Agenda item

Navigation Inn 166 Spring Cottage Road Overseal Swadlincote

The Planning Officer presented the report to Members.

Mr P Taylor addressed the meeting on behalf of the applicant.  He stated that the Navigation Inn had been struggling to survive for several years.  He referred to the seasonal fluctuation in income and the financial problems experienced by the last two licensees, and commented that this was clearly not a viable pub business.  He added that this was a brownfield site, the majority of which was inside the limits to development, and the proposals were sustainable.  He stated that there would be no adverse impacts upon neighbours as the proposals were less likely to cause noise at unsocial hours and there would be no impact on traffic movements or ecology.  He concluded that there was nothing to suggest the proposals were contrary to policy and therefore the application should be granted.

Councillor S Sheahan sought clarification on the proportion of the site that was inside the limits to development.  He also expressed concerns about the sustainability of the site given that there was no bus service and Leicestershire County Council was of the opinion that the development was not sustainable.  He commented that Overseal was at least a mile walk and the nearest school was 1.8 miles away.

The Planning Officer advised that almost the entirety of the site was inside the limits to development.  In respect of the bus service she confirmed that the nearest service was from Overseal.

Councillor S Sheahan stated that according to the Traveline website, the quickest way to get to Overseal from the development site was to walk.  He asked if officers believed the development was still sustainable without any bus service.

The Planning Officer advised that there was a footpath which ran all the way to Overseal and this was within walking distance.  She referred to a nearby site which had been permitted and which was further away from Overseal.  She reiterated that she believed the development was sustainable.

Councillor S Sheahan felt that it may have been misleading to say that the development was sustainable.  He added that he was inclined to believe the contrary opinion of Leicestershire County Council, and given that some of the site was outside the limits to development, he felt that there were grounds to refuse the application.  He duly moved that the application be refused on those grounds.  The motion was seconded by Councillor J Legrys.

Councillor J Geary stated that he was very sorry to hear that another country pub was falling by the wayside.  He expressed concerns regarding highway safety and commented that the last thing he wanted was another Pick and Shovel.  He commented that despite his reservations he would be voting in favour of the proposals.

Councillor M Specht expressed grave concerns regarding the sustainability of the development as there were no local services whatsoever.  He commented that people would be reliant on cars.  However, he added that the development would cause less vehicle movements than the pub, so despite his concerns he would be supporting the application.

Councillor J Bridges stated that he had several concerns however he did not consider that a refusal could be defended.

The Chairman commented that this was a brownfield site which had been empty for over two years.  He added that given that permission had been granted further away over the road, a refusal could not be defended.

The Chairman then put the motion to refuse the application to the vote.  The motion was declared LOST.

It was moved by Councillor J G Coxon, seconded by Councillor J Hoult and

RESOLVED THAT:

The application be permitted in accordance with the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Regeneration.