailed with in the update sheet

Some members expressed concerns over the location, design size and safety of the development in such a prominent position with in a residential area, the impact the facility would have on the community cohesion and the lack of communication from the applicant to interested parties to provide assurances in relation to the concerns raised. 

A motion to permit the application in line with the officer’s recommendation, as amended in the Update Sheet, was moved by Councillor R Ashman and seconded by Councillor R Boam.

The Chairman put the motion to the vote. A recorded vote being required, the voting was as detailed below.

RESOLVED THAT:

The application be permitted in accordance with the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Infrastructure as amended in the update sheet.

Councillor S Sheahan left the meeting and Councillors D Bigby and J Hoult returned to the meeting.