Planning Schedule Date: 10/08/2004 - Stroud District Council

Planning Schedule Date: 10/08/2004
Site and Proposal
The site is located on the corner of Russell Street and Station Road, with the designated
Conservation Area in Stroud Town Centre. The property is three storey with the ground floor
being an aluminium and glazed shop front and yellow brick above with sliding sash windows.
The property has been vacant for a long period and appears in a somewhat dilapidated condition.
The proposal is to change the use of the property from Class A2 (Financial and Professional
Services) to Class A3 (Restaurants, pubs, snack bars, cafes).
Relevant History
Application S.03/1849 for "Change of use from Class A2 (financial and professional services) to
Class A3 (restaurant, pubs, snack bars, cafés etc)" was refused on 9/12/2003 by Full
Development Control Committee contrary to officer advice.
Application S.98/131 for "Change of use from Class A2 (Financial & Professional Services) to
Class A3 (Restaurants, pubs, snack bars, cafes" was approved on 28/04/1998.
Application S.02/2263 for "Removal of condition 2 of permission S.98/131 preventing the sale of
food or drink to be consumed off the premises" was approved on 29/1/2003.
Planning Considerations
The application is considered against Policies S3, B17, G1 and G5 of the Stroud District Local
Plan, Revised Deposit Version (as amended June 2001). These seek to ensure that
* changes of use to uses which will assist in enhancing the vitality and viability of the town centre
will be permitted.
* Replacement shopfronts are sympathetic to the architectural style and materials of the building
and contributes to the enhancement of its surroundings.
* No detrimental effect is had either on the amenities of the occupiers of adjacent properties, or
highway safety.
The existing unit has been empty for a considerable period, and significantly detracts from the
character and appearance of the area. The most recent use was for financial and professional
services and the active use of the premises will assist in enhancing the vitality and viability of the
town centre in accordance with Policy S3.
On the previous application officers raised concerns regarding the design of the shopfront. The
proposal retains the existing stallriser and the proportions of the shopfront. The existing shop
front is neglected and the proposal would contribute to the ongoing improvements in the
surrounding area in accordance with Policy B17.
Environmental Health have advised the extraction system proposed is adequate, and request a
condition to ensure that this is maintained as such. Opening hours on the previous approval
were until 11.00pm, the applicants have requested until 12.00 midnight and as this is the closing
time of a number of nearby takeaway uses it would be unreasonable to set a shorter time period.
Subject to conditions the proposal would not have a detrimental effect on the amenities of the
occupiers of adjoining properties in accordance with Policy G1.
County Highways objected to the previous applications on the site, however Russell Street has
double yellow lines and is therefore self regulating, Station Road has a 1 hour parking restriction
and there is a large car park available in very close proximity adjacent to the neighbouring
Hotel/Railway Station. There is also a permitted take away use immediately to the east of the
site on Russell Street. The proposal would not have a detrimental effect on highway safety, in
accordance with Policy G5.
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