Agenda and minutes

Schedule - Page 3

Item 1 - Ormesby Methodist Church - Pages 5 to 14

Item 2 - Land at Grove Hill - Pages 15 to 39

Item 3 - Ryehill House - Pages 41 to 53

The Head of Planning submitted plans deposited as applications to develop land under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

20/0045/COU Change of use from Methodist Church (D1) to dance studio/community events centre (D2) at Ormesby Methodist Church, High Street, Middlesbrough for Mrs N Woodgate

Full details of the planning application and the plan status were outlined in the report. The report contained a detailed analysis of the application and analysed relevant policies from the National Planning Policy Framework and the Local Development Framework.

The Head of Planning advised that planning permission was sought to convert the vacant Ormesby Methodist Church to use as a dance studio and for community functions.

The application site was located in a residential area in Ormesby, Middlesbrough. It occupied a corner plot at the junction of Ladgate Lane with Pritchett Road.

As a main town centre use outside of a defined centre, a dance studio in the edge of centre location could have an adverse impact upon the vitality and viability of defined centres. In accordance with requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework, a sequential test had been submitted to assess the availability of more suitable premises within (or closer) to the nearby local centre. It concluded that there were no other viable sites available, that the application site was the preferred option in a sustainable location and the scheme represented an appropriate alternative use of Ormesby Methodist Church. It was considered that the use would not have a detrimental impact on the vitality and viability of the nearby local centre.

Members heard that no material alterations to the exterior of the building were proposed. It was commented that although the building was formerly used as a church, where traditionally the pattern of arrivals and departures may have been more concentrated at weekends, under its current use class (F2) the building could also be used for other less conventional types of worship or other uses such as a school, training centre etc. without the need for further planning permission. That could result in the pattern of attendance extending across the week and into the evenings. It was considered that the proposed use, as a dance school, would not result in a dissimilar pattern of operation to its current use. Therefore, it would not have any significant detrimental impact on the character of the area beyond the existing ability in how the building could be used, as a building visited and attended by the public for group activity.

Consideration had been given to the issues raised by local residents, however, it was considered that that the proposal would not result in a significant increase in terms of noise and disturbance to local residents or an increase in traffic or parking demand over and above the previous use.

A noise impact assessment had been submitted in support of the application, it concluded that, providing amplification of music was limited to a maximum of 85dB LAeq (15min). Therefore, the proposed activity associated with the dance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20/42